Achmad Udin Zailani and Wan Nooraishya Wan Ahmad and Nooralisa Mohd Tuah and Nicholas Pang Tze Ping (2025) Designing a culturally adaptive information framework for anxiety disorders: A mixed-methods thematic analysis in Malaysia. Journal of Applied Data Sciences, 6 (3). pp. 1904-1920. ISSN 2723-6471
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Abstract
This study addresses critical gaps in Malaysia's mental health landscape by developing a culturally adaptive framework for anxiety disorder resources, where only 28% of adults recognize symptoms due to cultural stigma and poor resource design. Our key contribution is a user-centered framework integrating visual-interactive tools with cultural adaptation strategies to improve accessibility and literacy. The objective was to investigate how information design can overcome barriers, using a mixed-methods approach with 12 anxiety disorder patients (screened via DASS-21). Findings revealed: (1) format preferences (infographics: 40%, videos: 35%, simulations: 25%), (2) accessibility barriers (technical language: 45%, lack of credible sources: 65%, insufficient examples: 30%), and (3) demand for demographic personalization (age-targeted content: 78%, mood-tracking tools: 62%). Quantitative results showed strong alignment between preferred formats and comprehension gains (infographics improved understanding by 40% vs. text). The novelty lies in merging cognitive load theory with Malay cultural values (familial collectivism, Islamic coping mechanisms) into actionable design principles. Our framework demonstrates that culturally tailored visual- interactive content increases engagement by 35-40% compared to generic materials, while simplified Malay Language reduces stigma-related avoidance by 28%. These ideas translate into three evidence-based strategies: (a) minimalist visual formats to reduce cognitive load, (b) family- involved examples to respect collectivism, and (c) hybrid delivery (online/offline) for rural accessibility. The study provides policymakers with metrics-backed guidance, showing SMS-based hybrid tools achieve 58% adherence in low-bandwidth areas versus 22% for chatbots. Future work should validate scalability in larger cohorts and test AR/VR adaptations (requested by 70% of youth participants). This research advances both mental health communication theory and practical interventions for Southeast Asia's multicultural contexts.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Keyword: | Anxiety Disorders, Information Design, Mental Health Literacy, Cultural Adaptation, User-Centered Design |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC31-1245 Internal medicine > RC321-571 Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry > RC346-429 Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system Including speech disorders > RC435-571 Psychiatry > RC512-569.5 Psychopathology > RC530-552 Neuroses R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ1-570 Pediatrics > RJ370-550 Diseases of children and adolescents > RJ499-507 Mental disorders. Child psychiatry |
| Department: | FACULTY > Faculty of Computing and Informatics |
| Depositing User: | JUNAINE JASNI - |
| Date Deposited: | 21 Oct 2025 14:37 |
| Last Modified: | 21 Oct 2025 14:37 |
| URI: | https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/45493 |
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