We extend our warmest congratulations to Alia Daniella binti Abdul Halim on the successful completion of her Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) viva voce. Her dissertation, titled “Six-Month Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Associated Factors Among COVID-19 Patients in Selangor,” represents a critical advancement in understanding the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on survivors within the Malaysian context.
Thesis Summary
As COVID-19 moves into the endemic phase, its lingering effects on survivors demand urgent attention. Alia Daniella’s thesis provides important information for low- and middle-income countries by tracking how health-related quality of life (HRQoL) changes for a large group of 2,000 people recovering from COVID-19 in Selangor, Malaysia.
The study was conducted in two phases:
- Phase I validated the COVID-19 Quality-of-Life (CO-19-QoL) instrument for Malaysian use, showing high content validity, internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.919), and test-retest reliability.
- Phase II applied both the EQ-5D-5L and CO-19-QoL tools over a 6-month follow-up, revealing that although HRQoL improved over time, significant disparities persisted.
Findings highlighted that vulnerable groups—such as older adults, those with comorbidities, the low-income (B40), and those with severe COVID-19—faced delayed recovery. These insights underscore the urgency for equitable and targeted post-COVID care strategies.
Academic and Research Achievements
Alia Daniella demonstrated exceptional rigour and dedication throughout her doctoral journey. Among her notable achievements:
- Successful validation of a culturally adapted COVID-specific QoL instrument for Malaysia.
- Longitudinal data collection and analysis involving a large, diverse patient cohort.
- Translation of findings into policy-relevant recommendations that support cost-utility analysis and public health planning.
Her work stands out for its methodological integrity and its alignment with pressing national health priorities.
Contribution to Public Health
This thesis delivers timely, evidence-based insights crucial for:
- Post-COVID rehabilitation programme design.
- Resource allocation through health technology assessment (HTA).
- Pandemic preparedness and the integration of HRQoL in emergency response frameworks.
By highlighting socioeconomic inequities in health recovery, it reinforces the call for health systems to adopt more inclusive, equity-driven approaches.
Acknowledgement
We wish to acknowledge the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by Alia Daniella’s supervisors, Professor Dr. Maznah Dahlui, Associate Professor Dr. Nik Daliana Nik Farid, and Dr. Amirah Azzeri, whose expertise and support were instrumental in the completion of her thesis. A special thank you is also extended to Datuk Dr Awg Bulgiba Awg Mahmud and Dr Mahmoud Danaee for their guidance and contribution to the student’s success.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Dr. Aniza Ismail (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) and Professor Dr. Sanjay Rampal a/l Lekhraj Rampal (Universiti Malaya) for their thorough evaluation and expert feedback. We would also like to thank the Committee of Examiners for their thoughtful deliberations and contributions, including Professor Dr. Chan Yoke Fun, Chairperson of the viva voce session; Professor Dr. Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman, Deputy Dean (Postgraduate), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya; and Professor Dr. Victor Hoe Chee Wai Abdullah, Head of Department of Social and Preventive Medicine.
Congratulations and Looking Ahead
Alia Daniella’s success is a testament to her resilience, intellectual depth, and commitment to public health equity. We are confident that her work will inform national policies and shape the future of post-COVID care in Malaysia and beyond. As she embarks on the next chapter of her professional journey, we look forward to her continued contributions to research, policy, and practice.
May this achievement mark the beginning of even greater impact.
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