Despite it being culturally forbidden, youth are voluntarily engaging in premarital sex which could lead to poor sexual behaviour in adult life. This nationwide study aimed to determine the prevalence of permissive attitude towards premarital sex among young university students and its associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021 to December 2021 among students attending higher education institutions in Malaysia using stratified random sampling. A self-administered online questionnaire was used that captured participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of sexual health, childhood abuse, and attitudes toward premarital sex. Data were analysed using SPSS 27. Results: Out of 1171 respondents, 42.4% have demonstrated permissive attitude towards premarital sex. Half had adequate knowledge on sexual health (50.2%). Among the four types of childhood abuse, only emotional abuse (p=0.02) was found more likely (AOR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.30-3.12, p=0.02) to have permissive attitude towards premarital sex. Being a Muslim (p<.001) and living in urban area (p=0.03) were protective factors against having permissive attitude towards premarital sex. Participants who have and adequate knowledge on sexual health (p<.001), smoke or vape (p=0.05) and consume alcohol (p<0.001) were more likely tohave permissive attitude towards premarital sex. Conclusion: Childhood abuse, especially emotional abuse, should not be underestimated. Permissiveness regarding premarital sex is of great concern. Permissiveness can lead to risky sexual behaviour. Preventive measures should be taken to promote positive attitudes toward premarital sex and to raise awareness about childhood abuse.

Introduction: Mental health disorders (MHDs) are a global health burden with an increasing prevalence. During the COVID-19 pandemic, depression was the commonest MHD, followed by anxiety and stress. This nationwide study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of depression, anxiety and stress among Malaysian students attending higher educational institutions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2021. Institutions were selected via stratified random sampling and students via convenience sampling. A self-administered questionnaire comprising questions on socio-demographic characteristics, academic background, substance abuse, childhood abuse, religiosity and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 was used. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27; descriptive, point-biserial correlation, chi-square and multiple binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: Sex and adverse childhood experiences significantly predicted all three MHDs (P<0.05). The students from public institutions (odds ratio [OR]=0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.56–0.90, P=0.004) had a lower risk of depression than those from private institutions. The smokers/vapers (OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.02–2.02, P=0.041) a higher risk of depression than the non-smokers/non-vapers. The social science students (OR=1.29, 95% CI=1.01–1.65, P=0.039) had a higher risk of anxiety than the science students. The students who highly engaged in organisational religious activity (OR=0.91, 95% CI=0.84–0.98, P=0.015) had a lower risk of anxiety than their counterparts. Conclusion: Anxiety is the commonest MHD among Malaysian youth, followed by depression and stress. Childhood abuse is a crucial related factor requiring further attention. Screening, surveillance, preventive measures and comprehensive interventions for MHDs should be initiated among youth.

Introduction Sexual risk behaviour (SRB) is a high-risk act that often led to many reproductive health psychological related issues. Such behaviour is becoming higher among university students, and this has been one of the major public health concerns worldwide. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sexual risk behaviour (SRB), and the factors associated to this behaviour among students attending universities in Malaysia. This was a nationwide research study which may serve as a baseline local data which for policy makers to strengthen the current sexual reproductive health intervention and prevention programmes. Methods A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted in 28 universities in Malaysia. Stratified random sampling was applied. It was an online questionnaire that consisted of participants’ socio-demographic background, academic background, substance abuse, history of childhood abuse, religiosity, knowledge on sexuality, attitude on pre-marital sex, parents’ parenting behaviour, peer influence and SRB. Data was analysed using SPSS 29 software. Descriptive statistics were computed for all variables, whereby the association between SRB and variables above were analysed using logistic regression analysis. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results This study recruited 1172 respondents. The prevalence of SRB among the university students was found to be 7.2%. The respondents’ mean age was 20.16 ± 1.66. Smoking/vaping history (AOR 5.91 (3.49–10.01)), alcohol use (AOR 1.93 (1.10–3.40)), age (AOR: 1.88 (1.14–3.12)), peer pressure (AOR 1.10 (1.04–1.17)), father care (0.96 (0.93–0.99)) and non-organized religious activity (NORA) (AOR 0.72 (0.63–0.84)) were found to be statistically significant. Protective factors were father care and NORA. The higher the father care and NORA, the less likelihood the students would engage in SRB. Conclusion Prevalence of SRB among university students was 7.2% and the factors associated with SRB were age, smoking status, alcohol use, peer pressure, fathercare and NORA. Preventive plans of such behaviour must be made parallel to the needs of the youth as this generation represents the future of the country.