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Daily Express
13 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Express
Sabah third highest in HIV cases
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Dzurizah (seated second left) and Asmady (seated second right) in a group photo with students and attendees. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has Malaysia's third highest HIV cases after Selangor and Kuala Lumpur with 344 new cases recorded in 2024. The UMS Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities aims to increase awareness among students to spread information and understanding to peers, family members and the public about HIV/AIDS and LGBT issues. Speaking at the Red Ribbon Talk, its Programme Director Prof. Dr Dzurizah Ibrahim said the forum is an educational platform and awareness initiative that aims to provide exposure to students about HIV issues that are becoming increasingly serious, especially among young people. She said the percentage of HIV cases among young Malaysians, particularly those aged between 20 to 29 years, is also at an alarming rate. 'What is more concerning is that recent statistics also show that many of those infected are men who practice risky sexual behaviour that is often done without knowledge, without information and without consideration of long-term consequences, whether in terms of health, emotions or their own future. 'In the era of globalisation and information openness, many students are exposed to external influences including deviant lifestyles that contradict Malaysia's religious, cultural and moral values. 'We cannot allow the normalisation of lifestyles that harm public health or corrupt the morals of the younger generation who will build our nation's success in the future. 'Most importantly, the programme aims to reduce social stigma towards HIV patients and ensure they are not to be shunned but to be understood, helped and supported,' she said. Meanwhile, UMS' Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Dean Prof Dr Asmady Idris who officiated the ceremony, said the timing of the programme is important given Sabah's HIV statistics. 'The hosting of the Red Ribbon Talk 2025 is very timely, especially when Sabah has been listed as the third-highest State in Malaysia recording new HIV cases,' he said. He said that while there has been a decrease in the number of cases compared to previous years, the figures shared in Parliament in March 2025 remain concerning and require serious attention from all parties. He pointed out that the LGBT issues discussed in the forum is not intended to condemn anyone but to understand social reality, approach it with knowledge and empathy and build inclusive solution strategies. 'Islamic teachings and other religions clearly outline the boundaries that need to be maintained, but at the same time emphasise wisdom, compassion and guidance in dealing with people who are struggling with identity confusion or social pressure,' he said.
Barnama
16-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Teen's Confidence At Risk From Selfie Dysmorphia
I rarely compare myself to others, but when my selfies get 'likes' and compliments, I feel really happy. But if someone says I don't look pretty, I feel really down." This candid confession from Nadia (not her real name), a 15-year-old, underscores the growing impact of selfies on teenagers' self-esteem, particularly through social media. What troubles Nadia most is her preference to present herself authentically—without filters—unlike many others who enhance their appearance for online validation. '…so when someone criticises my photo for not looking good, I get even more stressed,' she told Bernama, adding that such remarks intensify her desire to look 'perfect.' Nadia's situation is far from isolated. Experts say social media is increasingly shaping society's standards of beauty and success, despite the understanding that much of what is posted is neither real nor realistic. They warn that cases like Nadia's may lead to selfie dysmorphia—a condition in which individuals develop distorted perceptions of their appearance due to an obsession with posting selfies online. A WORRYING PHENOMENON Psychologist Dr Abdul Rahman Ahmad Badayai explains that selfie dysmorphia arises when individuals frequently compare their appearance to the 'ideal' images seen on social media. "These images are often unrealistic due to editing, which can leave teenagers feeling dissatisfied with their natural appearance," he told Bernama. Dr Abdul Rahman, a Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology at the Research Centre for Psychology and Human Well-Being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, added that the intense need for attention and validation through 'likes' can create overwhelming social pressure for teens. "Social reactions such as 'likes' and positive comments significantly affect teens' self-esteem. They feel valued when they receive attention, but may feel inferior when they don't get the validation they seek," he explained. Over time, selfie dysmorphia can develop into more severe mental health issues such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) — a psychological condition where individuals obsess over perceived physical flaws that are often minor or imagined. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health in 2022 revealed that nearly 20 per cent of teens active on social media showed early signs of BDD, with most linking dissatisfaction with their appearance to frequent photo-taking and editing. Commenting on the findings, Dr Abdul Rahman noted that the constant pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards—particularly those set by social media—poses a serious threat to adolescent emotional well-being. "This can lead to depression, heightened anxiety, and a sense of isolation. When teens are unable to achieve the ideal image they aspire to, it can trigger significant psychological distress that may require professional intervention," he said. He also warned that teens trapped in the cycle of selfie dysmorphia may be at risk of developing eating disorders, low self-esteem, and deterioration in social and academic functioning. In extreme cases, an obsession with appearance may even lead some to undergo cosmetic procedures at a young age. A recent study by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) found that over 50 per cent of patients undergoing cosmetic procedures cited social media influence as the primary motivation behind their decision. THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ALGORITHMS Echoing these concerns, Associate Professor Dr Shuhaida Md Noor from the School of Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia, said social media algorithms play a significant role in deepening individuals' obsession with self-image. "These algorithms curate content based on user interests, creating a social bubble that reinforces specific perspectives and lifestyles. "For instance, if a