Kannan Maharajan
- kannan.maharajan@jcu.edu.au
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6812-0533- Associate Professor, Pharmacy
- Pharmacy
Projects
0
Publications
42
Awards
6
Contact Details
Associate Professor
- 0742321870
- kannan.maharajan@jcu.edu.au
-
PO Box 6811
Nguma-bada campus
Biography
Kannan Maharajan is an Associate Professor of Pharmacy at James Cook University. A pharmacist with a PhD in Pharmacology and postgraduate qualifications in Pharmacy Practice, he has over 20 years' experience in pharmacy education, academic leadership, and research across India, Malaysia, and Australia.
He has led the design and delivery of integrated pharmacy programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including BPharm, PharmD, the UK MPharm (delivered in Malaysia), and a Master of Pharmacy Practice he developed from the ground up. His teaching centres on patient-centred care through simulation-based learning, interprofessional education, and prescribing-focused approaches aligned with international accreditation standards.
Kannan's research spans social pharmacy, patient safety, and quality use of medicines, with particular focus on health literacy, emergency preparedness, and healthcare workforce resilience. He has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles including in JAMA Network Open, PLOS One, and BMJ Open, secured competitive research funding, and supervised research students across pharmacy, medicine, public health and biomedical science. He welcomes enquiries from prospective PhD and higher-degree research candidates in these areas.
He collaborates with healthcare partners, community organisations, and professional bodies to strengthen social accountability in pharmacy education, and contributes to the discipline as an active peer reviewer. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AdvanceHE) and the Royal Society for Public Health.
Research
Research Interests
Evidence-based practice, Public Health, Patient Safety, Behavioural Science, Social and administrative Pharmacy
Teaching
Taught Modules
[PC2540] Evidence in Pharmacy Practice Part 1 of 2Lecturer, Coordinator
2026
[PC4390] Pharmacy Research Part 4 of 4Coordinator, Lecturer
2026
[PC3360] Pharmacy Research Part 1 of 4Coordinator, Lecturer
2026
[PC4490] Pharmacy Research (Professional) Part 4 of 4Coordinator, Lecturer
2026
[PC2550] Evidence in Pharmacy Practice Part 2 of 2Coordinator, Tutor
2026
2026
2026
2026
Activities
Education
Master of Pharmacy , Annamalai University
2003 - 2005
Doctor of Philosophy, SASTRA University
2007 - 2014
Associations
Awards
Employment
Output
Eng, Shu Ting; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Fang, Chee Mun; Gopinath, Divya; Veettil, Sajesh K.; Pan, Yan (2026) 'Efficacy and Safety of Topical Cyclosporine A in Moderate-To-Severe Dry Eye Disease: An Updated Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis'. Current Pharmacology Reports, 11 (1). [DOI]
Mohd Nadzir, Arina Yasmin binti; Gopinath, Divya; Rajiah, Kingston; Fang, Chee Mun; Maharajan, Mari Kannan (2026) 'Effectiveness of interventions to support healthcare workers' mental health and well-being: An umbrella review of systematic reviews'. Public Health, 258 . [DOI]
Wan Jasmin, Wan Adriana Binti; Fang, Chee Mun; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Rajiah, Kingston (2026) 'Unravelling career preferences: exploring health science students’ perspectives on healthcare analytics'. Cogent Education, 13 (1). [DOI]
Chew, Yuan YI; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Gopinath, Divya; Rajiah, Kingston (2025) 'Comparative effectiveness of health literacy intervention on reducing sugar or sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in Asian populations: A systematic review'. Public Health, 244 . [DOI]
Rajanderan, Thevashree; Leuterio Picones, Kate Marian; Maharajan, Marikannan; Ali, Asgar; Sami, Farheen; Ali, Md Sajid; Hasnain, Md Saquib; Gopinath, Divya; Ansari, Mohammed Tahir (2025) 'Mechanistic insights into the potential of cyclodextrins as therapeutic excipients in Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis'. Journal of Inclusion Phenomena and Macrocyclic Chemistry, 106 :49-63. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Goh, Rachael Chaeh Wen; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Gopinath, Divya; Fang, Chee Mun (2025) 'The Therapeutic Effects of Probiotic on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Lupus Mice Models: A Systematic Review'. Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, 17 :35-50. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Tey, Sin Wei; Rajiah, Kingston; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Zakaria, Norasila Binti; Ishak, Nor Haslinda Binti (2025) 'Equitable Healthcare Access for Type 2 Diabetes Patients Under a Low-Income Group Health Care Scheme: A Sustainable Development Goal Perspective'. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22 (6). [DOI]
Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Sivapalan, Subarna; Rajiah, Kingston (2025) 'Empowering students in curriculum design and pedagogy: Perceptions of pharmacy students as partners; A qualitative study'. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 17 (4). [DOI]
Lee, E. Lyn; Sidhick, Sulfath Thekkumcheril; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Shanmugham, Suresh; Ingle, Pravinkumar Vishwanath; Kumar, Suresh; Ching, Siew Mooi; Lee, Yeong Yeh; Veettil, Sajesh K. (2025) 'Probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea – an umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials'. European Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 23 (1):237-244. [DOI]
Lio, Ee Lee; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Rajiah, Kingston; (2025) 'Perspectives of Malaysian community pharmacists on challenges and barriers to smoking cessation programme: a qualitative study'. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 33 (1):58-63. [DOI]
Chu, Jianfeng; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Rajiah, Kingston (2024) 'Perspectives of community pharmacists on extended pharmacy services and value-added services in Malaysia: a cross-sectional survey'. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 32 (2):146-155. [DOI]
Ooi, Khim Lynn; Rajiah, Kingston; Maharajan, Kannan; Wong, Pe Sei (2024) 'Empowering Sustainable Growth and Workforce: Unveiling Challenges and Strategies for Retaining Community Pharmacists in Malaysia'. Pharmacy, 11 . [DOI]
Gopinath, Divya; Koe, Kim Hoe; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Panda, Swagatika (2023) 'A Comprehensive Overview of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and the Management of Herpes Labialis'. Viruses, 15 (1). [DOI]
Koe, Kim Hoe; Veettil, Sajesh K.; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Syeed, M. Sakil; Balakrishnan Nair, Athira; Gopinath, Divya (2023) 'Comparative efficacy of antiviral agents for prevention and management of herpes labialis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis'. Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice, 23 (1). [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Rajiah, Kingston; Num, Kelly Sze Fang; Yap, Shie Lin; Lau, Sarah Heng Ying; Ngu, Wei Yan; Ching, Yan Yee (2023) 'Public Perception of the Risk of Heart Disease and Their Willingness to Pay for Its Diagnosis in Malaysia'. Journal of Vascular Diseases, 2 (1):91-101. [DOI]
Ching, Siew Mooi; Wei, Lee Kai; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Salim, Hani; Ying, Ng Jun; Yean, Ng Kar; Rashid, Aneesa Abdul; Sivaratnam, Dhashani A.P.; Shamsudin, Nurainul Hana; Ahmad, Imran; Ramachandran, Vasudevan (2023) 'Risk Perception and Emergency Preparedness Against Flood Affected Participants From the Primary Health Care Centre, Malaysia: A Comparison Between Genders'. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 19 (4):8-14. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Rajiah, Kingston; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Maricar, Fareeza Marican Abu Backer (2022) 'Students as Partners: How the Student-centred Active Learning Concept May Help Indian Pharmacy Education'. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, 56 (4s):S620-S626. [DOI]
Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Rajiah, Kingston; Pogula, Bharath; Chigurupati, Sridevi; Katragadda, Sujitha (2022) 'Pharmaceutical, biological agents, and vaccines under clinical trials for COVID-19 and roles of pharmacists to combat COVID-19, an update'. Journal of Research in Pharmacy, 26 (6):1513-1526. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Brabaharan, Sharmila; Veettil, Sajesh; Kaiser, Jennifer E.; Raja Rao, Vrosha Rau; Wattanayingcharoenchai, Rujira; Maharajan, Mariannan; Insin, Putsarat; Talungchit, Pattarawalai; Anothaisintawee, Thunyarat; Thakkinstian, Ammarin; Chaiyakunapruk, Nathorn (2022) 'Association of Hormonal Contraceptive Use With Adverse Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review of Meta-analyses of Randomized Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies'. JAMA Network Open, 5 (1).
Rajadurai, Shamala Gopal; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Veettil, Sajesh K.; Gopinath, Divya (2022) 'Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Antifungal Agents in the Prophylaxis of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis among HIV-Infected Adults: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis'. Life, 12 . [DOI]
Chong, Kah Mun; Rajiah, Kingston; Chong, David; Maharajan, Mari Kannan (2022) 'Management of Medicines Wastage, Returned Medicines and Safe Disposal in Malaysian Community Pharmacies: A Qualitative Study'. Frontiers in Medicine, 9 . [DOI]
Gopinath, Divya; Hui, Lai Mong; Veettil, Sajesh K.; Balakrishnan Nair, Athira; Maharajan, Mari Kannan (2022) 'Comparative Efficacy of Interventions for the Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis'. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 12 (8).
