KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES (KAP) THEORY TOWARDS PREVENTIVE MEASURES AMONG MALAYSIAN IN EARLY OUTBREAK OF COVID-19

Nurhasniza Idham  Abu Hasan; Shahriman Zainal Abidin; Mogana Darshini  Ganggayah; Nur Faezah  Jamal; Wan Noor Hayatie  Wan Abdul Aziz

doi:10.37268/mjphm/vol.22/no.1/art.1264

Nurhasniza Idham Abu Hasan Department of Statistics, Faculty of Computer & Mathematical Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, 35400 Tapah Road, Perak, Malaysia
Shahriman Zainal Abidin Industrial Design Department, Faculty of Art & Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Mogana Darshini Ganggayah Centre of Applied Data Science, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Nur Faezah Jamal Department of Statistics, Faculty of Computer & Mathematical Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, 35400 Tapah Road, Perak, Malaysia
Wan Noor Hayatie Wan Abdul Aziz Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Computer & Mathematical Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, 35400 Tapah Road, Perak, Malaysia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37268/mjphm/vol.22/no.1/art.1264

Keywords: Attitude, Awareness, COVID-19, Knowledge, Practice, Preventive measures

Abstract

Many efforts are currently underway around the world to improve public awareness about preventive measures and to disseminate appropriate information about COVID-19 in curbing the spread of the disease. This study aims to determine the level of awareness on control and prevention of COVID-19 among population in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 355 participants in between March 30th to May 21st, 2020. A set of questionnaire that consists of five main themes: (1) socio-demographics, (2) awareness, (3) knowledge, (4) attitudes, and (5) practices towards prevention and controlling COVID-19 were distributed via online using google forms. The overall Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) scores was analyzed based on Bloom’s cut-off point of 80%. The results of this study show that Malaysians’ awareness highly influence their knowledge, attitude, and practices in preventing and controlling COVID-19 spread. Although the results are reasonably good, it is recommended for further awareness to be undertaken to continuously raise the awareness level and to remove any negative stigma and attitude that consequently produce better practices to prevent the spread of this virus, so that Malaysia is capable of stopping the COVID-19 infectious virus. Virtual awareness programs should be conducted to provide the public with the most up-to-date information on infection control procedures and how to maintain a hygienic environment, as well as encourage people to adopt social distance and avoid social gatherings.

Author Biography

Shahriman Zainal Abidin, Industrial Design Department, Faculty of Art & Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

²Industrial Design Department, Faculty of Art & Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

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