We are thrilled to congratulate Dr Hazfaneza binti Ab Halim on the successful defence of her Doctor of Public Health thesis, a remarkable achievement that marks the culmination of years of dedicated research and academic excellence.
Thesis Summary
Dr. Hazfaneza’s thesis, “Health Impacts and Coping Strategies of Older Informal Caregivers in Rural Malaysia,” sheds light on an increasingly urgent public health issue. As populations age, older individuals are often thrust into caregiving roles, a responsibility that can weigh heavily on their physical and mental well-being.
Drawing on data from 843 caregivers aged 60 and above in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, her study reveals the toll of high-intensity caregiving (≥20 hours per week), which correlates strongly with poor physical and mental health outcomes. The analysis identifies financial strain, disrupted routines, and lack of support as key contributors to caregiver distress. Significantly, female caregivers exhibited higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Dr Hazfaneza also found that coping strategies played a more powerful mediating role than social support in buffering the emotional impact of caregiving.
Candidate’s Achievements
This research is not only academically rigorous but also deeply impactful. Dr. Hazfaneza’s findings contribute vital knowledge to gerontology and caregiving studies, especially within the Malaysian context. Her work has potential policy implications and sets the stage for future longitudinal studies and tailored interventions. Her commitment to community-centred research and methodological integrity demonstrates her readiness to shape public health practice.
Contribution to Public Health
Dr Hazfaneza’s study calls for integrated care models that acknowledge and address the dual needs of caregivers and care recipients. The evidence presented supports the development of interventions that strengthen coping capacities and expand social support networks among elderly caregivers—an essential step toward improving quality of life and preventing caregiver burnout in rural settings.
Acknowledgement
We wish to acknowledge the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by Dr. Hazfaneza’s supervisors, Professor Dr Choo Wan Yuen and Assoc. Prof. Dr Farizah Mohd Hairi, whose expertise and support were instrumental in the completion of her thesis.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Dr Rozita Hod, External Examiner from the Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Professor Dr Sajaratulnisah Othman, Internal Examiner from the Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
We also thank the Committee of Examiners for their thorough evaluation and insightful feedback, including Professor Dr Wong Pooi Fong, Chairperson; Professor Dr Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman, Deputy Dean (Postgraduate), Faculty of Medicine; and Professor Dr Victor CW Hoe, Head of Department, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine.
The viva voce session was held on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, at 2:00 PM.
Congratulations and Future Expectations
Congratulations once again to Dr Hazfaneza on this exceptional achievement. We look forward to the continued impact of her research in shaping equitable, evidence-based health policies and supporting the wellbeing of older adults and caregivers across Malaysia. May this milestone be the first of many more contributions to public health and social wellbeing.
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