Congratulations to Dr. Zahiruddin Mohd Khairi for successfully defending his Doctor of Public Health thesis

We are delighted to share the success of Dr. Zahiruddin Mohd Khairi who has successfully defended his Doctor of Public Health thesis. The thesis marks a significant advancement in mental health education. His research, titled ‘The Development and Effectiveness of a Psychoeducational Video in Improving Depression Literacy Among University Students,” addresses a critical gap in mental health awareness within Malaysia’s higher education sector.

Dr. Khairi’s comprehensive study tackles the pressing issue of depression among university students, a growing concern that often remains unaddressed due to insufficient knowledge and persistent stigma. His work not only elucidates the prevalence of this problem but also presents an evidence-based solution through the development of a targeted psychoeducational video.

The research, conducted in four meticulously planned phases, commenced with the translation and validation of the Depression Literacy Questionnaire (D-Lit) into Malay, adapting it for cultural relevance. This crucial step ensures the tool’s accuracy in measuring depression literacy within the Malaysian context.

A key innovation in Dr. Khairi’s research is the creation of a psychoeducational video based on student preferences and expert input. This video, designed to be both engaging and informative, demonstrated significant efficacy in improving depression literacy among students. The quasi-experimental study revealed a statistically significant increase in depression literacy scores among participants who viewed the video compared to a control group.

Dr. Khairi’s contributions extend beyond his thesis, as evidenced by his publication “Development and Validation of a Psychoeducational Video on Depression” in the peer-reviewed journal Cureus. This paper serves as a valuable resource for researchers and mental health professionals seeking to develop similar interventions.

This study underscores the potential of innovative research in addressing critical public health issues. Dr. Khairi’s psychoeducational video represents a significant step forward in enhancing mental health awareness and support for university students across Malaysia and potentially beyond.

The academic community extends its congratulations to Dr. Khairi on this notable achievement. His contribution to public health and mental wellness is both timely and commendable, setting a new standard for research in this critical field.

Dr. Zahiruddin bin Mohd Khairi’s research not only contributes to the academic field but also provides a practical tool for improving mental health literacy among young adults. It aligns with Malaysia’s National Strategic Plan for Mental Health and advances progress towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being.

The success of this research is attributed to Dr. Khairi’s rigorous methodology and the guidance of his supervisors: Associate Professor Dr. Nik Daliana Nik Farid and Dr. ‘Abqariyah Yahya@Ahmad Noor from the Department, and Associate Professor Dr. Rafidah Aga Mohd Jaladin from the Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education.

The examination process, led by esteemed academics including Professor Alison Calear from the Australian National University, and Professor Dr. Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki as the internal examiners, further validates the quality and significance of this work.

The viva voce was chaired by Professor Dr. Azlina Amir Abbas. The internal examiner Prof Rafdzah was present. The other committee of examiners were the senate representative, Associate Professor Dr Sabzali Musa Khan, from Academy of Malay Studies, Professor Dr. Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman, Deputy Dean (Postgraduate), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya and Professor Dr. Victor CW Hoe, Head of Department, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine.