Perceived Severity and Susceptibility towards Leptospirosis Infection in Malaysia

Surianti Sukeri, Wan Mohd Zahiruddin, Mohd Nazri Shafei, Rukman Awang Hamat, Malina Osman, Tengku Zetty Maztura Tengku Jamaluddin and Aziah Binti Daud
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Surianti Sukeri: Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
Wan Mohd Zahiruddin: Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
Mohd Nazri Shafei: Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
Rukman Awang Hamat: Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
Malina Osman: Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
Tengku Zetty Maztura Tengku Jamaluddin: Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
Aziah Binti Daud: Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-10

Abstract: Background: Perceived severity and susceptibility refers to one’s belief of the seriousness and the risk of contracting a specific disease. It is an essential study in public health as it assists in the understanding of the motivating factors towards disease prevention. This qualitative study aimed to explore perceived severity and susceptibility towards leptospirosis infection among respondents in two states of Malaysia. Methods: Focus group discussions using the phenomenology approach was conducted involving 72 respondents in Selangor and Kelantan. Data were examined using content analysis. Results: Respondents perceived leptospirosis infection as severe due to its poor disease prognosis and complications. However, some rated it less severe when compared with other chronic diseases such as cancer and AIDS. Their perceptions were influenced by their knowledge about the disease, media portrayal and frequency of health campaigns by the government. All respondents believed they were not susceptible to the disease. Conclusion: The low perceived susceptibility of leptospirosis infection is a matter of concern as it may contribute to respondents’ lack of motivation towards preventing the disease. The study findings may provide the basis for health promotional activities designed to heighten public perceived threat towards leptospirosis infection and thereby improving preventive health behaviors for avoiding leptospirosis.

Keywords: perceived severity; perceived susceptibility; perceived threat; leptospirosis; Health Belief Model; qualitative; Malaysia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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