Congratulations, Dr Musastika binti Mustaffa on Successful Completion of DrPH Viva Voce

The Department extends our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Musastika binti Mustaffa on the successful completion of her Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) viva voce at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. Her outstanding research marks a significant contribution to public health in Malaysia.

Dr. Musastika’s thesis, “Physical Frailty and Malnutrition Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Rural Malaysia,” addresses a critical challenge as Malaysia nears aged-nation status by 2044. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach, she explored the prevalence, risk factors, and mortality implications of co-occurring frailty and malnutrition in older adults in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.

Key findings include:

• 6.4% of older adults experienced both frailty and malnutrition;
• These conditions significantly increased mortality risk (HR: 2.05);
• Contributing factors included age, chronic illness, polypharmacy, functional impairments, cognitive decline, and low social support.

Qualitative insights provided a deeper understanding of the lived experiences and environmental influences contributing to these conditions, highlighting the need for early, integrated interventions.

Achievements

• Successfully led a large-scale, rural, community-based mixed-methods study.
• Combined rigorous epidemiological analysis with rich qualitative perspectives.
• Delivered actionable insights for healthy ageing and public health policy.
• Demonstrated academic excellence and strong research leadership.

Public Health Contribution

This research offers vital evidence to support early identification and targeted intervention for frailty and malnutrition among rural older adults. It informs healthcare strategies and policy planning to enhance ageing support systems and reduce preventable health burdens.

Acknowledgement

We wish to acknowledge the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by Prof. Dr. Hazreen Abdul Majid and Prof. Dr. Noran Naqiah Mohd Hairi. We extend our sincere gratitude to Prof. Dr. Suzana Shahar (External Examiner, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) and Prof. Dr. Mas Ayu Said (Internal Examiner, Universiti Malaya). Special thanks to the Committee of Examiners: Prof. Dr. Tan Maw Pin (Chairperson), Prof. Dr. Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman (Deputy Dean), and Prof. Dr. Victor Hoe Chee Wai Abdullah (Head of Department), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.

Congratulations & Looking Ahead

Congratulations once again, Dr. Musastika. Your research is a vital step toward healthier ageing in Malaysia. We look forward to your continued impact in research, policy, and public health leadership.