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ISSN 2063-5346
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MAINTAINING A HARMONIOUS LONG DISTANCE MARRIAGE: A STUDY AMONG MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS IN MALAYSIA

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Hidayatul Sakinah Mohd Zulkifli, Anas Mat Asis, Rafeah Saidon, Azhar Abd Aziz
» doi: 10.31838/ecb/2023.12.s3.550

Abstract

Medical practitioners in Malaysia are often required to work long hours and irregular shifts, which can make it challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance and sustain a fulfilling personal life. This is particularly true for those who are in long distance marriages, where the demands of their work can often take priority over their relationship. This research paper aims to explore the topic of long distance marriage among medical practitioners in Malaysia, examining the challenges they face and the coping strategies they use to maintain a harmonious and healthy relationship. This study uses interview methods to find out how medical practitioners who live far away from their spouses and families can maintain these relationships. These interviews were conducted with 25 medical practitioners working in 10 different states in Malaysia including the states of Sabah, Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur, Terengganu, Johor, Pahang, Kelantan, Selangor, Penang and Perak. While the spouses of these 25 medical practitioners who were interviewed were in a different state. The findings were analyzed using thematic content analysis according to the sub-themes that have been identified in this study. Then the main challenges faced by medical practitioners in long distance marriages and the approaches in maintaining long-distance marriage harmony that have been identified are thematized. The results of the study show several challenges that can impact their personal and professional lives, namely irregular work schedules, physical distance, communication barriers, family obligations, financial strain and cultural differences. While the main findings of the study shows that there were four important aspects in maintaining long-distance marriage harmony, namely spirituality, faithfulness, responsibility and constant communication.

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