Exploring Diabetes Awareness by Authenticating the Knowledge of Non-Medical University Students

 

Khin Than Yee1*, Myat San Yi2, Tin Moe Nwe1, Soe Lwin1, Thida Than3, Mya Mya Thwin4

1Universiti Kuala Lumpur (Royal College of Medicine Perak), Ipoh, Malaysia.

2Suri Seri Begawan Hospital, Kuala Belait, Brunei.

3SEGi University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

4Management and Science University, Selangor, Malaysia.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: tykhin@unikl.edu.my

 

ABSTRACT:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease with a growing prevalence rate in the Malaysian population. As youthful grown-ups represent a substantial portion of the population, understanding their awareness of DM is essential.  This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge about diabetes awareness amongst nonmedical university students and examine the association between their sociodemographic background and understanding of the disease. A study of 391 non-medical students at a university found that their knowledge of diabetes mellitus (DM) was highest in prevention and lowest in complications. Television was the most common source of DM information, with significant differences found based on ethnicity, faculty, and year of study. In conclusion, nonmedical university students demonstrated average DM knowledge, influenced by sociodemographic factors such as family history, year of study, ethnicity, and faculty. Targeted health education campaigns are recommended to improve awareness and promote healthier lifestyles.

 

KEYWORDS: Diabetes mellitus, knowledge and awareness, nonmedical university students, Malaysians.

 

 


INTRODUCTION: 

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a long-term metabolic condition marked by dysfunctional metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, caused by insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance.1 Diabetes, a major worldwide health issue, impacted more than 422 million adults in 2014 and was responsible for over 1.5 million fatalities in 2012. 2 The illness may result in serious complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and heart-related diseases.3

 

The onset of diabetes mellitus is affected by environmental as well as genetic influences. Environmental factors encompass inactive lifestyles, overweight, infections, and the administration of specific drugs.4 Even though it is mostly preventable, the incidence of diabetes continues to be worryingly elevated, especially in regions such as Johor (14.2%), Kedah (6.5%), and Kelantan (6.5%) (Ministry of Health Malaysia, 2013). In Malaysia, the highest percentage of diabetes cases is among Malays (58.9%), then Chinese (21.4%), and Indians (15.3%).5 Precise and current data on the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and management of diabetes is crucial for guiding effective public health initiatives. Despite the increasing incidence of diabetes, there is a significant shortage of research targeting on young adults, an essential group for health education and prevention initiatives. Early adulthood offers an important opportunity to develop healthy habits that may lower the likelihood of chronic diseases in later years.

 

This study aimed at evaluating the knowledge and awareness of diabetes mellitus amongst nonmedical students at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) from four other faculties. By identifying knowledge gaps and examining correlations between demographic factors and awareness, this study seeks to inform targeted interventions to enhance diabetes awareness amongst university students with the objectives of analysing the sample population with their demographic data.

 

STUDY DESIGN AND RESEARCH METHODS

This cross-sectional research is intended to evaluate the understanding and awareness of diabetes mellitus amongst undergraduate students from nonmedical backgrounds at the University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).

 

The survey method is employed to collect data using a structured self-administered questionnaire to gather information, concentrating on demographics, knowledge, and awareness concerning diabetes mellitus and statistically analysed with IBM SPSS.

 

The Research Tool is the standardised questionnaire consisted of three sections: Sociodemographic Details: gender, ethnicity, academic year, faculty, and family history of diabetes. Understanding Diabetes Mellitus to assess knowledge: Basic information, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prevention strategies, complications, and associated risk factors.

 

Understanding Diabetes Mellitus to assess awareness: Individual viewpoints and insights on diabetes.

Response choices comprised Yes, No, and Unsure, with Yes deemed correct, whereas No and Unsure were regarded as incorrect responses.

 

Study universe: The sample group is chosen from nonmedical disciplines and is selected from the UNIMAS. Study Population: included undergraduate students from nonmedical faculties at UNIMAS: Both male and female students are randomly selected from each faculty. Inclusion Criteria: Undergraduate students from the selected faculties, citizens of Malaysia, students who provided informed consent and could communicate in English. Exclusion Criteria: Students who did not consent to participate. Students from the Science Foundation program or those involved in the pilot study (medical students).

