The Maldives National Journal of Research
The Maldives National Journal of Research (MNJR) is the official research journal of the Maldives National University. MNJR is a multidisciplinary journal of research in all disciplines relevant to the Maldives. The journal is a peer reviewed journal that publishes two issues each year. The journal publishes research articles, literature reviews and book reviews.
Reflect - Act - Transform: Digital Entrepreneurship as a Learning Tool for the 21st Century Graduate
In today’s rapidly evolving digital economy, higher education institutions face the growing challenge of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications to prepare graduates for the demands of the modern workforce. Literature emphasizes the importance of developing an entrepreneurial mindset in the digital age while noting that traditional teaching methods often fall short in cultivating real-world readiness. Experiential learning is viewed as vital for students’ development, and studies highlight both strengths and gaps in Malaysian entrepreneurship education. Therefore, this study explores how digital entrepreneurship acts as a dynamic experiential learning platform that fosters critical reflection and perspective transformation. Grounded in Jack Mezirow’s Transformative Learning Theory, the study adopted a qualitative design involving 20 purposively selected student entrepreneurs from various academic disciplines. Data collected through in-depth interviews and participant observation were transcribed and thematically analyzed. Findings show that sustained engagement in digital entrepreneurship promotes deep self-reflection, challenges existing assumptions, and cultivates adaptive thinking and behavior. Participants noted the improvements in skills that are frequently undeveloped in traditional classroom learning, including crisis management, independent decision-making, creativity, intercultural communication, and self-confidence. The findings show that digital entrepreneurship is a life-changing educational experience rather than just a way of developing skills. With practice through real-world challenges and interactions, students develop the motivation to experience mindset transformations. This approach not only increases comprehension but also fosters hands-on experience and higher-quality education, which encourages lifelong learning, boosts marketability, graduate competitiveness, and enables rapid curriculum development. This paper advocates embedding experiential digital entrepreneurship in higher education curricula to better equip graduates as reflective, proactive, and resilient contributors in the 21st-century digital economy.
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Generational Perceptions of Digital Ethics and Employee Well-Being in AI-Enabled Health and IT Workplaces: A Systematic Review
In 21st-century workplaces, where the pace of digital change is fast, ethical issues are exponential, with 70% workers indicating unease due to AI. In particular, millennials and Gen Z expressed 30% more ethical and trust-related concerns in AI workplaces. Although AI rapid integration in workplaces has increased lately, including Healthcare and IT, generational differences in digital ethics perceptions remain a neglected aspect of influencing employee well-being, and that is what this review seeks to determine with the following objectives: i) to synthesize existing research on generational attitudes toward digital ethics in AI-driven healthcare and IT workplaces. ii) to examine the relationship between generational attitudes toward digital ethics and employee well-being, including stress, trust, and job satisfaction, among employees aged 24 to 55 in AI-driven health and IT workplaces, and iii) to identify research gaps and provide practical recommendations for organizations to foster ethical AI adoption through training, clear policies, and inclusive practices in multigenerational workplaces. Following the PRISMA framework, a systematic review was conducted, and data were sourced across three databases, i.e., ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar, using keywords “digital ethics”, generational differences”, well-being, and AI workplaces with Boolean operators. A total of 33 full-text studies were included that met the inclusion criteria. The results showed a significant generational disparity in the interpretation of digital ethics, with the younger employees being more accepting and the older generation being more concerned about AI-related privacy and transparency. Such perceptual differences affect employees’ psychological well-being, trust, stress, and job satisfaction, more particularly in the field of healthcare, regarding ethical sensitivity related to patient data privacy.
The Managerial and Operative Challenges of Human Resources Management in the Guesthouse Sector in the Maldives
The study aims to examine the managerial and operative challenges of human resources management (HRM) in the guesthouse sector of the Maldives. Adopting and adhering to best practices in human resources management enables businesses to thrive and succeed. Uncompetitive salaries, coupled with a lack of proactive Human Resource (HR) planning and training for optimal performance, contribute to various HRM issues. In addition to this, the differences in work ethics and culture create a problematic workplace environment for both local and expatriate staff. The study employed an inductive approach, facilitating qualitative research. The study employed a multiple case study research strategy, as new information is likely to be gained from incremental cases. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 guesthouse owners and managers of small and medium-sized guesthouses in the Greater Male' area and nearby local islands, selected via purposive sampling to capture the diverse operational aspects. Thematic analysis revealed seven key themes: HR planning and recruitment, organisational structure, leadership and motivation, compensation management, training and development, administrative systems, and ethical labour relations through cultural and cross-cultural integrity. Guesthouses that balance operational costs with competitive compensation packages, while focusing on service quality, reflect the magnitude of interconnectedness in HRM. There is a need for proactive management to improve employee engagement and business performance. The study highlights the importance of professional-level support and effective HR interventions in enhancing the performance of guesthouse operations in the Maldives.
The Structure of Finite Verb Clauses in Dhivehi Complex Sentences: A Corpus Analysis
The identification of finite verbs, finite verb clauses, sentences, and sentence structures presents numerous challenges and remains the subject of ongoing academic debate. While some languages follow a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order, others, such as those with a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) structure, are categorised as verb-final languages. Word order differs across languages in other ways as well. A simple sentence consists of an independent clause containing a subject and a predicate. In contrast, complex sentences are formed by combining one or more dependent clauses with at least one independent clause. This study aims to examine the structure of finite verb clauses within complex sentences in Dhivehi, specifically focusing on the syntactic changes that occur when clauses are combined and the roles of these clauses in the overall sentence structure. The research adopts a corpus linguistics methodology, utilising data from two distinct corpora: one comprising 2,600 sentences from literary and academic writings spanning from 1950 to 2022, and the other consisting of over 10,000 sentences extracted from the ‘Faththoora’ magazine. The sentences from the first corpus were manually tagged in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and finite verb clauses were identified using Excel’s filter tool. To support the