The Maldives National Journal of Research (MNJR) opened its 2026 publication year with Volume 14 Issue 1, featuring eight scholarly articles addressing contemporary issues across education, health, gender equality, employment, social cohesion and language.

The issue brings together research from the Maldives and abroad, reflecting MNJR’s continued multidisciplinary focus. The studies examine areas including gamification and student engagement, women’s experiences in the tourism sector, psychological capital in higher education, innovative teaching approaches in nursing education, men’s health, maternal health and physical activity, prosocial behaviour and social cohesion, and the influence of English on Maldivian identity and language policy.

Several articles address issues of direct relevance to the Maldives, including gender-related challenges faced by women working in resorts, student engagement at The Maldives National University, exercise during and after pregnancy among women in Kulhudhuffushi City, and the relationship between English language use, Maldivian identity and local language policy.

Collectively, the research contributes to a range of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those relating to good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, and peace, justice and strong institutions.

MNJR Volume 14 Issue 1 (Published 31 July 2026)

1. Gamification Strategies to Enhance Student Engagement in Entrepreneurship Courses at IIUM
   SDG Alignment: SDG 4; SDG 8
2. Through the Glass Ceiling: Challenges Faced by Women Working in the Resorts of the Maldives
   SDG Alignment: SDG 5; SDG 8; SDG 10
3. Influence of Psychological Capital on Student Engagement in the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, The Maldives National University
   SDG Alignment: SDG 4; SDG 3
4. Perception of First-Year Nursing Students About Role-Play as a Teaching Strategy for Enhancing Therapeutic Communication Skills: A Qualitative Study
   SDG Alignment: SDG 4; SDG 3
5. Frequency and Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction in Males Presenting to Urology Department of a Teaching Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan
   SDG Alignment: SDG 3
6. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Exercise During and After Pregnancy Among Women Aged 18–49 in Kulhudhuffushi City: A Cross-sectional Study
   SDG Alignment: SDG 3; SDG 5
7. “LOVE, as a Pathway to Prosocial Behaviour: A Theoretical and Pilot Study Using the LUVORA Framework for Social Cohesion”
   SDG Alignment: SDG 16; SDG 3; SDG 10
8. English Language in the Maldives: Implications for Maldivian Identity and Local Language Policy
   SDG Alignment: SDG 4; SDG 11; SDG 16