Pusat Pengajian Sains Kesihatan - Monograf
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- PublicationSensory preference and detection threshold for sweet taste among undergraduate students of health campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia(2017)Aziz, Nur AsyirahIndividual taste sensitivity determined the taste preference in terms of individual’s ability to perceive how sweet the food product is expected to be. Major factors contribute to the rise of obesity seen from the increased preference for sugar. Thus, this study was carried out to determine the sensory preference and detection threshold for sweet taste among Malay, Chinese and Indian undergraduate students in Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia. A number of 90 students from three ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese and Indian), aged from 19 to 26 years old were conveniently selected as panellists in this sensory laboratory study. Detection threshold for sweet taste was conducted using Three-Alternative Force Choice (3-AFC) method in standard sucrose solutions. Sensory preference test was ranked using 9 point hedonic scale for sweetness in tea beverage. The results indicated that Indian students had the highest detection threshold for sweet taste (8.526mM) compared to Malay (6.462mM) and Chinese students (4.405mM). Detection threshold for sweet taste based on gender differences showed female students had lower detection threshold (5.521mM) for sweetness, compared to male students (7.211mM) that show female were more sensitive in detecting sweetness. For sensory preference ranking, Indian and Malay students preferred higher level of sweetness (7.5% w/v) in tea beverage, compared to Chinese students (2.5% w/v). Sensory preference based on gender differences showed that male and female students preferred moderate level of sweetness (7.5% w/v) in tea beverage. Ethnicity and gender among students did not show significantly difference in the sensory preference and detection threshold for sweet taste. No significant relationship observed in our study between detection threshold and sensory preference that showed individuals with higher detection threshold toward sweet taste do not necessarily imply on higher level of sugar preference. Nonetheless, it is proposed that genetic variation and early exposure and experience could alter individual sensitivity level and led to increased preference for higher level of sugar in foods.
- PublicationA study on nutritional status, mealtime behavior and food refusal among autism spectrum disorder (asd) and typically developing (td) children aged 3 to 11 years old in USM Kubang Kerian, Kelantan(2017-05)Hashim, Isyatin MunirahA cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the nutritional status, mealtime behaviors and food refusal among Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing children aged 3 to11 years old in Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian, Kelantan (97 children). In this study, nutritional status was calculated and categorized based on CDC (2000). On the other hand, mealtime behaviors was determined using Brief Assessment of Mealtime Behavior in Children (BAMBIC). BAMBIC questionnaires consisted 3 factors which were Food Refusal, Disruptive Behaviors and Limited Variety. While food refusal among respondents was determined by using Food Preferences Inventory (FPI) based on 12 group which namely cereals and cereal products, meat and meat products, fish and seafood, eggs, legumes and legume products, milk and dairy products, vegetables, fruit, confectionery, beverages, spreads, seasonings and flavoring. Result showed that ASD children possessed higher in both underweight, overweight and obese as compared to TD children. In mealtime behaviors outcome, the food refusal and disruptive behavior factor were significantly different among ASD children compared to TD children. However, for limited variety factor, not significant mean differences was noted between ASD and TD children. The common food refusal that significantly different among ASD and TD children were cereal and cereal product (p <0.001), meat and product (p=0.039), bread spread (p=0.017) and confectionery cake (p=0.012). However, ASD and TD children do not show significant mean differences in refusing vegetables (p=0.239), fruits (p=0.089), fish and seafood (p=0.090), beverages (p=0.456)), milk and milk product (p=0.387) and flavoring and seasonings (p=0.925). In conclusion, children with ASD more likely to suffer underweight, overweight and obese issues as compared to TD children. This might be related to higher unhealthy food intake and less vegetables and fruits intake so leads some of them to overweight and obese. However, there were also a few of them might consuming less energy dense food and had higher mealtime behaviors problem so leads them to have lower BMI compared to TD children.
