We are delighted to congratulate Dr Siti Khadijah binti Yusof Azuddin on the successful defence of her Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) thesis at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. Her work represents a significant contribution to public health, especially in the realm of digital safety and parental engagement.
Thesis Summary: Understanding and Measuring Parental Protection Behaviours
In a digital age where children’s exposure to the Internet begins at an increasingly younger age, concerns around Problematic Internet Use (PIU) are intensifying. Dr Siti Khadijah’s thesis, titled “Developing and Validating a Theory-Based Questionnaire on Malaysian Parents’ Protection Behaviours Against Children’s Problematic Internet Use”, addresses a critical gap in our understanding of how parents can act to mitigate online risks.
Grounded in the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), her research systematically developed and validated a 67-item questionnaire tailored to the Malaysian context. This tool offers a robust and culturally relevant framework to assess and understand parental behaviours aimed at preventing PIU in children.
Through rigorous methodology, ranging from systematic literature reviews to psychometric evaluations using exploratory factor analysis and PLS-SEM, her findings not only validate the tool’s reliability (Cronbach’s α: 0.90–0.95) but also shed light on the psychological and behavioural drivers behind parental protective actions. Importantly, her study demonstrated that Perceived Efficacy and Motivation to Comply significantly encourage protection behaviours, while Perceived Susceptibility may dampen them.
Candidate Achievements: Excellence Across the Board
Dr Siti Khadijah’s academic journey exemplifies excellence in both conceptual rigour and methodological precision. Her ability to synthesise complex behavioural theories into a practical and policy-relevant tool marks her as a thought leader in public health and digital parenting. The resulting questionnaire stands as one of the first validated tools of its kind in Malaysia, and her work sets the stage for deeper investigations and interventions in this domain.
A Vital Contribution to Public Health
Her research holds profound implications for policymakers, educators, and health professionals. With up to 90% of Malaysian adolescents reported to have moderate to high levels of PIU, the need for proactive, evidence-based parental interventions is urgent. Dr Siti Khadijah’s questionnaire equips stakeholders with the means to assess, educate, and empower parents, paving the way for more targeted public health programmes aimed at safe Internet use among children.
Her work also prompts broader discussions around digital literacy, parental self-efficacy, and cultural nuances in parenting—critical themes as Malaysia navigates the challenges of a hyper-connected generation.
Acknowledgement
We wish to acknowledge the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by Dr Siti Khadijah’s supervisors, Professor Dr Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki, Associate Professor Dr Nik Daliana Nik Farid, and Dr Muhd Zulfadli Hafiz Ismail, whose expertise and support were instrumental in the completion of her thesis.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Dr Rosnah Sutan of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, the External Examiner, and Dr Nur Afiqah Mohd Salleh, the Internal Examiner.
We would also like to thank the Committee of Examiners for their thorough evaluation and insightful feedback, including Professor Dr Azlina Amir Abbas, the Chairperson of the viva voce session; Associate Professor Dr Anand Sanmugam, Deputy Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya; Datuk Dr Anis Yusal Yusoff, Senate Representative and Executive Director of the International Institute of Public Policy & Management (INPUMA); and Dr Bala Murali Sundram, the Doctor of Public Health coordinator from the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine.
Congratulations and Looking Ahead
We warmly congratulate Dr Siti Khadijah Yusof Azuddin on this outstanding academic achievement. Her work not only enriches academic literature but also makes a tangible difference in family and public health settings. We look forward to seeing her continue to advance research in digital well-being, community health, and behavioural sciences.
As digital environments continue to evolve, Dr Siti Khadijah’s work offers both insight and inspiration: reminding us of the powerful role research can play in shaping healthier futures for the next generation.
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