Siti Nur Fadzilah Muhsain’s research while affiliated with MARA University of Technology and other places

Skin care is integral for maintaining skin health and functionality, involving routines like cleansing, moisturising, and appropriate photoprotection. Pharmacy students, as future healthcare providers, play a crucial role to influence public perceptions and behaviours regarding skin health. Furthermore, an efficacious skin care regimen can have a positive impact on students’ quality of life which in turn can potentially affect their academic performance. To evaluate the awareness and practices related to skin care, a cross-sectional survey was conducted online among 154 Diploma of Pharmacy students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Pulau Pinang. The survey employed a mix of close-ended and open-ended questions to assess participants' knowledge regarding skin care, with data analysed using IBM SPSS software version 22. Among the 154 respondents, 80.5% were female, and the remaining 19.5% were male, with ages ranging from 19 to 23 years. A notable 95% of students recognised the importance of appropriate skin care for cleansing and moisturising, while 67.5% reported adhering to a proper daily skin care routine. Most agreed that improper practices could lead to various skin issues. Additionally, while 33.8% were unaware of the ideal sunscreen protection, 66.2% knew it should range between SPF 30 to 50. The majority relied heavily on the internet (95.5%) and influencers (74.7%) for skin care information. In terms of practice, students commonly washed their hands before skin care, and a significant portion (66%) believed that ideally, the face should be washed twice or more daily. Furthermore, 75.3% used cosmetic products, with the primary skin care products being cleansers (92.9%), sunscreen (84.4%), and moisturisers (77.9%). In conclusion, the study indicates satisfactory levels of knowledge and practice regarding skin care among participating students. Nonetheless, there is an opportunity to introduce additional educational programs aimed at enhancing students' understanding of appropriate skin care practices.

The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a new educational paradigm, initially exerting a negative impact on the mental well-being of students globally, including those enrolled in Malaysian universities. It is noteworthy that conventional, face-to-face learning at Universiti Teknologi MARA resumed in September 2022, which directly forced students’ transition from virtual learning during the pandemic to physical learning post pandemic. Consequently, this research project was undertaken with the objective of assessing the perceived stress levels among students pursuing a Diploma of Pharmacy at Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pulau Pinang (UiTMCPP) Bertam Campus. The study also explored into the origins of stress, encompassing both academic and non-academic factors, which students encountered in the post-pandemic era, as well as the strategies they employed to manage this stress. Data for this study were collected from 220 students through an online questionnaire, which incorporated the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to gauge their perceived stress levels, inquiries pertaining to academic and non-academic stressors, and investigations into the methods they adopted for stress management. Data from completed questionnaires were recorded into SPSS version 26 software for analysis. The outcomes of this research project revealed that a majority of the students reported experiencing a moderate level of stress. In summary, this study provides insights into the challenges confronted by Diploma of Pharmacy students at UiTMCPP Bertam Campus, with a specific emphasis on their perceived stress levels, the factors contributing to their stress, and the coping mechanisms they employ. These findings offer valuable information concerning the mental health of students in this context and may serve as a basis for devising strategies to support their well-being during these demanding circumstances. Keywords: : Students; Stress; Stressors; Academic; Non-Academic; Coping Strategies