analysis, further examples were extracted from the second corpus where needed. The collected clauses were then grouped, tabulated, and analysed based on their syntactic structure and functional roles within the complex sentences. The primary finding of this study is that finite verb clauses in Dhivehi complex sentences predominantly appear as independent clauses placed at the end of the sentence. Additionally, 11 distinct types of dependent clauses were identified, which can function as subjects or objects of finite verb clause. The study further reveals that dependent clauses can be used in various ways, such as to express reasons, function as adverbials, adjuncts, indicate reported speech and clause chaining. These findings have important implications for linguists, educators, and those involved in the study or use of written Dhivehi. By outlining the syntactic principles and rules governing the use of finite verb clause and dependent clauses in Dhivehi complex sentences, this study provides valuable insights for both theoretical research and practical application in language teaching. ދިވެހިބަހުގެ ކޯނި ޖުމުލައިގައި ހުއްޓޭކަން ބަސްކޯޅީގެ ތަރުކީބު: ބަސްމާފާނު ތަޙުލީލެއް މުޖުމަލު ހުއްޓޭކަމާއި ހުއްޓޭކަން ބަސްކޯޅިއާއި ޖުމުލައާއި ޖުމުލައިގެ އޮނިގަނޑުގެ ތަރުކީބު ދެނެގަތުމަކީ ގިނަގުނަ ގޮންޖެހުންތަކެއް ހުރި އަދި ގިނަ ބަހުސްތައް ހުށަހެޅެމުންދާ ދާއިރާއެކެވެ. ބައެއް ބަސްބަހަކީ ހުއްޓޭކަމުގެ ލަފުޒު މެދަށް ގެނެސްގެން ޖުމުލަ ތަރުކީބުކުރާ ބަސްބަހެވެ. އެއީ ކަންކުރާ ('ސަބްޖެކްޓް')، ކަން ('ވަރބް')، ކަންކުރެވޭ ('އޮބްޖެކްޓް')، މި ގޮތަށް ޖުމުލައިގައި ލަފުޒުތައް ތަރުކީބުކުރާ ބަސްބަހެވެ. އަނެއް ބައި ބަސްބަހަކީ، ކަންކުރާ، ކަންކުރެވޭ، ކަން، މި ގޮތަށް ތަރުކީބުކުރާ ބަސްބަހެވެ. އަދި މި ނޫން ގޮތްގޮތަށް ވެސް ބަސްބަހުގައި ލަފުޒު ތަރުކީބުކުރެވެއެވެ. އިސްބަޔަކާއި ޚަބަރެއް އެކުލެވޭ ކޮންމެ މިނިވަން ބަސްކޯޅިއަކީ ސާދާ ޖުމުލައެކެވެ. އަދި ކޮންމެ ބަހެއްގައި ވެސް މިނިވަން ބަސްކޯޅިއާ އެކު ބަރޯސާ ބަސްކޯޅިތައް ބޭނުންކޮށްގެން ކޯނި ޖުމުލަ އުފައްދައެވެ. ވީމާ، މި ދިރާސާގެ މަގުސަދަކީ ދިވެހިބަހުގެ ކޯނި ޖުމުލައިގައި ހުއްޓޭކަން ބަސްކޯޅިއާ އެކު އެހެނިހެން ބަސްކޯޅިތައް ބޭނުންކޮށްގެން ޖުމުލަ ހެދުމުގައި ބަސްކޯޅިތައް ތަރުކީބުކުރެވޭ ގޮތާއި ބަސްކޯޅިތައް ތަރުކީބުކުރުމުގައި ބަސްކޯޅިތަކަށް ގެނެވޭ ބަދަލުތަކާއި ބަސްކޯޅީގެ ދައުރުތައް ދެނެގަތުމެވެ. މިއީ ބަސްމާފާނު ބަހަވީޢިލްމު ('ކޯޕަސް ލިންގުއިސްޓިކްސް') ތަރީގާތު ބޭނުންކޮށްގެން ކޮށްފައިވާ ދިރާސާއެކެވެ. ޑޭޓާ ނެގީ އަދަބީ އަދި ޢިލްމީ ލިޔުންތައް ހިމަނައިގެން އެކުލަވައިލި ދެ ބަސްމާފާނަކުންނެވެ. އެއީ 1950ވަނަ އަހަރުން ފެށިގެން 2022ވަނަ އަހަރާ ހަމައަށް ކޮންމެ އަހަރަކުން ލިޔުން ހިމެނޭހެން 2600 ޖުމުލަ ހިމެނޭ ބަސްމާފާނަކާއި ފަތްތޫރަ މަޖައްލާއިން ނެގި 10000އަށް ވުރެ ގިނަ ޖުމުލަ ހިމެނޭ ބަސްމާފާނެކެވެ. ފުރަތަމަ ބަސްމާފާނުގެ ހުރިހާ ޖުމުލައެއް ވަކިވަކިން މައިކްރޮސޮފްޓް އެކްސެލް ޝީޓުގައި ރުކުރުވައިލައިގެން ބަސްކޯޅިތައް ވަކިކޮށް ޖުމުލަތައް ތަޙުލީލުކުރީމެވެ. އެއިން ހުއްޓޭކަން ބަސްކޯޅި ހިމެނޭ ޖުމުލަތައް، އެކްސެލްގެ ފިލްޓަރު އަދާތު ('ޓޫލް') ބޭނުންކޮށްގެން ވަކިކޮށްގެން ހޯދުންތައް ކަނޑައެޅީމެވެ. މީގެއިތުރުން ހޯދާން ބޭނުންވި އިތުރު މިސާލުތައް ނެގީ ދެވަނަ ބަސްމާފާނުންނެވެ. އެއަށް ފަހު، ޖުމުލަތަކުގައި ބަސްކޯޅިތައް ތަރުކީބުވެފައިވާ ގޮތަށާއި ޖުމުލައިގައި ބަސްކޯޅިތައް އަދާކުރާ ދައުރަށް ބަލައި ބަސްކޯޅިތައް ގުރޫޕުކޮށް ތާވާލުކޮށް މަޝްވަރާކުރީމެވެ. މި ދިރާސާގެ މައިގަނޑު ހޯދުމަކީ ދިވެހިބަހުގައި، ކޯނި ޖުމުލައިގައި އާންމުކޮށް ހުއްޓޭކަން ބަސްކޯޅި އަންނަނީ މިނިވަން ބަސްކޯޅީގެ ގޮތުގައި ޖުމުލަ ނިމޭ ބަހާގެ ގޮތުގައިކަމެވެ. އަދި ހުއްޓޭކަން ބަސްކޯޅިއާ އެކު ބަރޯސާ ބަސްކޯޅީގެ ގޮތުގައި ތަފާތު 11 ބާވަތުގެ ބަސްކޯޅި ބޭނުންކުރެވޭކަން ފާހަގަކުރެވުނެވެ. އަދި މި ބަރޯސާ ބަސްކޯޅިތައް ހުއްޓޭކަން ބަސްކޯޅީގެ ކަންކުރާގެ ގޮތުގައްޔާއި ކަންކުރެވޭގެ ގޮތުގައި އަދި އިތުރުބަހާގެ ގޮތުގައްޔާއި ބުނިބަސް އަންގައިދޭން ވެސް ބޭނުންކުރެވޭކަން ދެނެގަނެވުނެވެ. މީގެއިތުރުން ސަބަބު ބަޔާންކުރުމަށާއި ކަންއިތުރުގެ ގޮތުގައްޔާއި ބަސްކޯޅި ގެތުން ފަދަ ތަފާތު ގޮތްގޮތަށް ހުއްޓޭކަމާ އެކު ބަރޯސާ ބަސްކޯޅިތައް ބޭނުންކުރެވޭކަން ވެސް ފާހަގަކުރެވުނެވެ. މި އައު ހޯދުންތަކަކީ، ދިވެހިބަހުގެ އެދުރުންނަށާއި ދާރިސުންނަށާއި ދިވެހިބަހުން ލިޔެކިޔުން ބޭނުންކުރާ ކޮންމެ ފަރުދަކަށްމެ މުހިންމު ބޭނުންތެރި ހޯދުންތަކަކަށް ވާނެއެވެ. އެހެނީ ދިވެހިބަހުން ޢިބާރާތްކުރުމުގައި، ކޯނި ޖުމުލައިގައި ހުއްޓޭކަން ބަސްކޯޅިއާއި ހުއްޓޭކަން ބަސްކޯޅިއާ އެކު އެހެނިހެން ބަސްކޯޅިތައް ބޭނުންކުރާންވީ އުސޫލުތަކާއި ހަމަތައް މި ދިރާސާއިން ދެނެގަނެވޭނެއެވެ.
Birth Defect Surveillance in the Main Government Referral Hospital of Maldives from 2016 to 2024
We studied birth defects in the main tertiary government hospital, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) of Maldives from 2016 to 2024. All inborn live births in the 9-year period were included. Still births and miscarriages were excluded. ICD 10 was used for coding. There were 17188 live births, and 729 babies (4.24%) had birth defects described under Q code of ICD-10. A total of 1215 defects were noted. The number of females was 313 (43%) and there were 16 from twin deliveries. 312 defects (26% of all defects) were in preterm babies. Out of 710 mothers who delivered babies with birth defects, 107 (15%) had gestational diabetes. Median birth weight was 2,862 gm (range from 630gm to 5,000gm), and median gestational age was 37.5 weeks (range from 25 to 41 weeks) for neonates with birth defects. Looking at neonatal outcomes, 24 had hypoglycaemia (3.3%), 21 had hypothermia (2.9%), 27 babies died before discharge (3.7%). The most common cause for neonatal deaths with birth defects was lung hypoplasia (total 6 patients, 22% of deaths). Two deaths were due to diaphragmatic hernia and another 2 had Potter’s syndrome. 82 (11.2%) babies required bag and mask ventilation. The overall incidence of total birth defects in our study was 42.4 per 1000 live births. This includes significant and non-significant birth defects under the ICD code Q. The most common were congenital malformations of the circulatory system, which consists of 28.7% of defects with an incidence of 20 per 1000 live births. Birth defects were common in our study. Respiratory system defects were the cause for highest mortality.
Factors Affecting Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Presented a Large Tertiary Hospital in Male’
Diabetes has now become increasingly prevalent worldwide, with South Asians at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Maldives itself has a recorded prevalence of diabetes at 6.7% in 2021. Given the increasing morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes-related complications, there is a critical need for improved glycemic control strategies. This study aimed to determine the status of glycemic control and identify key factors influencing the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus presenting to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). This, hospital-based retrospective cohort study included 440 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented to IGMH, between 01st January to 31st December 2024. Data on all the variables considered in the study were obtained through direct patient interviews using a structured questionnaire and hospital medical records by employing a census sampling method. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM® SPSS® version 30.0. The Chi-square test of independence was used to assess associations between variables and glycemic control, followed by logistic regression models for further analysis. Poor glycemic control, defined as HbA1c >7% or FBS >130 mg/dL, was observed in 51% of patients based on FBS and in 22% based on HbA1c. The findings of the study showed that, there was a strong association between poor glycemic control and non-adherence to diet [OR=3.16, p<0.001, CI:1.66-6.01], exercise [OR=1.85, p=0.006, CI:1.20-2.85], long duration of illness [OR=1.99, p=0.003, CI:1.26-3.15], combination therapy with oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin [OR=23.22, p<0.001, CI:8.34-64.63] and compliance to treatment [OR=3.03, p<0.001, CI:1.62-5.65]. These results highlighted the importance of compliance to treatment, lifestyle modifications, and early intervention in managing glycemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients presenting to IGMH. Addressing these factors, therefore, could lead to improved disease management and better long-term health outcomes.