 

Sample Size: The required sample size was calculated using Open-Epi version 3.01, considering a 63% prevalence rate, 6 a 5% margin of error, and a confidence level of 95%. The final sample size, after accounting for a 10% non-response rate, was 391 students. Sampling Method: A simple random sampling method was employed to select participants from the chosen faculties, ensuring equal chances of inclusion for all eligible students. Data Collection Procedure: Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and distributed to students after a brief explanation of the study objectives. Sufficient time was given to complete the questionnaire, and responses were collected immediately afterwards. Statistical Analysis: Data was manually checked for completeness and accuracy before being entered into the computer. Descriptive and bi-variate analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 22.0. Results were presented using tables and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

 

RESULTS:

A cross-sectional survey was carried out for this research, involving 391 students from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), who answered a questionnaire aimed at assessing awareness related to the study’s results:

 

The findings of the research are displayed in the subsequent order:

1. Sociodemographic data

2. Knowledge about diabetes mellitus

3. Awareness of diabetes mellitus

4.The connection between sociodemographic information, diabetes mellitus knowledge and awareness

i. Sociodemographic Data versus Knowledge

ii. Sociodemographic Data versus Awareness

iii. Knowledge versus Awareness

 

1. Sociodemographic Data

A total of 391 respondents completed the questionnaire, with a mean age of 22.4 years (SD = 1.35), ranging from 20 to 28 years. The most common age group was 23 years (32.2%), while the least common were 27 and 28 years (0.3% each). Most of respondents were female (70.3%) and ethnicity distribution included 42.7% Malay, 30.4% others, 22.8% Chinese, and 4.1% Indian. Most respondents were second year students (35.6%), followed by third year (30.9%), fourth year (23.5%), and first year (10.0%) students. Respondents were from four faculties: Business (25.6%), Social Sciences (25.3%), Cognitive Sciences and Human Development (24.8%), and Engineering (24.3%). Additionally, 39.6% reported a family history of diabetes mellitus.


 

 

2. Knowledge about diabetes mellitus

Table 1. Responses of the participants for different items along with the range of possible score, mean (standard deviation), and average correct answer (%) for each knowledge section and the whole knowledge section in general of the questionnaire (n= 391).

Questions

Correct (%)

Wrong (%)

Unsure (%)

Range of possible score

Mean (SD)

Average correct answer (%)

General Knowledge

It involves abnormally high blood glucose level

It is a non-curable disease

It is a long-term disease

It is a non-contagious disease

It can be treated with insulin

It can be treated with oral medication

 

 

81.1

29.9

71.6

53.2

65.0

38.9

 

4.3

43.0

13.0

15.9

6.4

14.8

 

14.6

27.1

15.3

30.9

28.6

46.3

0-6

3.40 (1.658)

 

56.67

 

Sign and Symptoms

Increased thirst

Frequent urination

Extreme hunger

Unexplained weight loss

Fatigue

Irritability

Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands

Slow-healing sores

Blurred vision

 

 

52.2

60.9

36.3

51.4

60.1

37.9

58.8

62.1

50.1

 

8.2

7.7

15.3

14.3

7.9

11.3

6.9

5.4

11.5

 

39.6

31.5

48.3

34.3

31.7

50.9

34.3

32.5

38.4

0-9

4.70 (2.676)

 

52.20

 

Diagnosis

Blood glucose test

Urine glucose test

Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level

 

 

87.2

80.6

42.5

 

3.1

4.6

7.9

 

9.7

14.8

49.6

0-3

2.10 (0.911)

 

70.08

 

Prevention

Reducing body weight

Be physically active

Eat a healthy diet

Avoid smoking

Avoid drinking alcohol

 

 

62.9

85.7

94.6

69.1

74.2

 

14.3

3.6

1.8

10.0

6.1

 

22.8

10.7

3.6

21.0

19.7

0-5

3.86 (1.285)

 

77.29

 

Complication

Heart disease

Coronary arterial disease

High cholesterol level

Eye damage

Nerve damage

Kidney damage

Skin infection

Hearing impairment

Gangrene (Decaying limb)

Alzheimer's disease

 

 

64.7

55.5

68.0

45.5

37.1

70.1

46.0

23.5

36.8

17.4

 

