Stress, anxiety, and depression (SAD) have a negative impact on the learning and academic performance of university students. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence, as well as the risk factors associated with SAD among a cohort of students pursuing undergraduate degree courses in health sciences. This is part of the strategy in building a healthy nation. A questionnaire containing socio-demographic factors and the short version of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to assess the likelihood of psychological distress. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the risk factors of SAD. In total, 449 students completed the questionnaire (93.9% response rate). Of these, 65% had stress, 85.1% had anxiety and 51.4% had depression. Most cases of stress (74.6%) and depression (66.2%) were of normal-to-mild level, while 74.6% of them showed moderate-to-extremely severe anxiety. There was a statistically significant association between stress score and the year of study. In the regression analysis, poor sleep quality and fatigue were risk factors of anxiety and depression, whereas low-grade fever and frequent headaches were risk factors for stress and anxiety. Stress, anxiety, and depression scores were significantly higher among students studying medical imaging. A substantial proportion of health science students are suffering from SAD. This study recommends screening and close monitoring of the above-mentioned predictors and the formulation of comprehensive intervention strategies for students with SAD.

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The education system has existed for centuries. However, despite the rapid change in our technology, lifestyle and needs in the workforce, it has failed to adapt accordingly. The current system relies heavily on industrial-age values where students are expected to follow instructions and are stripped of their agency rather than being encouraged to actively participate in their learning process. As a result, students end up lacking motivation and engagement. Persuasive design focuses on influencing human behavior to improve long-term engagement through various mechanisms. Here, we have embedded the design in the form of gamification elements into the classroom mechanic to aid in the assessment and modulation of student behavior. “ExP”, a points-based incentive system tied to all aspects of the classroom mechanics was designed to work in tandem with existing student behavior. Accurate balancing of the system effectively grants students agency and allows more clarity in their classroom interactions and stratagem. The study assesses the effectiveness of the system in improving the academic performance of Diploma-level students. A group of 21 repeating students was observed for an entire semester. A paired sample t-test using SPSS was performed to draw the results. The final exam scores indicates a significant difference in the scores before (M=42.52, SD= 3.82) and after (M=50.14, SD=11.23) the implementation the gamification system with p=0.004. It can be concluded that the incorporation of persuasive design in the form of gamification has potential to significantly improve students’ academic performance.

Outdoor Education (OE) is usually associated with challenging activities and developing skills among students.  It also teaches learning through the interaction with the nature world which helps to educate for environmental appreciation. Is the frequency of involvement can determine the appreciation among its participants?  So, the objectives of this study are to identify the involvement of outdoor activities, its enjoyment of participation and its relationship with nature appreciation among undergraduate students in a higher learning institution in Malaysia. One hundred and sixty-nine (n=169) students who participated in this study were from a Physical and Health Education Program. Results from the study indicated high levels of participation with much pleasure from diverse outdoor activities in water and land based. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed between each type of water and land-based activity with nature appreciation. Analyses were found to have significant relation of several activities with nature appreciation. Findings indicated a significant but weak relationship between the overall activities and nature appreciation among the students. It was suggested that integrating together new area of studies related to mother nature should be incorporated during the activities.

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The purpose of this study is to determine students' attitude towards the implementation of Physical Education in secondary schools. It is also to identify the relationship between students' attitude and the following factors in Physical Education, namely the objective, content of curriculum, teachers, teaching period and equipment and facilities in schools. A sample random technique consists of 322 Form Four secondary school students in Selangor were selected. A set of questionnaires was used to assess students' attitudes and factors that influence that attitude towards the implementation of Physical Education in school. Descriptive statistical analysis and correlation analysis were employed to analyze the data. Results of this study showed that the mean score value of students' attitude towards implementation of Physical Education was high. The correlation analysis showed that factors such as Physical Education objective, contents of curriculum, Physical Education teachers, teaching period and equipment and facilities had significant positive relations with students' attitudes. The results of this study provide useful information about the existing attitudes of students towards PE implementation. Recommendations for educational leadership and PE teachers are made based on the findings.

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