Impact of E-Training Quality on the Sustainability of the Corporate E-Training Programmes: A Conceptual Review
Technology has profoundly transformed corporate training practices within organizations. A significant impact was seen in training practices managed by Human Resources (HR), leading to altered organizational training cultures and emphasizing the need for new approaches. The transition from traditional to e-training methods has yielded considerable financial and non-financial benefits for organizations. However, it is of utmost importance to ensure the sustainability of corporate training programs alongside these benefits. This conceptual review examines the impact of e-training quality dimensions and the sustainability of corporate e-training programs, highlighting key factors influencing their continued adoption and effectiveness. The study synthesizes existing literature, drawing on frameworks such as Information Systems Success (ISS) Model and Perceived Value Theory, Stakeholder Theory and the Social Cognitive Theory, alongside concepts from sustainability science, to evaluate relevant quality indicators within the sustainable e-training programmes. The review identifies core e-training quality factors, including learner quality, instructor quality, information quality, system quality, and institutional quality as crucial to employee engagement and knowledge retention. It also reveals a significant gap in the integration of e-training quality models with corporate sustainability in the current literature. The sustainability of corporate e-training programmes core factors including equal training opportunities, long-term oriented training, an integrated approach to training, a focus on well-being, environmentally-oriented training, and team building . Key academic databases were used, including; JSTOR, Taylor & Francis, Emeralds, Oxford Journals, Science Direct, Google Scholar and reviewed 100 paper from 2005 onwards. The paper proposes a conceptual framework linking e-training quality dimensions to the sustainability of e-training programme outcomes. In this framework, e-training quality is identified as the independent variable, while the sustainability of e-training programmes serves as the dependent variable. Learning organisations and technology self-efficacy function as moderating variables, and perceived value of e-training act as the mediating variable. The literature suggests that the proposed variables are interrelated; however, these relationships have not yet been empirically tested. The study calls for empirical validation and further research to explore how these factors interact across diverse corporate contexts.
IFRS Adoption on the Individual Financial Statements: A comparison to the Hungarian GAAP
IFRS has gradually become the global standard for financial reporting. Hungary adopted IFRS for the individual financial reporting of listed entities in 2017. The objective of this paper is to assess the impacts of IFRS adoption on the individual financial statements of Hungarian listed entities. We study this using a statistical methodology composed of two parts, between the Hungarian Accounting Act (HAA) and the IFRS financial statements. We use a sample of 24 companies listed on the Budapest Stock Exchange (BSE). The first part concerning the Gray’s comparability index was used to assess the degree of conservatism after IFRS adoption. Results showed neutrality for most of the variables, indicating a limited impact of IFRS adoption. The second part, concerning the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, was tested using a subset of variables for 2015, and the complete set of variables for 2016. The results were inconclusive. The 2016 dataset had statistical significance for more favourable IFRS values in numerous variables. Significant findings include differences in profit, return on equity, and solvency ratio 2 (liability to equity) at a 10% significance level. However, the 2015 dataset had no statistical significance for any of the variables tested. Consequently, we applied the Holm-Bonferroni method on the 2016 results for further robustness, due to the possibility of interdependence in the variables. The results showed no statistical significance, confirming the findings from 2015. This highlights a methodological complexity overlooked by similar studies, which do not consider controlling for false positives in the results with tests such as the Holm-Bonferroni method. To conclude, the absence of statistical significance for 2015 and 2016 strongly implies a limited initial impact of IFRS on individual financial statements in the case of Hungary.
Epidemiology and Visual Impairment of Ocular Toxoplasmosis in the Maldives: A Descriptive and Analytical Study
Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) caused by the protozoon Toxoplasma gondii is the leading cause of permanent blindness in the Maldives.3 This study aims to describe the epidemiology of OT in the Maldives. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study comprising 60 participants, which utilized census sampling to identify patients diagnosed with OT, enlisted on HINAI,the database of the government tertiary hospital in the capital city of Maldives, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), as well as from VINAVI,the database of the universal health insurance scheme of Maldives, Aasandha between the years 2021 to 2024. The study demonstrates the association of the visual outcomes of OT based on age, gender, socioeconomic factors, contact with pets, comorbidities and clinical manifestations. Sociodemographic data was collected via phone interviews following verbal consent and the clinical data was extracted from the respective databases. Our findings revealed that severe visual impairment in OT was most commonly observed among lower income groups, elderly patients above the age of 55 years, equally distributed between both genders; male and female and in patients from southern Maldives compared to central and northern Maldives. In addition, severe visual impairment was observed in patients with chronicity of the disease for more than five years. Significant correlation was found between visual acuity and the location of lesion, type of scar and having an underlying comorbidity such as diabetes.
Shifting Patterns in Payment Method Usage Before, During and After COVID-19: Insights from Maldives Transaction Data
This study investigates shifts in payment method usage in the Maldives before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic using a Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) framework. The analysis draws on aggregated quarterly transaction data from 2017 to 2024, obtained from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), which includes ATM withdrawals (used as a proxy for cash), debit cards, cheques, and account transfers. Expenditure shares for each payment method are computed and analysed within the SUR framework. The model incorporates real income, inflation, pandemic and post-pandemic period dummy variables, and a time trend as explanatory factors. The results indicate a substantial and statistically significant decline in the use of cash and cheques during the pandemic, followed by further reductions in the post-COVID period. In contrast, account transfers exhibited a sustained and sharp increase. Debit card usage, however, showed no statistically significant change, suggesting limited behavioural substitution in that category. These findings identify the pandemic as a structural break that accelerated the adoption of digital payment methods in the Maldives. The evidence also points to a strong and lasting shift away from traditional payment methods toward digital alternatives in the Maldives. While such trends have been documented in larger economies, there is limited research on payment-dynamics in small island nations like the Maldives. This study contributed to the gap in literature by providing empirical evidence of how the pandemic catalysed a lasting transformation in payment practices in the Maldives—a small, tourism-dependent economy. The findings of the study underscore the need to strengthen digital financial infrastructure and ensure inclusive access during the ongoing transition.
Language Decay: A Qualitative Study of Challenges in Intergenerational Transmission of Dhivehi
