Background Cyberbullying is a growing public health concern with clear, negative impacts on the mental, physical and social health of targeted victims. Previous research on cyberbullying has largely focused on examining its occurrence among children and adolescents. The present study aims to examine the prevalence of cyberbullying victimisation and its association with family dysfunction, health behaviour and psychological distress among young adults in Selangor, Malaysia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in a locality within Selangor, sampling a total of 1449 young adults. The Cyberbullying and Online Aggression Survey was used to measure cyberbullying victimisation. The Family APGAR scale, General Health Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and single-item measures were used to assess family dysfunction, psychological distress and health behaviour, respectively. Results The 1-month prevalence of cyberbullying victimisation among young adults was 2.4%. The most common cyberbullying act experienced was mean or hurtful comments about participants online (51.7%), whereas the most common online environment for cyberbullying to occur was social media (45.8%). Male participants (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.60, 95% CI=1.58 to 8.23) had at least three times the odds of being cyberbullied compared with female participants. Meanwhile, participants with higher levels of psychological distress had increased probability of being cyberbullied compared with their peers (AOR=1.13, 95% CI=1.05 to 1.21). Conclusions As evident from this study, cyberbullying victimisation prevails among young adults and is significantly related to gender and psychological distress. Given its devastating effects on targeted victims, a multipronged and collaborative approach is warranted to reduce incidences of cyberbullying and safeguard the health and well-being of young adults.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the mental health of frontline healthcare workers. This study investigated the mental health and occupational stressors faced by frontline workers in Selangor during the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services team, collected from March to August 2020. A total of 4593 frontline workers participated in the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale screening. Results: Mental health symptoms were common among frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 14.8% reporting stress, 30.7% anxiety, and 20.4% depression. Female workers had significantly higher odds of all three conditions, with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 1.35 (95% CI: 1.10–1.66) for stress, 1.25 (95% CI: 1.07–1.47) for anxiety, and 1.23 (95% CI: 1.03–1.47) for depression. Workers aged 18–30 had higher odds of stress (aOR 1.88; 95% CI: 1.42–2.47), anxiety (aOR 1.74; 95% CI: 1.43–2.12), and depression (aOR 1.80; 95% CI: 1.43–2.27) compared with those over 40. Employment in hospitals was associated with increased odds of all three conditions, with aORs ranging from 1.71 to 2.05. Among 711 respondents who reported occupational stressors, lack of mental health support was the strongest predictor (aORs 4.91–5.20), followed by poor work rotation and conflict with supervisors. Conclusions: Women, younger staff, and hospital workers were more vulnerable to mental health symptoms during the pandemic. Organizational factors, especially limited support and poor work arrangements, played a major role. Targeted mental health services and improved working conditions are needed to support healthcare workers in future emergencies.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer, pose significant public health challenges globally and in Malaysia. The Orang Asli, an indigenous community in Malaysia, faces unique health challenges due to socioeconomic disparities and lifestyle changes. This scoping review synthesizes existing literature on the prevalence and determinants of NCDs among the Orang Asli, aiming to identify research gaps and inform public health strategies. We conducted a systematic search across databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, identifying 15 relevant studies from an initial pool of 573 records, following PRISMA guidelines. The review reveals significant variability in the prevalence of hypertension (3.3% to 57.2%), diabetes mellitus (0.8% to 25%), and dyslipidaemia (1.5% to 41.4%) among the Orang Asli. Other conditions such as gout and asthma were noted with prevalences of 2.7% and 0.4%, respectively. Factors associated with NCD prevalence include older age, female gender, lower education levels, poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, smoking, obesity, genetic predispositions, and the impacts of urbanization and modernization. Addressing the NCD burden requires multifaceted strategies, including culturally sensitive health promotion, improved healthcare access, and the preservation of traditional practices. This review underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate the rising NCD burden in this vulnerable population.

This study examines health-seeking behaviour and healthcare utilization among the Temiar sub-tribe of the Orang Asli in Kuala Kangsar, Malaysia, with a focus on health literacy and sociodemographic factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 404 Temiar adults using a structured questionnaire. Of the participants, 50.7% preferred modern healthcare, while 42.3% reported using both modern and traditional treatments. Multivariable logistic regression identified significant predictors of modern treatment preference, including chronic health conditions (aOR=3.51; 95% CI: 2.02–6.10; p<0.001), suburban residence (aOR=2.15; 95% CI: 1.27–3.65; p=0.005), and male gender (aOR=0.37; 95% CI: 0.19– 0.74; p=0.005). In the linear regression model, older age (≥40 years) was associated with higher healthcare utilization (β=1.21; 95% CI: 0.84–1.58; p<0.001), while good health literacy was associated with fewer visits (β=−0.59; 95% CI: −1.01 to −0.16; p=0.01). Despite ongoing government outreach, barriers such as low health literacy and geographic isolation persist. These findings highlight the need for culturally tailored health education and improved healthcare accessibility.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, persons under surveillance (PUS) were isolated in quarantine centres instead of at home. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the mental health issues experienced by these persons. This study aimed to assess mental health outcomes and associated factors among PUS and frontline workers at quarantine centres. This study conducted an analysis of secondary data from a cross-sectional survey carried out by the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS). The MHPSS employed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to evaluate mental health outcomes across 49 quarantine centres in Malaysia. The study included a total of 4577 respondents. The prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression was found to be 0.9%, 11.4%, and 10.2%, respectively. Frontline workers and being part of the younger age group were found to be associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Other factors associated with mental health issues were being female, staying at an institution-type centre, and a longer duration of the stay or work at the centre. In conclusion, assessing the mental health status and its associated factors among quarantine centre occupants is crucial for developing future strategies to safeguard their mental well-being.

Objectives: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rapidly escalating in developing countries and social factors such as the dynamics of the family play an important part in the lifestyle choices that lead to the onset and maintenance of chronic illness. There remains a gap in Malaysia as the majority of the studies were focused on the normal population rather than directly towards persons having NCDs. This study aimed to examine emerging risk factors such as family functionality and its association with NCD. Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a multistage random sampling method. Setting: Urban residential areas in Selangor, Malaysia. Participants: A total of 2542 adults residing in urban areas of Selangor were recruited. Primary and secondary outcome measures: Family functionality was measured using the APGAR (Adaptation, Participation, Gain or Growth, Affection and Resources) scale and multiple logistic regression was performed to measure the association between emerging risk factors and NCD. Results: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension was 10.8% and 6.1%, respectively. Widowed/separated status (adjusted OR (AOR) 41.53, 95% CI 19.06 to 90.48, p value=0.001) was reported to be a predictor of diabetes. As for hypertension, familial functionality (AOR 4.2, 95% CI 1.11 to 14.50, p value<0.05) was found to be a significant predictor. Conclusions: There is a growing concern that family functionality is an emerging risk factor for NCDs. Future family-centred health promotion programmes should be incorporated to improve self-management behaviours and health outcomes.