Knowledge, Perceptions and Behaviors Related to COVID-19 in a University Setting in Malaysia

Abstract

BackgroundIn Malaysia the COVID-19 disease (COVID-19) has continued to escalate since its first detection in late January 2020, despite widespread implementation of control measures. This study aims to determine the knowledge, perception and behaviors with respect to COVID-19 in the midst of the third wave of the infection.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out among staffs and students of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). The survey consists of basic sociodemographic information, 22 items on knowledge on COVID-19, 3 items on perceived self-risk, 2 items on preparedness & perceived self-efficacy, 10 items on preventive (own) measures, 9 items assessing unwanted and desirable behaviors during the pandemic. Simple and multiple linear regression were performed to determine the factors associated with knowledge, preventive measures adopted, self-risk perception, preparedness & perceived self-efficacy, and behaviors.ResultsA total of 434 responded to the survey of whom the majority (85.1%) had high scores for knowledge (mean score of 18.72 out of 22). A significant positive association was found between knowledge and older age (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.046 (0.022), p = 0.039), those from medical faculty (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.870 (0.420), p = 0.039) and residence in high-risk areas (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.831 (0.295), p = 0.005). Predictors for higher perception of COVID-19 risk included presence of COVID-19 cases among social contacts (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.751 (0.308), p = 0.015) and living with elderly (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 1.137 (0.296), p < 0.001), while that for perception of preparedness and self-efficacy were living with children (adjusted Beta coefficient (SE) = 0.440 (0.173), p = 0.011) and absence of positive cases among social contacts (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.418 (0.183), p = 0.023). Good preventive measures among the respondents were positively associated with knowledge (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.116 (0.025), p < 0.001), as well as with female gender (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.348 (0.142), p = 0.014). Unwanted behavior was significantly associated with male gender (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.664 (0.321), p = 0.039) and COVID-19 positive status (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 9.736 (3.297), p = 0.003). Knowledge of COVID-19 (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.069 (0.035), p = 0.048) and being married (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.917 (0.462), p = 0.048) were the predictors of desirable behavior.ConclusionOverall, the UTAR community had demonstrated a good level of knowledge and preventive behaviors, albeit with some areas for improvement.

Anxiety and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study of staff and students from a tertiary education center in Malaysia

“…All administrative and academic staff and students of UTAR in Sungai Long Campus were invited to participate in the survey which was conducted between September 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021. This study was part of a broader study which included other aspects related to the COVID-19 pandemic such as knowledge, behavior, self-risk perception (probability, susceptibility and severity) and self-efficacy (protective and avoidance ability) ( 30 ).…”

Associated factors with adherence to preventive behaviors related to COVID-19 among medical students in the university of Monastir, Tunisia

“…These practices were also evaluated in Algeria among students from several fields, revealing that only 58.6% complied with good practices [18]. This prevalence was 43.5% in Indonesia according to a multicenter study conducted online and targeted medical students [14] while according to the results of a survey conducted among students and the academic and administrative staff of a university in Malaysia, more than 80% (85.5-100%) of respondents respected standard COVID-19 preventative measures [22]. In Vietnam, a study among health science students found that the adherence rate to good practice was 92.8% [23].…”

“…In Egypt, the study of Salem MR et al conducted among medical students found that 93.4% of respondents wore the mask outside the house [15]. This percentage was 100% among students and academic staff according to Lee KM et al in Malaysia [22]. The correct coverage of the mouth and nose by the mask was respected in 90% of cases according to a study in Vietnam targeting students in health sciences [23].…”

Faktor Predisposisi Perilaku Pencegahan Covid-19 Di Kecamatan Kembayan Kabupaten Sanggau

“…Persepsi memiliki peran yang sangat penting dalam keberhasilan komunikasi dan membentuk perilaku 39 . Sejalan dengan penelitian sebelumnya menyatakan bahwa persepsi tentang Covid-19 signifikan berhubungan dengan perilaku pencegahan Covid-19 [40][41][42] .…”