This study explores the gradual decline of the Dhivehi language and the challenges of transmitting it effectively to the next generations. Drawing from scholarly perspectives on language death and sociolinguistic change, particularly the comprehensive works of UNESCO, Fishman, and Labov, the research situates the case of Dhivehi within global patterns of linguistic decay. The paper investigates whether Dhivehi is undergoing a shift towards obsolescence due to increasing influence from dominant foreign languages, particularly English. Using an exploratory qualitative approach, the study analyses naturally occurring speech data from 11 publicly available video clips featuring 21 speakers representing a range of age groups, from children to the elderly. By transcribing and examining these samples, the research identifies patterns of code-switching and code-mixing, highlighting the degree to which Dhivehi is being sidelined in daily conversation, especially among the younger population. The findings reveal that while older speakers tend to maintain clearer use of Dhivehi, younger speakers, especially children, frequently alternate between English and Dhivehi, or default or shift entirely to English. The speech analysis indicates not only a weakening of linguistic transmission but also indicate an inadequacy in the availability and usage of appropriate Dhivehi vocabulary for everyday modern life. The study also notes limitations in institutional and societal efforts to elevate the status of Dhivehi in both spoken and written forms. The findings suggest a pressing need for institutional and societal initiatives to revitalise and elevate the status of Dhivehi, particularly in response to the growing dominance and perceived prestige of English in media, education, and digital communication. The findings have implications for stronger language planning, public awareness campaigns, and integration of Dhivehi into contemporary domains to ensure intergenerational transmission and cultural continuity. ބަސް ފަނިކެއުން: އަންނަން އޮތް ޖީލަށް ދިވެހިބަސް ފޯރުވުމަށް ހުރި ގޮންޖެހުންތަކުގެ ސިފަވީ ދިރާސާއެއް މުޖުމަލު މި ދިރާސާގެ ބޭނުމަކީ އަންނަން އޮތް ޖީލުތަކަށް ދިވެހިބަސް ފޯރުވުމުގައި ގޮންޖެހުންތަކެއް ހުރިކަމަށް ވަކާލާތުކޮށް، މަސްލަހަތުވެރިންގެ ސަމާލުކަމަށް ގެނައުމެވެ. ޔުނެސްކޯގެ 'އެންޑެންޖަރޑް ލޭންގުއެޖަސް' މަޝްރޫއާއި މި ދާއިރާގެ ޢިލްމުވެރީން ބަހުގެ އިޖުތިމާއީ ބަދަލުތަކާ ބެހޭގޮތުން ހުށަހަޅުއްވާފައިވާ ޢިލްމީ ނަޒަރިއްޔާތުތަކަށް ބުރަވެ، މި ދިރާސާގެ މަގުސަދަކީ ނެތިދިއުމުގެ މަރުޙަލާތަކަށް ދިވެހިބަސް ހުރަހެޅިފައިވޭތޯ ބެލުމާ އެކު، އެކަން އެ ގޮތަށް ފެންނަ ނަމަ، ދިވެހިބަހުގެ ނެތިދިއުމުގެ ނުވަތަ ބަސް 'ފަނިކެއުމުގެ' އަދުގެ ހާލަތު ގިންތިކުރުމެވެ. ބަސް ނެތިދިއުމަށް މެދުވެރިވާ ސަބަބުތަކުގެ ތެރޭގައި، ބަސް މައްސުނިކުރުމާއި ބަސް ބަދަލުވެ ފުރޮޅުމުގެ މަރުޙަލާތަކެއް ކަޑައްތުކުރެއެވެ. މި ދިރާސާ ކުރިއަށްގެންދިޔައީ 'އެކްސްޕްލޮރޭޓަރީ' ސިފަވީ ދިރާސާއެއްގެ ގޮތުގައި، އިޖުތިމާއީބަހަވީ ބަސްދީގަތުމުގެ ތަރީގާ އަސްލަކަށް ބަލައިގެންނެވެ. މިގޮތުން، އެކި އުމުރުގެ 21 މީހެއްގެ ބަސްމޮށުމުގައި ދިވެހިބަސް ބޭނުންކުރާ ގޮތާއި ދިވެހިބަހާ އެކު އެހެން ބަހެއް ބޭނުންކުރުމުގައި ކޯޑު-ސުއިޗުކުރުމާއި ކޯޑު-މައްސުނިކުރުމުގެ މިންވަރު އަދި ސިޔާގު ތަޙުލީލުކުރީމެވެ. އެގޮތުން ދިވެހީންގެ ދުވަހީ ދިރިއުޅުމުގެ މުއާޞަލާތު ފެންނަ، 11 ވީޑިއޯ ކިލިޕެއް ހޮވީ ސަބަބީ ސުންކުގެ އިސްތިރާޖަށް ބުރަވެއެވެ. ހޯދުންތަކުން ފެންނަގޮތުގައި، ކުޑަކުދިންނާއި ޒުވާން އާބާދީގެ މެދުގައި ދިވެހިބަސް އެއްފަރާތްކުރެވެމުންދާ ކަމާއި، އުމުރުން ދުވަސްވީ މީހުން ސާފު ދިވެހިބަހުން މުއާޞަލާތުކުރާއިރު، މެދުއުމުރުގެ މީހުންގެ ބަސްމަގުގައި އިނގިރޭސިބަހާއި ދިވެހިބަހުގެ ކޯޑު-މައްސުނިކުރުމާއި، ޒުވާނުން ކޯޑު-ސުއިޗުކުރުން ގިނަ ކަމަށާއި، ކުޑަކުދިންގެ މެދުގައި އޮތީ ބަސް މައްސުނިކުރުމަށް ވުރެ ބޮޑަށް ބަސް ފުރޮޅުން ކަމުގައި ހާމަވެއެވެ. އަދި، ބިދޭސީ މަސައްކަތްތެރިންނަށް ބަރޯސާވެފައިވާ ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ މުޖުތަމަޢުގައި ޚިދުމަތް ހޯދުމަށް ޓަކައި ދިވެހިބަސް ނުފުދޭ ކަމުގެ އިޝާރާތްތައް ވެސް ފެނެއެވެ. މީގެ އިތުރުން، ދިވެހި ކުޑަކުދީން ދިވެހިބަސް ދޫކޮށް، އިނގިރޭސިބަސް އިސްކުރާ ކަމާއި، އިނގިރޭސިބަހަކީ އެ ކުދިންގެ މާދަރީބަހުގެ ގޮތުގައި ދޭހަވާ މިންވަރަށް އިނގިރޭސިބަހުގެ އަޑުމަޚުރަޖަށް އަހުލުވެރިވުމާއި ދިވެހިބަހަށް ބީރައްޓެހިކަން ފެނެއެވެ. މި ކަންކަމުން ދޭހަވަނީ ޖީލުތަކުގެ ދެމެދު ބަސް ފޯރުވުމުގައި ދިވެހިބަހަށް ގޮންޖެހުން ދިމާވަމުންދާ ކަމާއި އަދުގެ ޓެކްނޮލޮޖީގެ ބަވަނަ ދުނިޔޭގެ ދުވަހީ ދިރިއުޅުމާއި ދުނިޔަވީ ކަންކަމުގައި ފުދުންހުރި މިންވަރަށް ދިވެހިބަހުގެ ބަސްކޮށާރު މުއްސަނދިވެފައި ނުވުމާ އެކު، ބަސް ފަނިކެއުމާއި މަރުވުމުގެ މަރުޙަލާތަކުގެ ނިޝާންތައް އަދު ފެންނަކަމެވެ. މިއީ ދިވެހިބަސް ނުރައްކަލަށްހުރަހެޅުމުގެ ނިޝާންތަކެއް ކަމުގައި އިޝާރާތްކުރެއެވެ. މި ހޯދުންތަކުގެ ސަބަބުން، ދިވެހިބަހުގެ ރޭވުން ހަރުދަނާކުރުމަށާއި ރައްޔިތުން ހޭލުންތެރިކުރުވުމުގެ ކެމްޕޭނުތައް ހިންގުމާއި، ޖީލުން ޖީލަށް ދިވެހިބަސް ފޯރުވުމަށް ޓަކައި ޒަމާނީ ކަންކަމުގެ ތެރޭގައި ދިވެހިބަސް ބޭނުންކުރުން އާންމުކުރުމުގައި އިދާރީ ގޮތުންނާއި އިޖުތިމާއީގޮތުން އިސްތިރާޖީ ވިސްނުން ކުރިއަށްނެރެ، ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޤައުމީބަސް ކަމުގައިވާ ދިވެހިބަހުގެ ޝަރަފާއި ގަދަރަށް ސަމާލުކަންދިނުމަށް މަގުދައްކައެވެ.
Embedding sustainability in architectural design: Insights from the Faculty of Engineering, Science and Technology (FEST)
This research investigated the integration of sustainability principles into architectural design education at the Faculty of Engineering, Science, and Technology (FEST) of the Maldives National University. A qualitative and exploratory case study methodology was utilised, using document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and observations from design studios to investigate the perceptions and applications of sustainability in architecture education among academics and students. The results indicate that FEST has embraced a holistic approach to sustainability. The faculty uses a variety of teaching strategies, such as community-based learning, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing the theory-practice gap identified in previous research. These strategies help students develop critical competencies, including systems thinking, critical reflection, and strategic planning, that are necessary for addressing complex sustainability challenges in the Maldivian built environment. While the programme demonstrates progress in developing sustainability-conscious architects, challenges remain in translating educational ideals into professional practice, especially in relation to social sustainability. This case study provides insights into effective strategies for incorporating sustainability within architectural design education in island contexts facing urgent sustainability challenges.
Social Reform Without Colonial Critique: Hussain Salahuddeen’s Dhivehi Novel Rivaayathu Nu’maan va Maryam, 1934
In early novels authored by upper-class and English-educated men in South Asian languages like Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, and Urdu, colonial modernity often surfaced in the form of didacticism—that is, the use of moral plots designed to raise awareness of social issues. The cross-lingual effort by male authors to impact morals of other male readers often focused on the reform of women, reforms that were shaped by the colonial critique of Indian society as backwards. The Dhivehi-language novel, Rivaayathu Nu’maan va Maryam, written in 1934 by the Maldivian nobleman Hussain Salahuddeen, also sought to persuade Maldivian noblemen that women should be educated. But unlike early Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, and Urdu social reform novels, Salahuddeen was not responding to a colonial critique of the Maldives. The British concern with and presence in the Maldives was circumscribed. Salahuddeen wrote the novel while exiled in Colombo, Ceylon after the Sultan of the Maldives banished him for co-authoring the first constitution. I argue that Salahuddeen’s articulation of social reform was frustration with the Maldivian monarchy coupled with admiration of colonial Colombo as a land of freedom. And I reveal that Salahuddeen’s novel advocated for the growth of cultural tourism to combat the country’s insularity in relation to cosmopolitan Colombo.
Embedding Sustainability in Teacher Education: A case study from the Maldives
This article explores the integration of Education for Sustainability (EfS) within teacher education at the Maldives National University (MNU). Using a qualitative case-study design, the research investigates the perspectives and experiences of academics and students of the Faculty of Education (FE) regarding the integration of EfS into teacher education programmes. Findings reveal that while sustainability-related content is embedded across the curriculum, traditional pedagogies limit opportunities for students to develop sustainability competencies. The study highlights the need for a more holistic approach to EfS, that emphasises the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic issues and promotes the consistent use of participatory pedagogies. Institutional support, continuous professional development for teacher educators, and a focus on real-world, praxis-oriented pedagogies are identified as essential for preparing pre-service teachers to become agents of change for a sustainable future. This research highlights the importance of investigating the long-term effects of EfS programs on teachers’ practices and students’ learning, as well as developing effective strategies to address barriers to EfS implementation within the Maldivian context. This study contributes to understanding the complexities of integrating EfS in teacher education and provides recommendations for enhancing teacher education for a sustainable future.
