Religiosity as Mediator in Reducing Misconduct of Adolescents-at-Risk.

In dealing with adolescents-at-risk who are involved in misconduct, the religious factor can be an effective approach. The objective of this research is to study the religious factor as a mediator in dealing with misconduct of adolescents-at-risk. This research is a survey study by design. The method used is quantitative through questionnaire using Likert scale. A study was done on 556 respondents comprising of adolescents within the range of ages 13 to 24 years. Factor analysis finds two main domains in misconduct of adolescents-at-risk, that is, family dysfunction and lack of religiosity. Mediation analysis is used to determine whether the religious factor may become the mediator for adolescent misconduct. Results of regression analysis show that the factor of family dysfunction contributes higher to the misconduct of adolescent-at-risk in comparison with the factor of religiosity. However, the issue of dysfunctional family itself is related with the lack of religiosity within family. A family which is concerned about religious education and practice will reduce the opportunity for adolescents to be involved in misconduct. Hence, to further empower the role of the religious factor in dealing with adolescents-at-risk, the family plays an important role in applying religious aspects in order for adolescents to be able to control themselves from any misconduct. Thus, results of mediation analysis show that 0.275 states the religious factor is a mediator for misconduct of adolescents-at-risk. This research will also focus on the relationship between lack of religiosity among adolescents, how it is related to dysfunctional family and how religiosity can be a mediator to reduce misconduct of adolescent-at-risk.

The use of e-cigarettes among university students in Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: E-cigarette use is an emerging phenomenon with increasing recognition and acceptance globally. This study aims to create a profile of e-cigarette users among university students in Malaysia. METHODS: The study was conducted using a cross-sectional research involving six universities in Malaysia. A semi-structured questionnaire was distributed to 1302 randomly selected students, who either smoked cigarettes and/or e-cigarettes. The 2011 version of Global Adult Tobacco Surveys (GATS) tool was used to record the respondents' sociodemographic data. RESULTS: The study revealed that 74.9% of the respondents smoked e-cigarettes; 40.3% used both cigarettes and e-cigarettes (dual users), and 34.5% were exclusive e-cigarette users. The exclusive use of e-cigarettes was related to gender (OR=0.18, 95% CI: 0.09-0.39). Also, male respondents were the majority users (95%). Of the respondents, 75.2 % were Malays, 98.0% single and most believed they have no health problems (92.1%). Further findings revealed the occurrence of adverse effects, dizziness 14.4%, cough 14.1%, and headaches 12.4%. Overall, 57.8% of the respondents used e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool, while others consider e-cigarettes a self-image enhancing tool or as part of social activities. CONCLUSIONS: Further research on the use of e-cigarettes should be conducted on a large number of respondents in other settings to augment the findings of this study, and also guide policy making on and prevention practice of e-cigarette use, among the general student population in Malaysia.

Stress Symptoms Among Adolescent: A Study from Islamic Perspective.

Rapid social changes in current times which can be quite abrupt present a challenge to adolescent life. Adolescents who are unable to adapt themselves experience stress which may affect their health. Psychological issues of adolescents require attention because the long-term consequence is worse than the short-term effects, namely, there will be a group of people within society who live under stress. Stressed people show symptoms such as being aggressive, prone to rebel, uncontrollable anger, depression, mental disorders and health problems. Early recognition of adolescent stress symptoms is vital. Pursuant to this, a study is conducted among adolescents in Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia for the purpose of determining whether they experience stress or otherwise, based on stress symptoms in terms of psychology, physiology and social behaviour. An analysis is conducted on 403 respondents who comprise of male and female adolescents aged 16-17 years. The required data are gathered through questionnaire and structured interview. Analysis is based on descriptive statistical method and is explained in a table in terms of frequency, percentage and mode. Research results show that adolescents do experience stress and that the majority of them exhibit psychological stress symptoms.