In Press

JOAHD-26-0019: Six-Year Trends in Cognitive, Application, and Practical Course Learning Outcome Performance in Human Anatomy and Physiology

Submitted On : 20.07.2026

Abstract

Background: Course Learning Outcome (CLO) performance is an important indicator of curriculum effectiveness in Outcome-Based Education (OBE). This study evaluated six-year trends in CLO performance for the GTU104 course, Structure and Human Function II, to examine student achievement across cognitive, application, and psychomotor learning domains. Methods: A retrospective repeated cross-sectional analysis was conducted using CLO performance data from six academic sessions (2019/2020–2024/2025). CLO1 assessed cognitive learning of human anatomy and physiology concepts, CLO2 evaluated the application of scientific thinking skills, and CLO3 measured practical competencies through Objective Structured Practical Examinations (OSPEs). The CLOs were mapped to Bloom's Taxonomy and the psychomotor learning domain. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's post hoc tests were used to evaluate differences in performance across academic sessions. Results: Significant differences in performance were observed across academic sessions for all three CLOs (P < 0.001). CLO2 consistently achieved the highest and most stable performance, increasing from 79.3% in 2019/2020 to 89.4% in 2023/2024. CLO1 showed significant fluctuations, peaking at 84.9% in 2021/2022 before declining to 61.0% in 2022/2023 and subsequently recovering. In contrast, CLO3 demonstrated the greatest decline, decreasing from 82.7% in 2019/2020 to 57.1% in 2024/2025, with the lowest performance recorded in 2023/2024. Post hoc analysis confirmed that the decline in CLO3 during the post-pandemic period was significantly greater than that observed in the preceding cohorts. Variations in student enrolment did not consistently influence performance patterns. Conclusion: Students demonstrated stronger and more consistent achievement in application- based learning outcomes than in cognitive knowledge and psychomotor competencies. The findings highlight the need to strengthen hands-on practical training, formative practical assessments, and structured feedback, while further investigating factors contributing to variations in psychomotor performance across academic cohorts. 

Keywords: Outcome-Based Education, CLO performance, Bloom's Taxonomy, Anatomy
and Physiology, Psychomotor Skills.

JOAHD-26-0012: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards Probiotics for the Gut-Skin Axis among Health Sciences Students in Health Campus Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan

Submitted On : 02.06.2026

Abstract

Probiotics benefit both skin condition improvement and treatment by enhancing the digestive system and strengthening immune function. Despite the emerging research on probiotics related to the gut-skin axis, the general public still relies solely on topical skincare products such as serum and essence to manage their skin problems and often overlooks the importance of gut health, particularly in maintaining microbiome balance, which also could influence their skin condition. In Malaysia, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of probiotics related to the gut-skin axis are still limited. Thus, this study aims to assess the association between knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) of probiotics for the gut-skin axis with sociodemographic factors among the students of Health Sciences in USM, Kubang Kerian. A cross-sectional study was applied among diploma and undergraduate Health Sciences students through a convenience sampling method. Respondent’s data were gathered through a distributed online questionnaire. SPSS version 29 was used to analyse data with respondents. The results showed that the majority of respondents demonstrated poor knowledge, moderate attitudes, and poor practice of probiotics for the gut-skin axis. The educational level factor was strongly associated with attitudes (p =0.046) and practice (p = 0.035). A statistically significant association was found between hometown demographic area and attitudes (p = 0.021). The outcome suggested poor understanding and practice in real life, highlighting the need for well-coordinated educational programs aimed to enhance the knowledge and application of probiotics for gut-skin health.

Keywords: probiotics, gut-skin axis, knowledge, attitude, practice.

JOAHD-26-0011: Respiratory Symptoms and Pulmonary Function among Short Distance Bus Drivers in Kota Bharu, Kelantan: A Comparative Cross Sectional Study

Submitted On : 14.05.2026

ABSTRACT

Short-distance bus drivers may experience prolonged occupational contact with traffic-related air pollution, potentially affecting respiratory health. This comparative cross-sectional study examined respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function among short-distance bus drivers and administrative workers in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. A total of 102 male participants comprising 51 bus drivers and 51 administrative workers were recruited using purposive sampling. Respiratory symptoms were assessed using the American Thoracic Society questionnaire, while pulmonary function was evaluated by spirometry. Exposure status was based on occupational group rather than direct measurement of traffic-related pollutants. Bus drivers reported a higher prevalence of phlegm (49.0% vs 13.7%, p < 0.001) and wheezing (35.3% vs 17.6%, p = 0.043). After adjustment for age, smoking status, and duration of employment, bus drivers remained more likely to report phlegm (AOR = 4.72; 95% CI: 1.66–13.42; p = 0.004). Mean FVC (2.43 ± 0.60 vs 3.01 ± 0.70 L) and FEV₁ (2.03 ± 0.55 vs 2.59 ± 0.65 L) were significantly lower among bus drivers (both p < 0.001), whereas the FEV₁/FVC ratio did not differ significantly (p = 0.603). Bus drivers also showed higher crude odds of abnormal FVC, FEV₁, and FEV₁/FVC. Overall, bus drivers demonstrated poorer respiratory outcomes than administrative workers. As exposure was inferred from occupational category rather than direct pollutant monitoring, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. Longitudinal studies incorporating personal exposure monitoring are recommended.

Keywords: traffic-related air pollution; respiratory symptoms; pulmonary function; bus drivers; occupational exposure