Perceptions of Graduate Attribute Acquisition among Physiotherapy Undergraduates at the Maldives National University
As students increasingly take responsibility for their own development, graduate attributes have become more prominent in higher education. However, research often overlooks students’ perspectives. This study examines how undergraduate physiotherapy students at the Maldives National University (MNU) perceive, understand, and acquire GA(s), with a focus on lifelong learning and professionalism. The study employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate undergraduate students’ perceptions of graduate attributes, focusing on their understanding, perceived importance, and processes of acquisition within higher education. A total of 16 participants completed the quantitative survey, and five took part in a focus group discussion. The mean age was 24.75 ±5.6 years, with 75% female participants. The discussions were recorded and transcribed. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was thematically analysed. Descriptive data analysis revealed that 56.3% (n=9) participants were not familiar with the graduate attributes while 25% (n=4) reported they were aware of it, and 18.8% (n=3) answered that they were not sure whether they knew about it. Through iterative coding and thematic categorisation, emergent themes highlighted the importance of attributes such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork, adaptability, and ethical decision-making. Furthermore, the thematic analysis identified factors that shape the development of graduate attributes. In conclusion, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on enhancing undergraduate education by presenting crucial perspectives from students as the primary stakeholders. Educators and policymakers need to understand students’ perspectives and experiences with graduate attributes to better prepare students for their future roles as professionals, leaders, and citizens in a dynamic world. This understanding can guide the design of interventions and programs that foster holistic development.
Musculoskeletal Pain Symptoms Among Health Science Undergraduates at MNU: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Musculoskeletal pain symptoms (MPS) are increasingly common in both occupational and educational settings. University students, particularly those enrolled in health science programs, face multiple risk factors that elevate their likelihood of developing MPS. These include long hours of computer use, prolonged sitting, high academic demands, and physically demanding clinical training. Considering the rising global prevalence of MPS, this study aimed to investigate the impact of MPS on health science students at the Maldives National University and to identify associated risk factors. Using stratified sampling, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate health science students from MNU’s Malé campuses. Data was collected from students through a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Chi-square tests were used to examine the associations between selected variables and 12-month MPS prevalence, with a significance threshold of p < .05. Among the 283 participants who completed the survey, 92.57% reported experiencing MPS in at least one body region during the past year. Among those affected, 66.23% indicated that the pain had interfered with their daily tasks. Lower back pain (18.5%) was the most reported, followed by neck (16.99%) and upper back pain (14.5%). MPS was significantly associated with increased stress, heavy physical workload at home, high screen time, and prolonged sitting. The study highlights an urgent need for preventive strategies addressing physical and psychological contributors to MPS among students. Interventions should include early education, ergonomic awareness, stress management, and promotion of healthy routines to reduce the long-term burden of MPS on future healthcare professionals.
Sustainability in Tourism Higher Education: Perspectives of Academics and Students, Pedagogical Approaches, and Institutional Priorities in a Neoliberal Context
This article investigates how sustainability education is conceptualised and implemented in tourism education at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (FHTS) of the Maldives National University. In this context, sustainability is significant yet underexplored in academic literature. This research utilized qualitative case study methodology, grounded in social constructionism and critical theory to investigate the perceptions and experiences of academics and students on Education for Sustainability (EfS). Data were generated via document analysis, semi-structured interviews with tourism academics and students, and classroom observations. The findings indicate that while individual commitment among faculty members is strong, there is a perceived absence of clear, long-term policy direction and insufficient institutional support for EfS. Students, on the other hand, appreciate the current focus on sustainability but call for more interactive and contextually relevant learning experiences. The tourism curriculum at FHTS includes sustainability content, notably in the Sustainable Tourism Development module. However, traditional pedagogical approaches limit opportunities for students to develop critical sustainability competencies. The study identifies tensions between neoliberal influences driving institutional priorities and the transformative pedagogies required for effective sustainability education. These findings emphasise the need for more integrated approaches to sustainability in tourism higher education, particularly in the context of Maldives where tourism development has a direct impact on environmental and social sustainability.
The Impact of Problem-Based Learning on Improving the Critical Thinking Skills of Undergraduate Nursing Students
Critical thinking is an essential skill in nursing practice to enhance patient safety and outcomes. Traditional lecture-based teaching methods are usually insufficient to acquire these skills, whereas Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is mean to develop these skills as it consists of student-centered learning and problem solving. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of teaching strategy, PBL on critical thinking of undergraduate nursing students in The Maldives National University (MNU). This study used an experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group structure and 54 second year undergraduate nursing students were compared (control/traditional lecture-based group, n=28 and experimental group/PBL, n=26). PBL scenarios were made on different childhood disease conditions. Pre and post-test critical thinking scores were measured by using The Short Form Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory. The paired t-test showed that there was no improvement of critical thinking skills in the control group, with identical pretest and posttest mean scores (69.07) and a decrease in the standard deviation (SD) from 6.58 to 6.63. In contrast, the experimental group demonstrated a significant increase of mean score of critical thinking (from 62.46 (SD = 6.13) to 74.42 (SD = 5.84, p <0.001). The independent t-test also showed that posttest scores were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (t = -4.373, p < 0.001). These results emphasize the marked benefit of PBL in nursing students’ critical thinking skills in comparison with the traditional teaching methods. The results of this study showed that PBL significantly enhances the critical thinking of nursing students, and support the integration of PBL into nursing curriculums to help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Comparative Historical Dialectology of Standard Dhivehi and the Maliku Dialect (Mahl Language): Insights from Corpus Analysis
