We are delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr Chan Ying Ying on the successful defence of her doctoral thesis titled “Healthcare Providers’ Readiness to Respond to Intimate Partner Violence in the Malaysian Primary Healthcare Setting: A Mixed Methods Study”.
A Groundbreaking Study on Healthcare and Intimate Partner Violence
In a world where intimate partner violence (IPV) remains one of the most pervasive forms of violence against women, Dr Chan’s research arrives at a critical juncture. Her thesis investigates the readiness of primary healthcare providers (PHCPs) in Malaysia to respond effectively to IPV—a subject often overshadowed in public health discourse, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s ecological framework, this rigorous mixed methods study unfolded in three interconnected phases:
- A systematic review of existing tools to assess healthcare providers’ readiness.
- Validation of the PREMIS-Malay tool, which showed strong psychometric reliability for use in Malaysian primary care settings.
- A large-scale quantitative survey (n=1505) and qualitative focus group discussions, uncovering valuable insights into healthcare providers’ knowledge, preparedness, challenges, and strategies for managing IPV cases.
Her findings are both revealing and urgent: while most healthcare providers lacked IPV-related training, those with prior exposure to IPV scenarios and education demonstrated significantly higher readiness levels. Notably, she identified novel systemic and legal barriers, as well as facilitators like the Health Clinic Advisory Panel, which had not been extensively reported in previous studies.
Celebrating an Outstanding Achievement
Dr Chan’s academic journey is marked by excellence and impact. Her work has already resulted in two peer-reviewed publications in the Journal of Family Violence and two oral presentations, including an award-winning one:
- Best Oral Presenter Award, 24th NIH Scientific Conference 2023
- Publications in 2023 and 2024 showcasing the depth and rigour of her scholarship
- Presentations at prominent academic conferences, including the WONCA Asia Pacific Conference 2024
These accomplishments reflect not just academic rigour, but also a deep commitment to real-world change in public health practice.
A Significant Contribution to Public Health
Dr Chan’s research provides a vital evidence base for policy reform, clinical training, and systemic change in the Malaysian healthcare system. By amplifying the voices of frontline healthcare providers and highlighting gaps in knowledge and infrastructure, her work serves as a catalyst for the development of more responsive, supportive, and effective IPV interventions.
Her thesis contributes significantly to national and global conversations on gender-based violence, affirming the crucial role of primary care settings in early identification and support for IPV survivors.
Acknowledgement
We wish to acknowledge the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by Dr Chan Ying Ying’s supervisors, Professor Dr Noran Naqiah Mohd Hairi and Professor Dr Sajaratulnisah Othman, whose expertise and support were instrumental in the completion of her thesis.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Dr Simon C Moore (Cardiff University, UK) and Professor Dr Lynette M Renner (University of Minnesota Twin Cities, USA) for serving as external examiners, and to Dr ‘Abqariyah Yahya@Ahmad Noor, 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 Lai Siew Mei Pauline, Chairperson of the viva voce session; Distinguished Professor Dato’ Dr. Rajah Rasiah, UM Senate Representative, Professor Dr Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman, Deputy Dean (Postgraduate), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya; and Professor Dr Victor Hoe, Head of Department, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
Looking Ahead
As Dr Chan embarks on the next chapter of her career, we are confident that her dedication, compassion, and scholarly excellence will continue to shape the field of public health and violence prevention. Her research sets a benchmark for evidence-informed practice and underscores the importance of integrating health systems into the broader fight against IPV.
Once again, congratulations, Dr Chan Ying Ying! We look forward to your continued contributions in creating safer, more equitable healthcare environments for all.
You must be logged in to post a comment.