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Community Health Department

Department of Community Health in Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, caters to the research and educational activities related to the vital elements of health; physical, psychological, and nutrition.

Non-communicable diseases have reached epidemic proportions globally, and many are related to lifestyle. Department of Community Health was established to introduce innovative approaches and evaluate existing practices to prevent, treat and manage the many diseases that arise from physical inactivity, poor lifestyle behaviours and inappropriate dietary practices.

Non-communicable diseases have reached epidemic proportions globally, and many are related to lifestyle. Department of Community Health was established to introduce innovative approaches and evaluate existing practices to prevent, treat and manage the many diseases that arise from physical inactivity, poor lifestyle behaviours and inappropriate dietary practices. Our research aims to develop strategies for effectively preventing, treating, and managing non-communicable diseases (diabetes & other metabolic disorders, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and chronic lung diseases) and obesity. In addition, the influence of environmental conditions on lifestyle behaviour and human performance is a niche area of research.

Developing a fundamental scientific understanding of how exercise, food, nutrients, drug interactions, environmental factors and psychological and behavioural patterns modify disease risk, biomarkers, and human performance. Integrating state-of-the-art molecular and chemistry-based laboratory data will community-oriented studies to further enhance and strengthen the quality and impact of research. Putting science into practice by implementing innovative sustainable lifestyle programmes that reduce non-communicable disease risk factors and improve human performance.

Vision

To be a preferred academic-scientific community health department nationally by 2027.

Mission

Through outstanding education programs, research, and services, the Department of Community Health, AMDI wants:

Academic

To produce high-quality community healthcare graduates.

Research

To enhance community health and well-being

Service

To develop sustainable community health for future generations

Members

Activities

Research

Dementia Multidisciplinary Research Program of IPPT (DMR-IPPT) 2022-2037

Dementia is a syndrome characterized by a decline in cognitive function that affects a person's ability to perform daily activities. It is a significant public health concern, with an estimated 47 million people living with dementia worldwide, and this number is expected to increase to 131 million by 2050. Given the increasing prevalence of dementia, there is an urgent need to understand its underlying causes better and develop effective interventions to prevent or delay its onset.

Dementia research is, therefore, an urgent and critical priority with the potential to improve the lives of millions worldwide. By working collaboratively across disciplines and engaging with affected communities, researchers can help to unlock new insights into this complex condition and develop innovative strategies for prevention, treatment, and care.

Due to this, at the Department of Community Health, we're building strengths in the rapidly developing area of dementia through the Dementia Multidisciplinary Research Program of IPPT (DMR-IPPT) led by Dr. Mohammad Farris Iman Leong Abdullah. This has led to several initiatives to promote a more robust and sustainable research program, including developing new tools and resources, establishing best practices and guidelines, and creating supportive environments for patients.

Thus, to reduce the projected increases in dementia prevalence, the Department of Community Health focused on four main objectives:

(1) to develop an integrated diagnosis methodology that is accurate, fast, and easily Available for early detection of dementia in the Malaysian population.

(2) to validate existing dementia risk models and develop a dementia risk prediction tool for the local population.

(3) to develop effective non-pharmacological interventions for dementia patients.

(4) to develop a multimodal integrative dementia preventive programme for people at Risk of dementia.

Academic  Programme

Pursuing a postgraduate degree can be a valuable investment in one's career, providing opportunities for professional growth, personal development, and intellectual enrichment.

At the Department of Community Health, we offer several postgraduate studies that can take various forms, including master's and doctoral degrees, and can be completed either full-time or part-time, depending on the program and the student's needs and preferences.

    • Clinical exercise science
    • Sport science
    • Physical activity
    • Public health
    • Epidemiology
    • Psychology
    • Spiritual
    • Nutrition
    • Immunology
    • Ageing
    • Inter-disciplinary health
    • Health informatics
    • Educational psychology, psychometrics & counselling
    • Community medicine

Community Service

Universities have a social responsibility to give back to their communities. By leveraging our resources and expertise, universities can address social, economic, and environmental issues in their local communities, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. This can help build stronger, more resilient communities better equipped to address future challenges. Therefore, the Department of Community Health has organized several programs to promote social and environmental justice, foster civic engagement and participation, and build a more sustainable and equitable society.

Some examples of community service by the Department of Community Health as below:

  1. 2021-2022 - Program Sekolah Sihat, Aktif, Segak (PROSAS) 1.0 led by Dr. Noorsuzana Mohd Shariff
  1. 2022-2023 - Program Sekolah Sihat, Aktif, Segak (PROSAS) 2.0 led by Dr Noor Mastura Mohd Mujar
  1. 2022 - Karnival Warga Emas led by Dr Nurdiana Zainol Abidin

Achievement

2022

  1. Dr Noorsuzana was awarded the overall best presenter at The 5th Global Public Health Conference 2022 (GLOBEHEAL 2022)
  2. AP Dr Ahmad Munir received a fellowship from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
  3. Dr Mohammad Farris Iman Leong received France Mobility Grant
  4. Dr Noor Mastura secured a BJIM grant
  5. Dr Hazwani secured international funding (Badminton World Federation)
  6. Dr Mohd Afifuddin, Dr Salbiah, Dr Rohayu, and Dr Nurdiana secured FRGS grants
  7. Dr Mohammad Farris & Dr Mohd Afifuddin received Anugerah Buku Negara

Activities

  1. 11 March 2022: Visit from the Physiotherapy Associate, Division of the Ministry of Health
  2. 18 March 2022: Badminton event among department members
  3. 24 March 2022: Sambutan Hari Lahir (Jan-April)
  4. 1 April 2022: Ihya Ramadhan lecture
  5. 22 April 2022: Breaking fast ceremony among departmental staff
  6. 27 April 2022: Webinar Gaya Hidup Sihat Bersama ‘Cikgu Fitness Malaysia’
  7. 13 May 2022: Dr Izzah's Hari Raya & Farewell Ceremony
  8. 27 October 2022: Update on the Latest Balance Rehabilitation by Dr Zuraida Zainon
  9. 12 November 2022: Karnival Warga Emas
  10. 13 May 2022: Dr Izzah's Hari Raya & Farewell Ceremony
  11. 3 June 2022: Sharing session: Star Researcher 'Publishing your paper' by Dr Mohammad Farris
  12. 20 June 2022: Visit from UiTM Perlis
  13. 30 June 2022: Talk Program on Mental Health & Adolescents
  14. 26 July 2022: Appreciation Ceremony for MSc CES students
  15. 19-21 September 2022: Good Clinical Practice Workshop
  16. 27 September 2022: U are WHAT you EAT by Kevin Zahri
  17. 27 October 2022: Update on the Latest Balance Rehabilitation by Dr Zuraida Zainon
  18. 12 November 2022: Hari Bersama Warga Emas 2022 di Masjid Abdullah Fahim, Kepala Batas

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