Dialects represent variations of a language in vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and usage, often shaped by regional proximity, social distinctions, and cultural or historical influences. This study explores the historical evolution of the standard Dhivehi language through the lens of historical dialectology by conducting a comparative analysis of standard Dhivehi and the Maliku dialect, known as the Mahl language in India and referred to as the Maliku dialect in the Maldives. The main aim is to identify lexical differences between the two and trace the historical linguistic shifts.This qualitative study employs corpus analysis using the Malikthaanaa textbook, published in the mid-20th century to teach Mahl in Minicoy schools. A corpus of 1,035 phrases from the first 15 pages was analysed for similarities and differences between the Mahl and standard Dhivehi language, as two distinct dialects. Findings reveal that 56% of the phrases from the Maliku dialect match the current standard Dhivehi. Among the differences, most involve minor morphological or phonological variations. Remarkably, 1 in 12 words from the corpus aligns with older standard Dhivehi usage, suggesting linguistic changes over time. Additionally, the Maliku dialect retains a richer vocabulary for kinship terms compared to contemporary standard Dhivehi. Although the study is limited by the small size of the corpus and reliance on a single source, it highlights the potential of dialectological research to deepen our understanding of Dhivehi’s linguistic heritage. The findings underscore the importance of further research to enhance and preserve the Dhivehi language. މީޔާރު ދިވެހިބަހާއި މަލިކު ބަހުރުވަ ނުވަތަ މަހަލް ބަސް: ބަހުރުވައިގެ ތާރީޚީ ތަފާތުތައް ދެނެގަތުމުގެ ބަސްމާފާނު ތަހުލީލު ޚުލާޞާ ބަހުރުވައަކީ ބަހެއްގެ އަޑުމަޚުރަޖުގެ ތަފާތު ނުވަތަ އަޑުގެ ތަފާތު ނުވަތަ 'ލެކްސިކަލް' ތަފާތުތަކާ އެކު އެ ބަހަކުން ވާހަކަދައްކާ ތަފާތު ގޮތްތަކެކެވެ. ބަސްބަހުގެ މިފަދަ ތަފާތު ބަހުރުވަތައް އުފެދުމުގެ ސަބަބުތަކުގެ ތެރޭގައި ސަރަހައްދީ ކައިރި-ދުރުމިނާއި، އިޖުތިމާއީ ތަފާތުތަކާއި، ސަގާފީ ނުވަތަ ތާރީޚީ ކަންކަން ހިމެނެއެވެ. މި ދިރާސާގެ ބޭނުމަކީ ދިވެހިބަހުގެ ބަހުރުވައެއްކަމުގައި ބެލެވޭ (އިންޑިޔާގެ) މަހަލްބަހާއި މީޔާރު ދިވެހިބަސް އަޅައިބެލުމާ އެކު، މީޔާރު ދިވެހިބަހަށް އައިސްފައިވާ ބަދަލުތައް 'ހިސްޓޮރިކަލް ޑައެލެކްޓޮލޮޖީ'ގެ ނަޒަރިއްޔާ ބޭނުންކޮށްގެން، ތާރީޚީ ނަޒަރަކުން ވަޒަންކުރުމެވެ. މިގޮތުން މި ދިރާސާގެ އަމާޒަކީ މި ދެ ބަހުރުވައިގެ ދެމެދުގައިވާ ލެކްސިކަލް ތަފާތުތަކަށް އަލިއަޅުވައިލުމެވެ. މި މަސައްކަތް ކުރިއަށް ގެންދިޔައީ ސިފަވީ ދިރާސާގެ ތަރީގާއެއްކަމުގައި ހިމެނޭ 'ޓެކްސްޓް އެނެލިސިސް' ބޭނުންކޮށްގެން ބަސްމާފާނެއް ('ކޯޕަސް'އެއް) އެކުލަވައިލުމަށް ފަހު، އެ ޖުމުލަތަކާއި ލަފުޒުތައް 'ކޯޕަސް ލިންގުއިސްޓިކްސް'ގެ އުސޫލުން ތަހުލީލުކޮށްގެންނެވެ. މިގޮތުން ތަހުލީލު ކުރުމަށް 'ޕާޕަސިވް ސާމްޕްލިންގް'ގެ އުސޫލުން ސުންކުގެ ގޮތުގައި ނެގި ފުރޭފަކީ 1900ގެ އަހަރުތަކުގެ މެދެއްހާ ހިސާބުގައި އެކުލަވާލާފައިވާ 'މަލިކުތާނާ' ފޮތެވެ. މިގޮތުން، މިފޮތުގެ ފުރަތަމަ 15 ސަފުހާގައި އޮތް ހުރިހާ ލަފުޒެއް (1035 ލަފުޒު) ސިފަވީ އުސޫލުން ދެނެގަނެ ތަހުލީލުކޮށް، މީޔާރު ދިވެހިބަހުގައި އެ ލަފުޒުތަކާ ހުރި އެއްގޮތް ނުވަތު ތަފާތު ދެނެގަނެ، ޑޭޓާ އިތުރަށް ތިލަކުރެވުނެވެ. ތަހުލީލުކޮށް ހޯދުނު ހޯދުންތަކުން ހާމަވާ ގޮތުގައި މީގެ ފަންސާހަކަށް އަހަރު ކުރީގެ މަލިކު ބަހުރުވައާ މިހާރުގެ މީޔާރު ދިވެހިބަހާ ބަރާބަރަށް އެއްގޮތީ 56 އިންސައްތަ ލަފުޒުކަމުގައި ބުނެވިދާނެއެވެ. ނަމަވެސް ތަފާތުތަކުގެ ގޮތުގައި ފާހަގަކުރެވުނު ލަފުޒުތަކުގެ ތެރެއިން ވެސް ގިނަ ލަފުޒުތަކަކީ ހަމައެކަނި ލަފުޒުގެ އަޑު ('ފޮނެޓިކްސް') ނުވަތަ އެކައެއްގެ ('މޯފީމެއް'ގެ) ތަފާތުން ކުދިކުދި ފަރަގު ހުރި ލަފުޒުތަކެކެވެ. އެންމެ ފާހަގަކޮށްލެވޭ ހޯދުމަކީ ތަހުލީލުކުރެވުނު ބަސްމާފާނުގެ ކޮންމެ 12 ލަފުޒުން 1 ލަފުޒަކީ ދިވެހީން އިހުގައި ބޭނުންކޮށް، ނަމަވެސް މީޔާރު ދިވެހިބަހުގައި މިހާރު އާންމުކޮށް ބޭނުން ނުކުރާ، ނުވަތަ ބޭނުންކުރާ މާނަ ތަފާތުވެފައިވާ ލަފުޒެވެ. މިފަދަ ލަފުޒުތަކުގެ ތެރޭގައި މޮށުން، މުންޑާހި، ރާހަތްތެރިކަން ފަދަ ލަފުޒުތައް ފާހަގަކޮށްލެވެއެވެ. މީގެއިތުރުން ޢާއިލާގެ މީހުންނަށް މުޚާޠިބުކުރާ ބަދަލު ނަންތަކުގައި މީޔާރު ދިވެހިބަހަށް ވުރެ މުއްސަނދި ބަސްކޮށާރެއް މަލިކުބަހުރުވައިގައި ހުރިކަމަށް ފެނުނެވެ. މި ދިރާސާގެ ޙުދޫދުގެ ތެރޭގައި ހިމަނާފައި ވަނީ ހަމައެކަނި އެންމެ ފުރޭފަކަށް ބަރޯސާވެ އެކުލަވައިލެވުނު ބަސްމާފާނެއްކަމުގައި ވާތީ މިފަދަ ނިންމުންތައް ނިންމުމުގައި އަދިވެސް އިތުރަށް ބަލަން ޖެހޭ ކަމަށް ފާހަގަކުރަމެވެ. އެހެނަސް، މި ހޯދުނު ހޯދުންތަކަކީ، މަލިކުބަހުރުވަ ހިމެނޭހެން، ދިވެހި ބަހުރުވައިގެ ދިރާސާކުރުމުގައާއި ދިވެހިބަހުގެ ބަސްކޮށާރު މުއްސަނދިކުރުމުގައި ވެސް މަންފާކުރާނޭ މަސައްކަތެކެވެ.
Copyright (c) 2024 The Maldives National Journal of Research
Post-angioplasty patients’ early experiences aftertreatment at the National Cardiac Centre of Maldives at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital
Coronary angioplasty has been performed widely all over the world and is effective in reducing complications and shortening the length of hospital stay. Post-angioplasty patients undergo both positive and negative experiences in the early recovery period, which significantly affects their overall well-being. However, little is known about patients’ post-angioplasty experiences in the Maldivian context. Therefore, this research study aimed to explore post-angioplasty patients’ experiences related to changes in their lives within two to six weeks after angioplasty from the National Cardiac Centre NCC of Maldives. Using a qualitative phenomenological study design, a purposive sample of six patients who were within two to six weeks after coronary angioplasty participated in individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed by using the Colaizzi (1978) process of data analysis. Six themes emerged from the analysis, which reflects the recovery experiences of patients after angioplasty. Themes included support from family and co-workers, seeking self-control and attempting to adjust to the current situation, adapting to lifestyle changes for a better quality of living, looking for specific information, fear of resuming physical activities, and feeling vulnerable/traumatized after angioplasty. The study’s findings provided insight into the recovery period after angioplasty, unveiling unique knowledge related to patients’ experience during the early post-angioplasty period and will subsequently help nurses and other healthcare professionals plan more patient-centered care to produce better patient outcomes.
Influence of Academic, Lifestyle and Social Factors on the Levels of Stress, Anxiety and Depression among Undergraduate Students of Maldives National University
Mental health concerns have been on the rise among students across the globe as well as among the student population of the Maldives. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors associated with stress, anxiety and depression among the students of the Maldives National University. A cross-sectional study was employed among undergraduates at the Maldives National University. After data cleaning, 445 participants were included. A self-administered questionnaire assessed academic, demographic, lifestyle, and social factors. Problematic internet use was measured using the 6-item Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire - Short Form (PIUQ-SF-6), social support using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and stress, anxiety, and depression using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Associations were evaluated using the chi-square test, and significant variables were further analyzed with bivariate logistic regression. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among the 445 participants, 80% showed mild to extremely severe depression, 81% reported mild to extremely severe anxiety, and 71% experienced mild to extremely severe stress. Gender was significantly associated with anxiety and stress, marital status with depression, and mode of study with stress. Academic dissatisfaction, academic pressure, and problematic internet use were strongly associated with stress, anxiety and depression, whereas social support was significantly associated with depression and stress. The findings highlight that demographic, lifestyle, social and academic factors play an important role in students’ mental wellbeing. Strengthening university mental health services, and promoting healthy coping strategies are essential to reduce mental distress among students.
Relationship Between Parenting Styles and Romantic Attachment in Adults with Gender as a Moderating Variable
Attachment is an intrinsic relational mechanism that influences individuals' perceptions, behaviours, and relationships. Extensive research has consistently linked parenting styles to attachment patterns in adulthood. This study aimed to examine the relationship between parenting styles and romantic attachment in adults and whether gender served as a moderating variable. A total of 146 students (128 females, 18 males) from Maldives National University, aged 18 to 49, who were either married or in a dating relationship completed an online survey assessing parenting styles using the Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) and romantic attachment styles using the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR) Scale. Results of correlational analyses revealed that perceived authoritarian parenting had a positive association with attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance, suggesting an insecure attachment pattern. Permissive and authoritative parenting styles negatively correlated with these attachment dimensions, reflecting a secure romantic attachment. Contrary to expectations, gender did not moderate these relationships. The study's limitations include a gender imbalance and a focus on perceived maternal parenting styles only. The results have practical implications for therapeutic interventions, parenting practices, and educational programs aimed at fostering secure attachments. Additionally, they highlight the need for future research to explore other moderating variables and longitudinal effects of parenting on attachment across diverse cultural contexts.