9.7

9.0

6.4

15.6

17.6

5.9

20.5

26.6

10.0

27.1

 

25.6

35.5

25.6

38.9

45.3

24.0

33.5

49.9

53.2

55.5

0-10

4.65 (2.597)

 

46.47

 

Risk Factors

Obesity

Minimal physical activity

Sedentary lifestyle

Eating too much sugar

Unbalanced diet

Age

Ethnicity

Family history of diabetes mellitus

Genetics

Pregnancy

Infection

Pancreatic disease

High blood pressure

High plasma cholesterol level

 

85.4

75.7

59.3

88.0

84.9

42.7

23.8

78.3

72.1

41.2

26.9

35.0

53.2

48.1

 

3.6

8.4

6.9

3.8

5.9

33.5

52.2

7.2

9.7

25.3

34.5

17.1

14.6

12.8

 

11.0

15.9

33.8

8.2

9.2

23.8

24.0

14.6

18.2

33.5

38.6

47.8

32.2

39.1

0-14

8.15 (2.868)

 

58.18

 

Total score

 

 

 

0-47

26.85 (8.135)

57.14

 


 

Table 1 presents the participants 391 responses to various items in the questionnaire. The lowest correct answer rates were observed in the following areas: general knowledge (“It is a non-curable disease,” 29.9%), signs and symptoms (“Extreme hunger,” 36.3%), diagnosis (“Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level,” 42.5%), prevention (“Reducing body weight,” 62.9%), complications (“Alzheimer’s disease,” 17.4%), and risk factors (“Ethnicity,” 23.8%).

 

The knowledge scores ranged from 0 to 47, with a mean score of 26.85 (SD = 8.135) and an overall average correct answer rate of 57.14%. Among the sections, the highest average correct answer rate was recorded in the prevention section (77.29%), followed by diagnosis (70.08%), risk factors (58.18%), general knowledge (56.67%), signs and symptoms (52.20%), and complications (46.47%).

 

Table 2. The assessment of level of knowledge of UNIMAS non-medical students (n= 391).

Range

Level of knowledge

Frequency

Percentage

19

Poor

65

16.6

20 - 27

Average

117

29.9

28 - 35

Good

142

36.3

36+

Very Good

67

17.1

Total

 

391

100.0

 

Based on table 2, the highest frequency of knowledge level amongst respondents was categorised as good (142 respondents, 36.3%), followed by average (117 respondents, 29.9%), very good (67 respondents, 17.1%), and poor (65 respondents, 16.6%). Overall, nonmedical students demonstrated an average or above level of knowledge.

 

3. Awareness of Diabetes Mellitus

Table 3. Responses of the participants for their source of knowledge on diabetes mellitus (n= 391).

Source of Knowledge

Frequency

Percentage (%)

Television

237

60.6

Family members who suffer from diabetes mellitus

179

45.8

Health campaign

171

43.7

Educational talk

148

37.9

Newspapers

142

36.3

Books

99

25.3

Friends who suffer from diabetes mellitus

60

15.3

Others

42

10.7

 

Table 4. Responses of the participants for different items of the awareness section of the questionnaire (n= 391).

Questions

Frequency

Percentage (%)

Awareness of when is “World Diabetes Day”

 

 

Yes

31

7.9

No

360

92.1

Awareness of “Malaysian Diabetes Association”

Yes

125

32.0

No

266

68.0

Based on Table 3, most respondents reported gaining knowledge about diabetes mellitus from television (60.6%), while only 15.3% obtained information from friends with diabetes. Similarly, as shown in Table 4, fewer respondents were aware of "World Diabetes Day" (7.9%) compared to awareness of the "Malaysian Diabetes Association" (32.0%)

 

4. Relationship between Faculties, Sociodemographic Data, Knowledge and Awareness about Diabetes Mellitus

i) Sociodemographic Data vs Knowledge

Table 5. Relationship between sociodemographic profile and level of knowledge (n= 391).