teenager is interested in beauty, they will be repeatedly shown similar content, which heightens the pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards,' she explained. Dr Shuhaida warned that this phenomenon traps teens in a continuous content loop, triggering social comparison as they measure themselves against carefully curated images of idealised figures. She also linked the issue to consumerist culture, where individuals spend excessively on beauty and fashion products in the hope of enhancing their appearance and gaining approval on social media. "With constant exposure to such content, it's not surprising that some teens may develop BDD, especially when cosmetic or fashion efforts fail to deliver the 'perfect' results they seek," she added. IMPROVING EDUCATION AND MEDIA SYSTEMS To address the growing concern of selfie dysmorphia, Dr Abdul Rahman stressed the importance of strengthening support systems both at school and at home. He urged parents and teachers to be more attuned to behavioural changes in teenagers. He recommended proactive steps such as media literacy education to equip children with the skills to navigate digital platforms wisely, alongside limiting screen time. "Teach them about the influence of social media. With open communication and education in schools, we can help teens identify the negative effects of social media before they escalate into serious problems," he said. In managing selfie dysmorphia, support from mental health professionals—including counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists—is vital, particularly when teens begin to show signs of emotional distress related to body image. "Teens need access to therapy and counselling when facing such pressure. In addition to individual treatment, peer support groups are also essential. They must understand that they are not alone in dealing with this challenge," he added. Dr Abdul Rahman emphasised that selfie dysmorphia is not merely a personal issue, but a broader social challenge that demands a collective and multi-layered response. "We must approach this issue from all angles—starting with the home, extending to schools, communities, media, and technology. Only by working together can we create a healthier environment for adolescents," he explained. He also called on the media to play a more responsible role in reshaping beauty standards, which are often misrepresented. "Media outlets should stop promoting unrealistic images and instead provide more space for natural and positive representations," he said. IS THERE A POSITIVE SIDE? Dr Shuhaida concurred with the concerns raised but noted that selfie culture isn't entirely negative—provided it is approached mindfully. She emphasised the need for critical media literacy, where teens are educated to understand how algorithms operate and how to manage the content they consume. "Media literacy is essential so teenagers can distinguish between healthy and unhelpful content," she said. She also highlighted the importance of guiding teens toward positive use of social media, such as for educational purposes or skill development, which can foster self-confidence independent of external validation. "In fact, selfie culture can bring positive outcomes if practised healthily. Through selfies, teens can explore and build their identity—without being confined by societal beauty standards," she explained. "Selfies offer a platform for self-expression, and this can be part of a valuable learning process—as long as teens avoid becoming consumed by external influences," she added. Dr Shuhaida stressed that parents play a vital role in helping teens accept themselves and focus on their strengths. "With the support of parents, schools, and media literacy education, teenagers can develop a strong and healthy sense of self—free from social pressures," she said.
Daily Express
22-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
UMS students to lead youth health drive
Published on: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 Published on: Tue, Apr 22, 2025 Text Size: Dr Asmady (third from left) after unveiling the FSSK x ANMS campaign logo with Dr Latif Lai (second from left) and Dr Elaine. Kota Kinabalu: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students are set to become ambassadors of youth health through a six-month campaign aimed at reshaping attitudes and behaviours linked to physical activity, nutrition and healthy living. The initiative is led by the UMS-Unicef Communication for Development (C4D) Research Unit, in collaboration with the State Health Department. It will feature peer-led activities and social media interventions across the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSK). Students will actively promote key health messages and model healthy practices. UMS-Unicef C4D Research Unit head Dr Latif Lai said the campaign, called FSSK x ANMS, aligns with the Ministry of Health's Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS). It aims to improve student well-being and empower undergraduates to become advocates of positive change among their peers. 'This campaign is a great opportunity for students to lead by example. They can be the voice of a healthier youth generation,' he said. The campaign was inspired by a preliminary study involving 360 undergraduates, which revealed significant gaps in knowledge and practices related to exercise and nutrition. While many students were aware of the Malaysian Healthy Plate concept, most admitted to not following it in their daily meals. The study found that 77pc of students failed to meet the recommended weekly minutes of moderate exercise. Additionally, 90pc lacked accurate knowledge of the daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables, and 77pc consumed only one to two servings per day. The Malaysian Healthy Plate recommends each main meal consist of half a plate of fruits and vegetables, one-quarter protein and one-quarter carbohydrates. 'This shows that awareness alone is not enough. We need our students to help drive real behavioural change among their peers,' said Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Dean Professor Dr Asmady Idris during a recent campaign briefing. He added that insights gained from this campaign could lead to its expansion across the university or even statewide in collaboration with the Sabah Health Department. Student leaders who attended the briefing shared feedback that will shape the campaign's upcoming activities. These include on-campus engagement sessions, student-led discussions and awareness campaigns through digital platforms. Also present at the briefing were Health Education Division Senior Assistant Director Razmin Ramli, Sabah Health Promotion Branch head Nor Saadah Omar, Nutrition Branch head Shahrulnaz Norhazli Nazri and Unicef's Programme Specialist for Sabah, Dr Elaine Kong, alongside faculty staff, research fellows and student representatives. The FSSK x ANMS campaign is scheduled to begin at the end of April and will run for six months.