Environmental data through de-centralised collection: An assessment of environmental data sovereignty in Maldives
Environmental data collected independently for research or development projects presents a valuable opportunity for Least Developed Countries and dispersed Small Island Nations (LDCs/SINs) to obtain regular, long-term, information about their ecosystems without the typical financial and logistical challenges. However, effectively utilizing this independently collected environmental data requires a robust data governance approach which establishes the principles of data sovereignty. This study evaluates the data governance principles and data management mechanisms needed to gather, host, and disseminate de-centrally collected environmental data so that it can be used for sustainable development and informed decision-making. Using the 1200+ dispersed islands of the Maldives as a case study, this research examines the existing national environmental regulatory framework of the country within the context of environmental data management, to better understand the challenges associated with governance of de-centrally collected data and thereby derive recommendations for improvement. Limited technical infrastructure and capacity to securely store and host environmental data is identified as potentially being at the root of a lack of enforcement of existing regulations that govern the consolidation of data currently collected by third parties in the Maldives. Moreover, where data is available, conflicting mandates within the legal framework of the roles of different levels of government create barriers to collaboration and data sharing, leading to duplication of collection and management efforts. These challenges appear to be commonly faced by other LDCs/SINs. Recommendations for improvement included legally defining government roles, developing a national data management system, and reforming the research permit system. The results of this study provide a reference for other LDCs/ SINs on mechanisms to efficiently gather, host, and make accessible data collected within national borders by independent researchers or during development activities, so that it can be used to effectively manage the environment and safeguard their environment, culture, and economy.
Perceptions and Readiness of Nurses, Nurse Educators, and Nursing Students Towards the Incorporation of Micro-Credentials
Micro-credentials are increasingly important in nursing as healthcare knowledge rapidly evolves. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the study explored the perceptions and readiness of nurses, nurse educators, and nursing students regarding the incorporation of micro-credentials to advance their career goals and employability. Qualitative interviews were conducted among 5 final-year students, 6 senior lecturers at the School of Nursing (SN), the Maldives National University, and 6 nurse managers from three tertiary hospitals in the Maldives. Perspectives and readiness regarding the understanding of micro-credentials and the factors influencing their implementation in nursing were identified among students, nurse educators, and nurse managers. Additionally, nurse educators and nurse managers discussed the importance of establishing a micro-credential framework, aligning this framework with regulatory bodies, and its broader implications. The study provides valuable insights into stakeholders’ readiness, preferences, and expectations, highlighting key perspectives on fostering flexible and modular learning pathways for the nursing profession.
Chemotherapy-Induced Opportunistic Infection Among Cancer Patients Treated in the Oncology Unit of the Main Tertiary Hospital in the Maldives
This study aimed to determine the significant relationship between cytotoxic chemotherapy and opportunistic infections (OIs) in cancer patients. This cross-sectional study used census sampling to include 101 patients receiving chemotherapy at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Maldives, from 1 January 2022 to 30 November 2023. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29, with Pearson’s chi-squared test used to assess associations between OIs and clinical variables. No significant association was found with demographics or comorbidities. However, OIs were significantly associated with neutropenia, advanced cancer stage, combined chemotherapy increased number of cycles, prolonged treatment duration, and use of invasive devices. Neutropenia occurred in 42.57% (n=43) of patients, and 15.84% (n=16) developed OIs during the nadir period. Bacterial infections were most common, with Klebsiella pneumoniae being the predominant pathogen. Theses findings highlight the importance of monitoring immunosuppression, treatment intensity, and procedural risks to reduced OIs in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Knowledge and Awareness of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Its Determinants Among Undergraduates Aged 18–45 at the Maldives National University
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting 1 in 7 women of reproductive age. Despite its prevalence, there is a notable lack of knowledge about PCOS globally, underscoring the need for greater awareness to support informed decision-making. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of PCOS and its determinants among undergraduates aged 18-45 at the Maldives National University (MNU). A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among students, with 305 participants responding to the survey, achieving an 85% response rate. Stratified probability sampling was employed to recruit eligible participants. Data were collected via Google Forms from May to August 2024. Participants were predominantly aged 18-24 (56.4%), with females comprising 72.9% of respondents. Among female participants, 33.9% had been medically diagnosed with PCOS, while 78% knew someone with the condition. Social media (65.4%) and healthcare professionals (64.9%) were the primary sources of information. Recognised symptoms included irregular periods (95.4%), while family history (83.0%) was the most commonly identified risk factor. Stress (92.8%) and infertility (88.5%) were highlighted as significant psychological impacts and long-term complications, respectively. Blood tests (80.3%) and medical history (78.3%) were frequently cited diagnostic tools, while exercise (91.8%) and a balanced diet (88.9%) were emphasised as key treatment strategies. Knowledge was highest for symptoms (67.8%) and lowest for risk factors (58.7%) and long-term complications (50.7%). Significant associations were found between PCOS awareness and both field of study and marital status (p<0.001), while age (p=0.806) and educational status (p=0.76) showed no significant impact. With an overall knowledge score of 62.3%, the findings indicate a moderate yet insufficient understanding of PCOS among MNU undergraduates, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions.
Exploring Tourism Diversification: The Case of the Maldives
In 2023, the Maldives was named the world’s leading travel destination for the fourth consecutive year, owing to its outstanding natural attractions. Consequently, Maldives’ Fifth Tourism Master Plan sets a new vision to lead the world in sustainable tourism, provide the best visitor experiences, and achieve a $6 billion annual international tourism target by 2027. This research primarily aimed to investigate the feasibility of tourism diversification in the Maldives. The specific objectives were: (i) to assess the level of confidence among tourism industry stakeholders regarding the geographical dispersion of tourism in the Maldives, and (ii) to identify key bottlenecks and recommend strategies to support successful tourism diversification. The research sample consisted of 30 tourism industry professionals and policymakers in the Maldives. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and the analysis of secondary sources, such as government reports, industry publications, and academic literature. The collected data were analysed using SPSS, and NVivo. The findings offer valuable insights into tourism diversification in the Maldives, focusing on areas such as investment, marketing, skills development, and stakeholder collaboration. The study concludes that tourism diversification is viable, with new segments such as eco-tourism, coastal tourism, and wellness tourism enhancing competitiveness, broadening appeal, and fostering industry growth. It suggests short, medium, and long-term strategies to address the challenges identified, including infrastructure gaps, environmental sustainability, sociocultural impacts, and human resource skill shortages. However, success will require collaboration among all stakeholders, including the government and local communities, to address bottlenecks and implement the recommended mitigation strategies. This research contributes to a better understanding of tourism diversification in small island nations. Further research is needed to identify specific actions by stakeholders and mechanisms required for implementing the diversification strategies.
Predominant Factors in Perceptions of Climate Change: The Case of University and College Students in the Marshall Islands and Kiribati
This study identifies key factors influencing perceptions of climate change among college students in the Marshall Islands and Kiribati. Using Random Forest analysis on survey data from 271 students, the research reveals distinct patterns in each country. In the Marshall Islands, dominant factors include trust in media, community discussions, and family conversations. In Kiribati, internet information, media trust, formal education, and religious beliefs play significant roles. While both nations exhibit strong media influence, the Marshall Islands demonstrates greater impact from traditional social structures, whereas Kiribati shows more influence from education and religion. These findings highlight the complex interplay of information sources, social structures, and cultural factors in shaping climate change perceptions in atoll nations. The study suggests that tailored approaches may be necessary for effective climate change education and adaptation strategies in different cultural contexts.
Antibiotic Prescription Trends and Adherence to Guideline in Surgeries Conducted in a Tertiary Hospital in Male’ (IGMH)
Infections from surgical sites are a global health concern. Even while surgical site infections may be avoided, they nonetheless have a substantial negative impact on patient outcomes, national budgets, and mortality rates. Inappropriate uses of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis are increasing and worsening patients’ quality of life. The evidence-based practice of using antibiotics prophylactically prior to surgery aims to avoid surgical site infections (SSIs). The aim of the study is to investigate the adherence to antibiotic guidelines. A retrospective observational research was done at IGMH during 2022-2023 utilizing a structured data abstraction methodology. The study included patients who underwent three surgeries: appendectomy, cholecystectomy, and hernia repair. Data were gathered from January to March 2024. A census sample method was used to choose 476 surgical cases. SPSS version 23.0 was used to perform descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis. The findings reported a total of 476 eligible surgical cases. Hernia repairs made up 42.9% of the cases, followed by cholecystectomy (33.3%) and appendectomy (23.8%). A significant portion of appendectomies (87.7%) were emergency surgeries. Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis was prescribed in 456 patients (95.20%). Out of this, appropriate antibiotics according to evidence-based guidelines were given to only 244 (53.51%) patients, from which only 3 (1.23%) received the right dose according to the evidence based guideline. The route of administration was correct and according to recommendations. The timing of Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis (SAP) was according to guidelines in 56.80% of patients (within 1 hour before surgical incision). Out of the patients for whom SAP was recommended, all received prophylaxis and out of those who had no indication, none received prophylaxis. Most patients received ceftriaxone (75.60%) as prophylactic antibiotic. Our study also found a statistically significant relationship between age, gender, type of surgery and elective and emergency surgeries with adherence to evidence based guidelines. We found poor treatment adherence to antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines regarding different types of surgeries. This study highlights the importance of implementing standardized antibiotic prescribing guidelines in the Maldives.
Expanding and Updating the Dhivehi Language Corpus: Challenges and Issues
In today’s globalised world, rapid technological and conceptual advancements demand the creation of new terminologies. The Dhivehi language faces significant challenges in keeping pace, leading to gaps that complicate writing and translation, often resulting in a loss of meaning. Additionally, some newly introduced terms by the authorities fail to gain public acceptance and sometimes are ridiculed on social media platforms, undermining the language’s relevance, particularly among younger generations. This study examines the challenges of Dhivehi vocabulary development, focusing on its adequacy for specialised fields and modern technological contexts. A mixed-methods approach was used, involving an online survey of 302 respondents from seven sectors—religion, technology, education, health, media, legal, and security—and focus group discussions with 27 stakeholders from these areas. Findings from the Focus Group Discussions reveal that the Dhivehi Language Academy adheres to established linguistic principles in creating and introducing new words. However, 55% of survey respondents found newly coined terms misaligned with loanwords or concepts, making them difficult to understand and adopt. Additionally, the prevalence of English in daily life and the prior use of English terms before Dhivehi equivalents are introduced further impede their adoption. Participants highlighted significant gaps in Dhivehi vocabulary in specialised fields such as technology and healthcare. They also stressed the importance of organic language evolution and suggested incorporating widely used expressions from newspapers and media. The study concludes that Dhivehi requires a more inclusive and context-sensitive approach to vocabulary expansion to align with native speakers’ linguistic habits and meet contemporary needs. ދިވެހިބަހުގެ ބަސްކޮށާރު އަދާހަމަކުރުން: ގޮންޖެހުންތަކާއި މައްސަލަތައް ޚުލާޞާ ބަވަނަވެފައިވާ ދުނިޔެ ތަރައްގީވަމުންދާ ހަލުވި ދުވެލީގައި، އެކި ދާއިރާތަކުގެ އާ އީޖާދުތަކާ އެކު، އާ މަފުހޫމުތަކާއި އާ ލަފުޒުތައް އުފެދެއެވެ. މިގޮތަށް އުފެދޭ އާ މަފުހޫމުތަކަށް ކިޔާނެ ނަންނަން ދިވެހިބަހުގައި ނުހުންނަ ކަމަށާއި ދިވެހިބަހުން ހަދާ ބައެއް އާ ލަފުޒުތައް އާންމުން ބަލައިނުގަނެ، އެފަދަ ލަފުޒުތަކަށް، މީސްމީޑިއާގައި ހަޖޫޖަހާފައި ހުރެއެވެ. އަދި ދިވެހިބަހުން ލިޔުމާއި ބިދޭސީ ލިޔުންތައް ތަރުޖަމާކުރުމުގައި، މުހިންމު މަފުހޫމުތަކަށް ބޭނުންވާ ލަފުޒުތައް ދިވެހިބަހުގައި ނުހުންނަ ކަމަށާއި މީގެ ސަބަބުން ތަރުޖަމާކުރުމުގައި މާނަ ގެއްލެން މެދުވެރިވާކަމަށް ވެއެވެ. މި ދިރާސާގެ ބޭނުމަކީ ދިވެހިބަހުގެ ބަސްކޮށާރު އަދާހަމަކުރުމުގެ ޙާލަތާއި ގޮންޖެހުންތައް ދެނެގަތުމެވެ. މިގޮތުން މައިގަނޑު މަގުސަދަކީ ޚާއްޞަ ދާއިރާތަކަށާއި ޒަމާނުގެ ޓެކުނޮލޮޖީއަށް އަދާހަމަ ލަފުޒުތައް ދިވެހިބަހުން އެބަހުރިތޯއާއި، ދިވެހިބަހަށް ލަފުޒުތައް އިތުރުކުރުމުގައި ދިމާވާ ގޮންޖެހުންތަކާއި މައްސަލަތައް ދެނެގަތުމެވެ. މި ދިރާސާ ފަރުމާކޮށްފައިވަނީ މިންކުރުމާއި ސިފަކުރުމުގެ މައްސުނި ތަރީގާތުގެ މައްޗަށެވެ. މިގޮތުން، އޮންލައިން ސާވޭ ކަރުދާހެއް މެދުވެރިކޮށް މައުލޫމާތު އެއްކުރުމަށްފަހު، އެ ހޯދުންތަކަށް ރިއާޔަތްކޮށް، ގުރޫޕު މަޝްވަރާތަކެއް ކުރިއަށް ގެންދެވުނެވެ. ސުންކުގެ ގޮތުގައި ބައިވެރިން ހިމަނާފައިވާނީ ދީނީ، ޓެކުނޮލޮޖީ، ތަޢުލީމީ، ޞިއްޙީ، މީޑިއާ، ޤާނޫނީ، އަދި ސަލާމަތީ ބާރުތައް، މި 7 ދާއިރާގެ މަސްލަހަތުވެރިން ހިމެނޭ ގޮތަށެވެ. މިގޮތުން ސާވޭގެ ސުންކަކީ 302 މީހުންނެވެ. ގުރޫޕު މަޝްވަރާތަކުގައި، މަސްލަހަތުވެރިންގެ 27 މީހަކާ އެކު ކުދި ގުރޫޕުތަކުގައި މަޝްވަރާކުރެވުނެވެ. ދިރާސާގެ ހޯދުންތައް ދައްކާ ގޮތުގައި ބަސްކޮށާރަށް އާ ލަފުޒުތައް އިތުރުކުރުމަށް ދިވެހިބަހުގެ އެކެޑަމީގެ ބަސްކޮމިޓީން ދިވެހި ލަފުޒުތައް އުފައްދަނީ އެ ކޮމިޓީން ކަނޑައަޅާފައި އޮންނަ އުސޫލާ އެއްގޮތަށެވެ. ނަމަވެސް މިގޮތަށް އުފައްދާ ބައެއް ލަފުޒުތަކަކީ ބިދޭސީ އަސްލު ލަފުޒާ މާ ބޮޑު ގުޅުމެއް އޮންނަ ލަފުޒުތަކެއް ނޫންކަމަށާއި އެ ފަދަ ބައެއް ދިވެހި ލަފުޒުތައް ކިޔުމާއި މާނަދޭހަކުރާން އުނދަގޫވާ ކަމަށް ސާވޭގެ 55% ބައިވެރިން ދެކެއެވެ. ބަހުގެ ތަބީޢީ ގޮތަށް އާ ލަފުޒު އުފެއްދިއަސް ވެސް، އިނގިރޭސިބަހަށް ދިވެހިންގެ މެދުގައި އޮންނަ ސަމާލުކަމާއި ދިވެހިން އެ ބަހަށް ފަރިތަވެފައިވާ މިންވަރު ބޮޑުކަމުން ދިވެހިބަހުން އުފައްދާ އާ ލަފުޒުން އިނގިރޭސި ލަފުޒުން ބުނެދޭ މާނަ ދޭހަނުވަނީ ކަމަށް ގަބޫލުކޮށް، ދިވެހި ލަފުޒު ބޭނުންނުކުރެވެއެވެ. ބަހަކީ އުފައްދާ އެއްޗަކަށް ވުރެ ބޮޑަށް އުފެދޭ އެއްޗެއްކަމަށް ވީހިނދު، ނޫސްތަކާއި މީޑިއާތަކުގައި އެ ލަފުޒު އާންމުކޮށް ބޭނުންކުރާ ގޮތެއް ވެސް ބަލައިގެން، އެ ލަފުޒަކަށް ގެންނާންވީ ބަދަލެއް އޮތިއްޔާ ގެނެސްގެން، ބަސްކޮށާރަށް ލަފުޒު އިތުރުކުރުން މުހިންމު ކަމަށް ބައެއް ބައިވެރިން ފާހަގަކުރިއެވެ. ހޯދުންތަކަށް ރިއާޔަތްކުރުމުން ފާހަގަކުރެވެނީ އެކި ދާއިރާތަކަށް ބޭނުންވާ އެންމެ އެކަށޭނަ މިންވަރަށް ދިވެހި ލަފުޒު އުފެއްދިފައި ނެތްކަމާއި، ދިވެހިބަހުގެ ބަސްކޮށާރު އަދާހަމަކުރުމުގައި ބަހުގެ ތަބީޢީ ގޮތަށް ލަފުޒު އުފެއްދުން މުހިންމުކަމާއި، ދިވެހިބަހަށް ބޭރު ބަސްބަހުގެ ލަފުޒެއް އެތެރެކުރަންޖެހޭ ދަނޑިވަޅުތަކުގައި ލަފުޒު ހެދުން އަވަސްކުރުން މުހިންމުކަމެވެ.