Sociodemographic profiles

Mean (SD a)

F-statistics (df b)

p-valued, e  

Age

-

-

0.183g

r = 0.068

Gender

Male

Female

 

28.0 (9.39)

26.4 (7.51)

 

1.80 c (389)

0.073f

Ethnicity

Malay

Chinese

Indian

i Others

 

27.4 (8.69)

27.7 (8.17)

28.9 (8.66)

25.1 (6.97)

2.75 (3)

0.042

Year of Study

1

2

3

4

 

22.9 (8.96)

26.5 (7.73)

28.5 (8.44)

26.9 (7.42)

4.98 (3)

0.002

Family History

Present

Absent

 

29.1 (8.07)

25.4 (7.84)

4.57 c (389)

<0.001f

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering

Faculty of Social Science

Faculty of Business

Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development

 

25.3 (7.21)

 

27.7 (6.67)

 

29.4 (10.41)

24.9 (6.84)

7.08 (3)

< 0.001

r = Pearson Correlation Coefficient

a standard deviation b degree of freedom

c t-statistic

d p-value for one-way ANOVA

e p-value of less than 0.05 is taken as significant

f p-value for independent t-test

g p-value for correlation test

i includes Dayak, Iban

 

Based on Table 5, a significant difference was observed between mean knowledge levels and ethnicity. LSD post hoc analysis revealed that students of "Others" ethnicity had significantly lower knowledge scores compared to Malay (p = 0.019) and Chinese students (p = 0.022). Indian students recorded the highest mean knowledge score, while the lowest was amongst students from the "Others" ethnic group.

 

A significant difference was also found in mean knowledge levels across years of study. Bonferroni post hoc test indicated a significant difference between Year 1 and Year 3 students (p = 0.001), with Year 3 students scoring significantly higher. Year 3 students had the highest mean knowledge score, while Year 1 students had the lowest.

 

Additionally, students with a family history of diabetes mellitus had significantly higher knowledge scores than those without such a history.

There was also a significant association between faculty and knowledge level. Bonferroni post hoc analysis showed that students from the Faculty of Business had significantly higher knowledge scores compared to those from the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development. The Faculty of Business recorded the highest mean knowledge score, while the lowest was amongst students from the Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development.


 

ii) Sociodemographic Data vs Awareness

a) Awareness of when is the World Diabetic Day

Table 6. Relationship between sociodemographic profile and awareness of when is the World Diabetic Day (n= 391).

Sociodemographic profiles

Yes

n (%)

No

n (%)

Pearson Chi-square (df a)

p-valuec. d

Age

22.4 (1.358) f

22.4 (1.355) f

-0.007b (389)

0.994e

Gender

Male

Female

 

12 (38.7)

19 (61.3)

 

104 (28.9)

256 (71.1)

1.319 (1)

 

0.251

Ethnic

Malay

Chinese

Indian

i Others

 

13(41.9)

5 (16.1)

2 (6.5)

11 (35.5)

 

154 (42.8)

84 (23.3)

14 (3.9)

108 (30.0)

1.396 (3)

0.707

Year of Study

1

2

3

4

 

2 (6.5)

11(35.5)

15(48.4)

3 (9.7)

 

37 (10.3)

128 (35.6)

106 (29.4)

89 (24.7)

6.474 (3)

0.091

Family History

Present

Absent

 

12(38.7)

19 (61.3)

 

143 (39.7)

217 (60.3)

0.012 (1)

0.383

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering

Faculty of Social Science

Faculty of Business

Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development

 

5 (16.1)

12(38.7)

3 (9.7)

11 (35.5)

 

90 (25.0)

87 (24.2)

97 (26.9)

86 (23.9)

8.183 (3)

0.042

a degree of freedom

b t-statistic

c p-value for Pearson Chi-square

d p-value of less than 0.05 is taken as significant

e p-value for independent t-test

f mean (standard deviation) for independent t-test

i includes Dayak, Iban

 

 


The results of table 6 showed there is a significant association between awareness of World Diabetes Day and faculty members. More female respondents were aware of World Diabetic Day than male respondents. The ethnicity who was most aware is Malay, whereas Indians were least aware of when World Diabetes Day. Year 3 were most aware of when World Diabetes Day, whereas Year 1 students scored the least. More respondents who did not have a family history of diabetes mellitus were aware of when the World Diabetic Day was than those with a family history. Respondents from the Faculty of Social Sciences were most aware of when the World Diabetic Day but those from the Faculty of Business scored the least amongst the other four faculties.


 

b) Awareness of Malaysian Diabetic Society

Table 7. Relationship between sociodemographic profile and awareness of Malaysian Diabetic Society (n= 391).

Sociodemographic profiles

Yes

n (%)

No

n (%)

Pearson Chi-square (df a)

p-valuec. d

Age

22.4 (1.432) f

22.4 (1.318) f

0.193b (389)

0.847e

Gender

Male

Female

 

35 (28.0)

90 (72.0)

 

81 (30.5)

185 (69.5)

0.245 (1)

 

0.621

Ethnic

Malay

Chinese

Indian

i Others

 

51(40.8)

24(19.2)

5 (4.0)

45 (36.0)

 

116 (43.6)

65 (24.4)

11 (4.1)

74 (27.8)

3.055 (3)

0.383

Year of Study

1

2

3

4

 

13(10.4)

39(31.2)

47(37.6)

26 (20.8)

 

26 (9.8)

100 (37.6)

74 (27.8)

66 (24.8)

4.222 (3)

0.239

Family History

Present

Absent

 

47(37.6)

78 (62.4)

 

108 (40.6)

158 (59.4)

0.320 (1)

0.571

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering

Faculty of Social Science

Faculty of Business

Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development

 

31(24.8)

45(36.0)

18(14.4)

31 (24.8)

 

64 (24.1)

54 (20.3)

82 (30.8)

66 (24.8)

17.269 (3)

0.001

a degree of freedom

b t-statistic

c p-value for Pearson Chi-square

d p-value of less than 0.05 is taken as significant

e p-value for independent t-test

f mean (standard deviation) for independent t-test

i includes Iban, Melanau and Bidayuh)

 


Table 7 demonstrated, there is a significant association between awareness of the Malaysian Diabetic Society and the faculty. More female respondents were aware of the Malaysian Diabetic Society than male respondents. The ethnicity who was most aware was Malay, whereas Indians were least aware of the Malaysian Diabetic Society. Year 3 were most aware of the Malaysian Diabetic Society whereas Year 1 students scored the least. Most of the respondents who did not have any family history of diabetes mellitus were more aware of the Malaysian Diabetic Society. Respondents from the Faculty of Social Sciences were most aware of the Malaysian Diabetic Society, but those from the Faculty of Business scored the least amongst the other four faculties.


 

iii) Knowledge vs Awareness

Table 8. Relationship between knowledge level and awareness (n= 391).

Awareness of:

Mean (SD a)

t-statistic (df b)

p-valuec,d  

When is the World Diabetes Day?

Yes

No

 

29.94 (7.554)

26.59 (8.138)

2.21 (389)

0.028

Malaysia Diabetes Association

Yes

No

 

27.76 (6.816)

26.43 (8.665)

1.51 (389)

 

0.131

a standard deviation

b degree of freedom

c p-value of less than 0.05 is taken as significant

d p-value for independent t-test

 

 


Further, Table 8 results establish that there is a significant difference in the knowledge level between those who are aware and those who are unaware of when is the World Diabetic Day is (p-value = 0.028). Those who were aware had a higher mean knowledge level than those who were not aware of when it was World Diabetes Day. However, there is no significant difference in the knowledge level between those who are aware and those who are unaware of the Malaysia Diabetes Association (p-value = 0.131).

 

DISCUSSION:

This study found that nonmedical students at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) had an average level of knowledge about diabetes mellitus (DM), with a mean score of 57.14%. This is consistent with findings from Albaha University, where nonmedical students scored 53.2% in comparison to medical students who scored 85.5%.7 The observed gap may be attributed to the absence of health-related content in nonmedical curricula, whereas medical students are formally trained on such topics.

 

Despite the overall average performance, substantial gaps in knowledge were noted in several key areas. Fewer than 50% of respondents correctly identified that DM is non-curable (29.9%), can be treated with oral medications (38.9%), and presents symptoms such as irritability (37.9%) and extreme hunger (36.3%). Awareness of diagnostic tools was also low; only 42.5% recognised the role of HbA1c in diagnosing DM. Knowledge of complications such as nerve damage (37.1%), gangrene (36.8%), hearing loss (23.0%), and Alzheimer’s disease (17.4%) was also limited. Additionally, awareness of major risk factors for DM was inadequate: high plasma cholesterol (48.1%), advanced age (42.7%), pregnancy (41.2%), pancreatic disease (35.0%), infection (26.9%), and ethnicity (23.8%) were all poorly recognised.