Al-Rudayni, Ali Hatem Manfi; Gopinath, Divya; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Veettil, Sajesh Kalkandi; Menon, Rohit Kunnath (2021) 'Efficacy of Oral Cryotherapy in the Prevention of Oral Mucositis Associated with Cancer Chemotherapy: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis'. Current Oncology, 28 (4):2852-2867. [DOI]
Ching, Siew Mooi; Mokshashri, Naidu Ragubathi; Kannan, Maharajan Mari; Lee, Kai Wei; Sallahuddin, Nurin Amalina; Ng, Jun Xun; Wong, Jie Lin; Devaraj, Navin Kumar; Hoo, Fan Kee; Loo, Yee Shen; Veettil, Sajesh K. (2021) 'Effects of qigong on systolic and diastolic blood pressure lowering: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis'. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, (8). [DOI]
Rajiah, Kingston; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Ramaya, Hemawathi; Wan Ab Rahman, Wan Nur Asyiken (2021) 'Use of Psychotropic “Pro Re Nata” Medications by Patients Attending the Outpatient Clinic in a Hospital: A Qualitative Exploration'. Frontiers in Medicine, 8 . [DOI]
Rajiah, Kingston; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Chong, David; Chiao Chien, Shee; Li, Eileen Ong Xiao (2021) 'Determination of pharmacy students' patient safety approach using the theory of planned behaviour: A mixed-method study'. BMJ Open, 11 (12). [DOI]
Al-Rudayni, Ali Hatem Manfi; Gopinath, Divya; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Veettil, Sajesh K.; Menon, Rohit Kunnath (2021) 'Efficacy of Photobiomodulation in the Treatment of Cancer Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis: A Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis'. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 . [DOI]
Rajiah, Kingston; Sivarasa, Shreeta; Maharajan, Mari Kannan (2021) 'Impact of Pharmacists’ Interventions and Patients’ Decision on Health Outcomes in Terms of Medication Adherence and Quality Use of Medicines among Patients Attending Community Pharmacies: A Systematic Review'. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (9). [DOI]
Aribi Al-Zoobaee, Farah Wasim; Yee Shen, Loo; Veettil, Sajesh K.; Gopinath, Divya; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Kunnath Menon, Rohit (2020) 'Antiviral Agents for the Prevention and Treatment of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Infection in Clinical Oncology: A Network Meta-Analysis'. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (23). [DOI]
Al-Rudayni, Ali Hatem Manfi; Gopinath, Divya; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Menon, Rohit Kunnath (2020) 'Impact of oral mucositis on quality of life in patients undergoing oncological treatment: A systematic review'. Translational Cancer Research, 9 (4):3126-3134. [DOI]
Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Rajiah, Kingston; Belotindos, Jo Ann Singco; Basa, Marilou S. (2020) 'Social Determinants Predicting the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Women Toward Zika Virus Infection'. Frontiers in Public Health, 8 . [DOI]
Rajiah, Kingston; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Woo, May Yee; Yee, Yew Wing; Cheah, Shi Mun; Zhe, Mai Ya (2020) 'Predicting factors contributing to knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to Zika virus infection among the general public in Malaysia'. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 13 (7):314-321. [DOI]
Rajiah, Kingston; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Yin, Pua; Yee, Yap; Lin, Wong; Kean, Chew (2019) 'Zika Outbreak Emergency Preparedness and Response of Malaysian Private Healthcare Professionals: Are They Ready?'. Microorganisms, 7 . [DOI]
Pharmacy students' anxiety towards research during their undergraduate degree; How to reduce it?
2017
Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Rajiah, Kingston; Tam, Ai May; Chaw, Siew Ling; Ang, May Jing; Yong, Mei Wan (2017) 'Pharmacy students' anxiety towards research during their undergraduate degree; How to reduce it?'. PLoS ONE, 12 .
Rajiah, Kingston; Maharajan, Mari; Num, Kelly Sze Fang; Koh, Raymond Chee How (2017) 'Knowledge about human papillomavirus and cervical cancer: Predictors of HPV vaccination among dental students'. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 18 (6):1573-1579. [DOI]
Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Rajah, Kingston; Shnmughavelu, Shalini (2017) 'Predictors and factors associated with academic career decision-making among pharmacy students'. Pharmacy Education, 17 (1):87-94.
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Rajiah, Kingston; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Janardanan, Prashanthini (2017) 'A quantitative insight on preclinical and clinical year medical students towards adverse drug reporting and pharmacovigilance in Malaysia'. Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, 8 :67-69.
Attitudes and Readiness of Students of Healthcare Professions towards Interprofessional Learning
2017
Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Rajiah, Kingston; Khoo, Suan Phaik; Chellappan, Dinesh Kumar; De Alwis, Ranjit; Chui, Hui Cing; Tan, Lui Lee; Tan, Yee Ning; Lau, Shin Yee (2017) 'Attitudes and Readiness of Students of Healthcare Professions towards Interprofessional Learning'. PLoS ONE, 12 (1).
Rajiah, Kingston; Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Binti Samsudin, Sarah Zakiah; Tan, Choo Lin; Tan Yen Pei, Adeline; Wong San Ying, Audrey (2016) 'Ebola: Emergency preparedness and perceived response of Malaysian health care providers'. American Journal of Infection Control, 44 (12):1720-1722. [DOI]
Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Rajiah, Kingston; Fang Num, Kelly Sze; Jin Yong, Ng (2015) 'Knowledge of human papillomavirus infection, cervical cancer and willingness to pay for cervical cancer vaccination among ethnically diverse medical students in Malaysia'. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 16 (14):5733-5739. [DOI]
Kannan, M. Mari; Quine, S. Darlin (2013) 'Ellagic acid inhibits cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophy and hyperlipidaemia during myocardial infarction in rats'. Metabolism, 62 :52-61. [DOI]
Kannan, M. Mari; Quine, S. Darlin (2011) 'Ellagic acid ameliorates isoproterenol induced oxidative stress: Evidence from electrocardiological, biochemical and histological study'. European Journal of Pharmacology, 659 :45-52. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU