The Department would like to congratulate Arwa Yahya Hussein Al Deram on the successful completion of her Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) viva voce at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya on 23 April 2026.
Her thesis, “Factors Associated with Nurturing Care for Early Childhood Development among Yemeni Children Under Five Years Old in Klang Valley: A Mixed Methods Study”, offers a timely and important contribution to the field of early childhood development in displacement contexts. Guided by the Nurturing Care Framework, the study examines five key domains: health, nutrition, early learning, safety, and responsive caregiving.
Employing a rigorous explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the research combined instrument validation, a cross-sectional survey of 117 caregivers, and in-depth interviews with 12 participants. The findings highlight critical concerns, including suboptimal nutrition, low exclusive breastfeeding rates, and the prevalence of violent disciplinary practices. At the same time, the study identifies key determinants such as parental education, family structure, and social support, while qualitative insights underscore financial constraints, limited access to services, and strong maternal commitment as central influences on caregiving practices.
Contribution to Public Health
This study makes a valuable contribution to public health by addressing a significant evidence gap on nurturing care among displaced communities. Its findings provide a strong foundation for targeted interventions, particularly for organisations supporting migrant populations. By illuminating the socio-economic and caregiving challenges faced by vulnerable families, the research supports efforts to improve child development outcomes and reduce health inequities.
Acknowledgement
We wish to acknowledge the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by Arwa Yahya Hussein Al Deram supervisors, Professor Dr Hazreen Abdul Majid, Professor Dr Mas Ayu Said, and Dr Ng Ai Kah, whose expertise and support were instrumental in the completion of her thesis.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Dr Aisha Khizar Yousafzai (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health) and Dr Catherine Thamarai Arumugam.
We would also like to thank the Committee of Examiners for their thorough evaluation and insightful feedback, including Professor Dr Julia Anak Patrick Engkasan, the Chairperson of the viva voce session, and Professor Dr Victor Hoe Chee Wai Abdullah, Head of Department.
Congratulations and Future Outlook
Once again, congratulations to Dr. Arwa Yahya Hussein Al Deram on this outstanding achievement. Her work not only reflects academic excellence but also holds meaningful potential to inform policies and interventions that support vulnerable children and families. We look forward to her continued contributions to public health and early childhood development.
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