 

These findings mirror previous research. For example, studies in Lagos and Oman reported that 67.3% and 63.0% of participants, respectively, 8 believed that DM is curable. 9, 10 Similarly, only 11.9% of Chinese college students were aware of HbA1c as a monitoring index 11 The low awareness of DM complications aligns with studies from Al-Balqa’ University and among diabetic patients in India.12, 13 Limited knowledge in these areas is concerning, as early recognition of complications can reduce both morbidity and healthcare costs. 14, 15

 

Television was reported as the primary source of DM knowledge amongst students. While the mass media play an important role in public health education, reliance on television alone may not provide sufficient depth of understanding. Students should be encouraged to diversify their sources by consulting scientific literature, attending educational talks, and engaging with health campaigns.

 

Awareness of diabetes-related organisations and observances was notably low demonstrated by 7.9% of respondents recognised World Diabetes Day, and 32.0% showed awareness of the Malaysian Diabetes Association. This low awareness may be due to the relatively young age of the cohort and the lack of personal exposure to DM. A notable link was observed between levels of knowledge and various demographic and academic factors. Students who have a family history of DM showed increased knowledge, aligning with earlier research.10, 16

 

Increased awareness of the illness amongst these students might arise from their personal experiences and worries regarding genetic predisposition. Knowledge was also positively associated with the year of study, with third-year students scoring higher than first-year students. This trend, reported in other studies, 11, 12 likely reflects increased maturity, academic exposure, and cumulative health awareness.

 

Ethnic differences in knowledge were noted, with Chinese and Malay pupils outperforming those classified as "others," who most likely represented indigenous Sarawakian ethnic groups like the Dayak and Iban. Disparities in access to health information, especially between urban and rural populations, may be the cause of this disparity.

 

Students from the Faculty of Business and Economics outperformed those from the Faculties of Engineering and Cognitive Sciences in terms of their knowledge ratings. Disparities in academic interests, access to health-related information, or involvement in public health initiatives could be the cause of this.

 

CONCLUSION:

Non-medical students at UNIMAS exhibited a moderate understanding of diabetes mellitus (DM) but had limited awareness even about general aspect of diabetes such as the Malaysian Diabetes Association and World Diabetes Day. Although, elements like a family background of diabetes mellitus, study year, ethnicity, and faculty were identified as affecting their knowledge.

 

LIMITATION OF THIS STUDY:

This research concentrated exclusively on UNIMAS non-medical students and might not represent the general knowledge and awareness of young people in Sarawak.

 

THE PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS OF THIS STUDY ENCOMPASS:

To enhance awareness and understanding of diabetes mellitus (DM), additional health campaigns and informational presentations should take place in areas frequented by students, like shopping malls and amusement fairs. Such events ought to feature health assessments such as blood glucose monitoring and BMI evaluations to assist students in understanding their DM risk. Engaging activities like quizzes or poster contests with rewards can be incorporated to enhance student participation. Nonmedical departments can contribute by showcasing informative posters about DM—highlighting its risks, causes, and prevention—and by distributing pamphlets in shared spaces for convenience. These initiatives intend to provide students with the information required to embrace healthier lifestyles in the future and will certainly contribute to decreasing the rising prevalence of DM amongst young people.

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

We gratefully acknowledge and express our sincere gratitude to Pyon Sung Cheal, Mira Irisha Binti Iskandar, Nurul Ayummi Binti Zabidi, and Hazziq Diniy Bin Musa for their contributions, which supported the progress of this research work.

 

ETHICAL CLEARANCE:

Ethical clearance is approved from ethical committee of Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

No conflict of interest exists among the authors.

 

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Received on 05.02.2025      Revised on 26.04.2025

Accepted on 08.06.2025      Published on 02.08.2025

Available online from August 08, 2025

Research J. Pharmacy and Technology. 2025;18(8):3703-3710.

DOI: 10.52711/0974-360X.2025.00533

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