Public KAP towards COVID-19 and Antibiotics Resistance: A Malaysian Survey of Knowledge and Awareness

Chee Tao Chang, Ming Lee, Jason Choong Yin Lee, Nicholas Chor Teng Lee, Tsu Yin Ng, Asrul Akmal Shafie and Kah Shuen Thong
Additional contact information
Chee Tao Chang: Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Ipoh 30450, Malaysia
Ming Lee: Klinik Kesihatan Kampung Simee, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Ipoh 31400, Malaysia
Jason Choong Yin Lee: Perak Pharmaceutical Services Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Tanjung Rambutan 31250, Malaysia
Nicholas Chor Teng Lee: Pharmacy Department, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Ipoh 30450, Malaysia
Tsu Yin Ng: Klinik Kesihatan Taiping, Perak, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Taiping 30400, Malaysia
Asrul Akmal Shafie: School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Malaysia
Kah Shuen Thong: Pharmacy Department, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Ipoh 30450, Malaysia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 8, 1-20

Abstract: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of the Malaysian public on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and antibiotics, the practice of preventive measures and attitude towards the new norms. The web-based questionnaire was disseminated online from 1 to 31 October 2020. Out of 2117 respondents, 1405 (66.4%) knew that transmission of COVID-19 virus could happen in asymptomatic people. In term of antibiotics knowledge, 779 (36.8%) respondents were aware that taking antibiotics could not speed up the recovery process of all infections. Less than half of the respondents (49.0%) knew that antibiotics are effective against bacterial infection only. Majority (92.3%) practiced good preventive measures. Majority of the respondents strongly agreed that quarantine should be made mandatory for all arrival from overseas (97.2%) and wearing face masks should be made mandatory in all public areas (94.0%). Respondents of Chinese ethnicity ( p = 0.008), middle-aged ( p = 0.002), with tertiary education ( p = 0.015) and healthcare related education ( p < 0.001), from the higher income groups ( p = 0.001) were more likely to have better knowledge on COVID-19. The Malaysian public demonstrated good knowledge towards COVID-19, adequate practice of preventive measures and high acceptance towards the new norm. Knowledge on antibiotics use and resistance was poor, which warrants attention from the health authorities.

Keywords: COVID-19; antibiotic resistance; KAP survey model; preventive measures; Malaysia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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