- PublicationDetermination of acoustic radiation using radioear B81 bone conductor among Malaysian healthy adults(2025-07)Hashim, NurnadanadhiraBone conduction (BC) audiometry is an important clinical hearing test in determining the type of hearing loss. However, the presence of acoustic radiation (AR) produced by the bone conductor, especially at high frequencies, may compromise the validity of the hearing threshold results. This study aimed to determine the presence and influence of acoustic radiation when using the Radioear B81 bone conductor among Malaysian healthy adults. 35 participants between the ages of 18 and 30 years with normal hearing and normal middle ear function were recruited. Bone conduction thresholds were recorded in two conditions: unoccluded (open ear canal) and occluded (closed ear canal) at high frequencies: 2kHz, 3kHz, 4kHz, 6kHz, and 8kHz. The results revealed differences in BC thresholds that were statistically significant between occluded and unoccluded conditions at 3kHz, 6kHz, and 8kHz (p < 0.05), with no significant differences at 2kHz and 4kHz. Similarly, the air-bone gap (ABG) values exhibited significant reductions at 3kHz, 6kHz, and 8kHz when the ear canal was occluded, indicating the presence of acoustic radiation on the BC measures in the unoccluded condition. These findings support the hypothesis where acoustic radiation can lead to artificial BC thresholds and false ABGs, particularly at high frequencies. This study highlights the necessity of considering acoustic radiation in BC testing using the B81 transducer and suggests that clinicians should consider occlusion procedures in high-frequency BC testing for more valid audiological tests.
- PublicationThe pattern of personal listening device (PLD) use among university students and its impact on hearing status(2025)Amin, Nur Shamin Adriana MohdThis study investigated the patterns of PLD use among university students and examined its potential impact on hearing status. PLD usage has become nearly universal in this population, especially among individuals aged 20 to 25, who often use these devices for academic and leisure purposes. A cross-sectional survey and hearing assessment were conducted involving university students to evaluate their listening behaviours, volume preferences, and the relationship to hearing outcomes. Data were collected through questionnaires and hearing assessments including pure tone audiometry (PTA) with extended high-frequency thresholds at 12kHz and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE). Results showed that while most students perceived their listening volume as moderate, with many exceeded the safe listening level, particularly in noisy environments. A significant portion of participants who preferred higher volume levels and longer daily usage showed elevated thresholds at 12kHz and reduced DPOAE results, indicating early cochlear changes. Particularly, 32.3% reported difficulty hearing in noisy environments despite normal PTA results, suggesting the presence of hidden hearing loss. These findings highlight a gap between perceived and actual safe listening practices among young adults and underscore the importance of education on hearing conservation. The study recommends incorporating high-frequency PTA and DPOAE in routine hearing screenings for early detection of auditory damages and NIHL.
- PublicationThe analysis multifrequency tympanometry among Malay children aged 1-4 years old(2025-08)Adnan, Nur AfiqahTympanometry using 226 Hz probe tone is commonly employed as an excellent noninvasive test with high sensitivity and specificity used to assess middle ear function. To increase sensitivity in detecting middle ear pathology, multifrequency tympanometry is recommended. This study investigated multifrequency tympanometry (226 Hz, 678 Hz, and 1000 Hz) in Malay children aged 1–4 years to evaluate middle ear function and to provide preliminary reference values for this population. Using a cross-sectional design, 38 children (76 ears) were recruited from daycare centers and audiology clinics in Kelantan, Malaysia. All participants underwent hearing screening including otoscopy, DPOAE, and screening acoustic reflex testing followed by multifrequency tympanometry. The results of tympanometric parameters showed excellent test–retest reliability across all probe frequencies (226 Hz, 678 Hz and 1000 Hz), as indicated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The tympanometry parameters included ear canal volume (ECV), static admittance (SA), tympanometric peak pressure (TPP) and Tympanometric width (TW). Using 226 Hz, ICCs ranged from 0.765 to 0.976, using 678 Hz ICCs ranged from 0.903 to 0.998 and 1000 ranged from 0.821 to 0.979. The Kruskal–Wallis tests showed that ear canal volume (ECV) and static admittance (SA) changed significantly across probe frequencies. Specifically, ECV was higher at 678 Hz compared to 226 Hz, and SA values were significantly different between all frequency pairs. In contrast, tympanometric peak pressure (TPP) did not show any significant differences across frequencies. Correlation using Spearman’s correlation analyses showed that in Malay toddlers aged 1–4 years, ECV and SA slightly increased with age, with the strongest correlation for SA at 678 Hz. In contrast, age had little effect on TPP and TW, as these showed weak and non-significant negative correlations. Indicating the increase in ECV and SA with Age suggests that as Malay toddlers grow, their ear canal size and middle ear compliance also increase. This reflects normal anatomical and physiological development of the middle ear system during early childhood. These findings support the clinical value of tympanometry parameters in identifying middle ear characteristics in young children and provide preliminary reference data specific to the Malay paediatric population. However, larger studies involving diverse ethnic groups are needed to establish comprehensive normative standards