We are delighted to extend our warmest congratulations to Dr Vishnu Raj A/L Savumthararaj on the successful defence of his Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) thesis titled “Trends and Factors Associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Among Adolescents in Peninsular Malaysia”.
A Groundbreaking Study on Adolescent Liver Health
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has become a growing global health challenge, often linked to overweight, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. While research has largely focused on adults, little is known about how NAFLD affects adolescents, particularly in Asian populations. Dr Vishnu’s thesis fills this important gap by exploring the trends, prevalence, and risk factors of adolescent NAFLD in Peninsular Malaysia.
His research was carried out in two phases:
- Systematic Review: Drawing on five major databases and grey literature, he identified the prevalence of adolescent NAFLD to be between 8–16%. Snacking habits and physical inactivity stood out as significant contributors.
- Longitudinal Cohort Study (MyHeART): Using data collected between 2014 and 2016, he traced lifestyle and health outcomes among Malaysian adolescents. Notably, males showed an increase in NAFLD prevalence, while females saw a slight decline. Importantly, adolescents who improved lifestyle factors—such as reducing snacking and increasing physical activity—were more likely to achieve remission.
Through the use of advanced statistical analysis and innovative visual tools like Sankey diagrams, his study paints a compelling picture of how lifestyle transitions shape adolescent liver health over time.
Celebrating an Outstanding Achievement
Dr Vishnu’s academic journey has been marked by excellence and impact. Among his notable accomplishments are:
- Publication in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN (2023), presenting findings from his systematic review.
- Conference contribution with his abstract accepted for presentation at the British Dietetic Association (BDA) Research Symposium in December 2024.
- Innovative methodology, combining rigorous analysis with clear visualisation to communicate findings to both academics and policymakers.
These achievements underscore his ability to bridge research and real-world health applications, making his work highly relevant to the future of adolescent health.
A Significant Contribution to Public Health
Dr Vishnu’s research highlights the urgent need for lifestyle-based interventions to prevent and manage NAFLD among adolescents. His findings provide:
- An evidence base for developing targeted health promotion programmes in schools and communities.
- Insights for clinical guidelines and screening protocols to address NAFLD in younger populations.
- A foundation for policy reform, especially in designing culturally relevant interventions for Malaysian and Asian adolescents.
By shining a light on adolescent health, his thesis makes a meaningful contribution to national and global strategies for non-communicable disease prevention.
Acknowledgement
We wish to acknowledge the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by Professor Dr Hazreen Abdul Majid, Dr Maslinor Ismail, and Professor Dr Chan Wah Kheong, whose expertise and support were instrumental in the completion of this thesis.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Dr Christopher David Byrne (University of Southampton, UK), who served as the External Examiner, and to Professor Dr Noran Naqiah Mohd Hairi, Internal Examiner.
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; Professor Dr. Siti Hajar Abu Bakar Ah, Senate Representative, Department of Social Administration and Justice, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya; Professor Dr Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman, Deputy Dean (Postgraduate Studies), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya; and Professor Dr Victor CW Hoe, Head of Department, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
Looking Ahead
As Dr Vishnu embarks on the next chapter of his career, we are confident that his dedication and scholarship will continue to advance the field of public health. His research has set the stage for evidence-based interventions that can improve adolescent health outcomes in Malaysia and beyond.
Once again, congratulations, Dr Vishnu Raj A/L Savumthararaj! We look forward to your continued contributions to science, policy, and practice in building healthier futures for the next generation
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