We are delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Hiziani Hidzir in successfully completing the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) viva voce. The culmination of her academic journey was marked by the successful defense of her thesis titled: “The Prevalence of Frailty and Its Associated Factors Among Community-Dwelling Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Malaysia.”

Dr. Hiziani Hidzir’s research addresses a critical and timely public health issue: frailty among middle-aged and older adults, a condition that poses significant challenges for public health systems and healthcare services, particularly in the context of Malaysia’s rapidly ageing population. Her groundbreaking findings provide invaluable insights into the prevalence of frailty and its associated sociodemographic and health factors, contributing to improved understanding and intervention strategies.

Key Findings and Contributions

Dr. Hidzir’s work involved a comprehensive three-phase research approach:

A systematic review of global evidence on frailty prevalence among middle-aged adults.
The construction of a 40-item Frailty Index (MARS-FI) using data from the Malaysia Ageing and Retirement Survey (MARS).
Analyses of frailty prevalence and associated factors among a cohort of over 5,500 participants aged 40 years and above in Malaysia.

Key insights from her study include:

The overall prevalence of frailty among Malaysians aged 40 and above was 19.5%, representing approximately 1.9 million individuals, with a further 64.1% in a prefrail state.
Frailty prevalence was higher among females, older adults, and individuals from lower-income and lower-education groups.
Factors such as abdominal obesity, poor self-rated health, and a history of falls significantly increased the risk of frailty.
The MARS-FI score demonstrated a strong association with all-cause mortality (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.49-1.82), underlining its predictive power.

These findings emphasize the urgent need for frailty to be recognized as a public health priority in Malaysia. Dr. Hidzir’s recommendations, including the incorporation of frailty screening in clinical practice and the development of tailored prevention strategies, provide a roadmap for addressing this emerging challenge.

Impact and Recognition

Dr. Hidzir’s findings have been published in the prestigious Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health (2024), further highlighting the significance of her work. Her contributions lay the foundation for evidence-based public health policies aimed at improving the quality of life for Malaysia’s ageing population.

Acknowledgments

We wish to acknowledge the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by Dr. Hidzir Hanim’s supervisors, Professor Dr. Noran Naqiah Mohd Hairi, Professor Dr. Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman, and Associate Professor Dr. Halimah Awang, whose expertise and support were instrumental in the completion of her thesis.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Dr. Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh, the External Examiner from the Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; and Professor Dr. Moy Foong Ming, the Internal Examiner from the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Universiti Malaya.

We would also like to thank the Committee of Examiners for their thorough evaluation and insightful feedback, including Professor Dr. Tay Sun Tee, the Chairperson of the viva voce session; Professor Dr. Mohd Nasir Hashim, the Senate Representative; Professor Dr. Victor Hoe Chee Wai Abdullah, Head of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Hidzir Hanim’s exceptional contributions to public health research mark a significant milestone in the field. We are confident that her work will inspire future research and inform public health strategies in Malaysia and beyond.

We extend our warmest congratulations once again and wish Dr. Hidzir every success in her future endeavors!