PROJECT TITLE: THE STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES ABOUT

COVID 19 AMONG PATIENTS IN HOSPITAL KUDAT.

PLACEMENT: HOSPITAL KUDAT

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 1. Acknowledgements

To begin, we would want to thank God for providing us with the courage and the desire to
finish our studies. Throughout our investigation, we have gotten a tremendous amount of
assistance and direction.

Sincere appreciation to our research supervisor. (Our Supervisor), who provided us

with advice and encouragement and assisted us in conducting our research in numerous ways.
Also, a special thank you to the pharmacists and pharmacy assistants at Hospital Kudat for their
commitment to educating and assisting us in completing this research, and to our chief inpatient
pharmacy department's pharmacy assistant for providing us with the topic and additional
information as we worked on our project. Finally, we would like to extend our gratitude to
every member of the team for their unwavering dedication and assistance in completing and
enhancing this study.

The pharmacist and pharmacy assistants deserve special recognition for their
commitment in training us and assisting us in completing this research. Additionally, we would
like to thank the individuals who have assisted us both directly and indirectly. Sincere gratitude
to all of our friends who have assisted us in every phase of the study from every conceivable
angle, as well as everyone who has seen our work from the moment the dissertation was handed
in. This project could not have been accomplished without their passion, work, and support. I
am convinced that our effort will contribute significantly to the field.

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 2. Abstract

The spread of covid-19 virus in many countries as well in Malaysia imposed drastic lockdown,
movement control in place order on their resident. Due to members of society, the effectiveness
of these mitigation measures is highly dependent on cooperation and compliance. The
knowledges and attitudes people hold towards the covid 19 virus play an integral role in
determining a society readiness to accept behavioural chances measures from health
authorities. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledges levels as well as attitudes
towards covid 19 among the patients in Hospital Kudat. A cross-sectional online survey of 101
patients was conducted between 1st February until 10th February 2023. The surveys instruments
are we are used is Google Forms consisted of demographic characteristics, Part A which is
contain question related to demographic or biodata of respondents. As for Part B contains three
part of checklist which is related to the knowledges, attitudes and practices of the respondents
towards covid 19 of respondent. While Part C, contains about the government control toward
covid 19.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

NO. CONTENTS PAGES

1 Acknowledgment 2
2 Abstract 3
3 Introduction 5-10
I. Background of study
II. Justification
III. Objective of study
IV. Hypothesis
4 Literature Review 11
5 Methodology 12-13
I. Research location
II. Research population
III. Research instrument
IV. Type of samples
V. Number of samples
VI. Data analysis
6 Results 15-20
7 Discussion 21-28
8 Conclusion 29-32
1. Summary
2. Overall conclusion/research implication
3. Recommendation for future research
10 Reference 33
Appendices

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 3. Introduction
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appeared in the end of 2019 in Wuhan, China.
Since then, it has spread to 200 nations and the World Health Organization has designated it a
worldwide pandemic (WHO). More than 2.3 million positive COVID-19 cases and at least
150,000 fatalities have been documented too far.

Three Chinese visitors contracted COVID-19 in Malaysia for the first time on January
25, 2020, marking the outbreak's beginning. Before the first two deaths were recorded on
March 17, the number of cases steadily increased. Malaysia has documented more than 5,300
positive cases and 89 deaths as of April 20, 2020. The majority of these cases have been traced
back to a religious gathering that is currently experiencing its fifth generation of infections. On
March 18, 2020, the Malaysian Prime Minister enacted a movement control order (MCO) in
an effort to prevent community spread and the burden on the country's health system. Similar
to lockdowns in China and Italy, the MCO banned most outside-the-home non-essential
activities. Malaysians were only permitted to leave their homes for necessities such as grocery
shopping and medical care. In addition to preventing Malaysians from leaving the country, the
MCO prohibited all foreigners from entering. It was mandated that non-essential sectors cease
operations or enable employees to work from home.

As fast human-to-human transmission was seen and a significant amount of information

about the virus remained unknown, it was believed that lockdown measures were essential to
halt the infection's spread. Due to the mystery of this unusual virus, there has been much
uncertainty and misunderstanding regarding the virus itself, how it might spread, and the
precautions required to prevent infection. This is made more difficult by the large quantity of
misinformation and disinformation posted on social media, which obscures the community's
comprehension of COVID-19. Malaysians responded with dread and perplexity to the original
announcement of the MCO. In addition to panic shopping, individuals jammed community
transit hubs to return to their hometowns, which may have increased the chance of infection
spreading to other areas of the country. This reaction to the MCO was predictable, but it raises
issues about the degree of awareness and attitudes towards COVID-19 among Malaysians.

Knowledge and attitudes about COVID-19 play a crucial role in deciding whether or
not a society is prepared to adopt behavioral change interventions from health authorities. KAP
studies provide baseline information that can be used to assess the type of intervention that may
be required to alter misunderstandings about the virus. Assessing the COVID-19 Knowledge

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and Attitudes among the general population would aid in addressing the lack of illness
awareness and informing the development of preventative measures and health promotion
initiatives. One of the lessons learnt from the SARS outbreak is that knowledge and attitudes
are connected with levels of fear and anxiety, which could make it more difficult to limit the
disease.

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3.1 Background of study
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and
quickly spread worldwide, resulting in a global pandemic. The World Health
Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international
concern, affecting over 200 countries. This research aims to examine the impact of
COVID-19 and the subsequent implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO)
in Malaysia.

Global Impact of COVID-19:

COVID-19 has had a significant impact globally, with millions of confirmed cases and
thousands of deaths. The rapid spread of the virus prompted the WHO to declare it a
pandemic, highlighting the urgent need for global cooperation and containment
measures. As of now, there have been over 2.3 million confirmed cases and at least
150,000 deaths reported worldwide.

COVID-19 Outbreak in Malaysia:

On 25th January 2020, Malaysia recorded its first cases of COVID-19, involving three
tourists from China. Subsequently, the number of cases steadily increased, and on 17th
March, Malaysia reported its first COVID-19-related death. By [insert date], Malaysia
had recorded over 5,300 positive cases, with 89 deaths. The virus's initial spread in
Malaysia was largely attributed to a religious gathering that resulted in a fifth-
generation transmission chain.

Implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO):

In response to the escalating COVID-19 situation, the Malaysian government enforced
the Movement Control Order (MCO) on 18th March 2020 as a mitigation effort to
reduce the transmission of the virus. The MCO imposed restrictions on non-essential
activities and movement outside the home, similar to lockdown measures implemented
in China and Italy.

Key Measures and Impact of the MCO:

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1. Restricted Activities: The MCO limited non-essential activities, allowing individuals
to leave their homes only for necessary tasks such as buying groceries and seeking
medical treatment.
2. Travel Restrictions: Malaysians were prohibited from leaving the country, and all
foreigners were restricted from entering Malaysia.
3. Closure of Non-Essential Sectors: Non-essential sectors were ordered to close
operations or facilitate remote work for employees.

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 3.2 Justification
To gain a better understanding of how the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors people
hold toward a disease play a crucial role in determining a society's readiness to accept
behavioral change measures from health authorities, it is necessary to examine the
knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors people hold toward the disease. This study aimed
to determine the community's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-
19.

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 3.3 Objective of study
I. To determine the source of the community knowledge on covid 19
II. To determine the level of community knowledge of covid-19
III. To assess the community personnel safe-care practices during covid 19.
IV. To assess the community attitudes towards the government effort in controlling covid-
19

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 3.4 Hypothesis
The findings highlight the importance of consistent messaging from health authorities and the
government, as well as the need for individualized health education programs to increase levels
of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours.

Hence,

i. Hypothesis I; Ho I the respondent has good knowledge about covid 19

ii. Hypothesis II; Ho II The respondent that have their information about
covid 19 from the government have good knowledge.

iii. Hypothesis III; Ho III The respondent practices personnel self-care to

control covid 19. Knowledge about covid 19 does create awareness in
the community in practising personnel self-care.

iv. Hypothesis IV; Ho IV a) The community are positives towards the

government effort in controlling covid.

Ho IV b) The level of community knowledge is related to their

confidence in the government in controlling covid 19

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 4. Literature Review
In an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, a number of nations have enacted strict
lockdown, movement control, and shelter-in-place measures. Cooperation and compliance by
all members of society are crucial to the success of these mitigation measures. People's
knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards the condition play a crucial influence in
determining whether or not a society is prepared to adopt behavioral change efforts from health
authorities.

Azlan AA, Hamzah MR, Sern TJ, Ayub SH and Mohamad E (2020) One of the
researches Community understanding, attitudes, and practices of COVID-19 in Malaysia. This
study demonstrates that the majority of participants were aware that those who had contact
with an infected person must be immediately segregated. The individual should be immediately
separated for 14 days (99.1%) and this is an efficient method for preventing the spread of the
virus (98.2%).

Azlan AA, Hamzah MR, Sern TJ, Ayub SH and Mohamad E (2020) Apart from that,
there is discernible misunderstanding among participants regarding virus propagation. Only
43.3% of participants correctly identified that the virus was airborne, and only 35.7% properly
identified that feeding and touching wild animals could lead to infection.

Azlan AA, Hamzah MR, Sern TJ, Ayub SH and Mohamad E (2020) whether or not
they thought that the COVID-19 issue would be successfully controlled, the majority of
participants believed that COVID-19 would be successfully contained. 83.1 percent of
participants agreed that COVID-19 could be successfully contained. Nevertheless, 14% of
participants were uncertain as to whether the virus could be contained, and a smaller number
of participants (2%) disagreed that the virus could be contained. The perception of successfully
reducing COVID-19 was significantly related to age, area, and profession. Those who were
uncertain had much lower knowledge ratings than those who believed the virus will be
successfully contained.

Azlan AA, Hamzah MR, Sern TJ, Ayub SH and Mohamad E (2020) The majority of
participants (95.9%) were confident that Malaysia will be able to win the war against COVID-
19, while only a small fraction (3.3%) did not share this confidence. There was a correlation
between age and occupation and the belief that Malaysia would be able to defeat COVID-19.
In terms of knowledge score, no significant difference was discovered between the two
confidence groups.

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5. Methodology
5.1 Research location
The Study was carried out at Hospital Kudat , utilising a google form and questionnaires
that were created and distributed to participants
5.2 Research population
Data will be collected randomly choose in weekly basis from patients at Hospital Kudat
Sabah.
5.3 Research instrument
We use Google Forms as our method to collect data. Apart from that, the questionnaires
had been sent to members of the public who have received medical treatment or care at
Hospital Kudat as part of the study. The study's goal is expected to be to better
understand patients' degree of knowledge about COVID-19, as well as their attitudes
about the condition and its consequences. Next, all group member is involved in
collecting data from patient. Other than that, the study's findings could be used to build
targeted education campaigns or interventions to increase public awareness and
attitudes around COVID-19. Moreover, It could also be used to inform public health
policies and guidelines aimed at minimizing disease spread and minimizing its impact
on individuals and communities.
5.4 Type of samples
In this research project, the type of sampling used is simple random sampling. This
means that any individual patient in the population has an equal probability of being
chosen for the study. In fact, one of the many methods of sampling that can be used for
research is simple random sampling. Other than that, a random selection procedure is
utilized to determine which patients will be included in the sample. In this study, for
example, questionnaires were distributed to random patients at Hospital Kudat. This
procedure involved selecting patients from the hospital's population in such a way that
each patient has an equal chance of being chosen. Finally, our group can reduce the risk
of bias and raise the possibility that the sample is representative of the population as a
whole by utilizing simple random sampling.
5.5 Number of samples
Total samples of our project research in Hospital Kudat Is 101.
5.6 Data analysis
Our group members collected data from a Google Form filled out by patients as part of
this study work. This information has been turned into tables and graphs to assist in

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organise and present it in a clear and straightforward manner. Moreover, the data will
be analysed and presented purely for informational reasons, which means it will be used
to draw conclusions and make suggestions relevant to the study topics. Finally, our
group can ensure that the data analysis is as precise and complete as possible by
including all of these details. In fact, it is critical to protect the privacy and
confidentiality of the patients, so the data will be securely stored and accessed only by
those who are authorised to do so.

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 6. Results

Results and results from the questionnaire distributed to 101 respondents. This questionnaire
has 3 parts, namely Part A which contains questions related to the demographics or biodata of
the respondents while Part B contains three parts of a checklist related to the knowledge,
attitudes and practices of the respondents towards covid 19. Part C contains questions about
the assessment of people's feelings about how the government controls covid 19.

Figure 1: age

From the figure 1, a total of 101 participants took part in the study, with an average age of 21
years old (SD = 12.7, range 18 to 25). The majority of participants (41.2%, n=42/101) were in
their 20s, with 22.88% (n=23/101) in their 40s, 18.8% (n=19/101) in their 30s, and smaller
proportions in their 50s (9.9%, n=9/101), 70s (3%, n=3/101), 60s (2%, n=2/101), and 16s (2%,
n=2/101).

This statement provides information about the sample size, the mean age, the standard
deviation, and the range of ages in the sample, as well as the distribution of participants across
different age categories. It suggests that the majority of participants were in their 20s, with
smaller proportions in other age groups.

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 TOTAL

10%
90% 10%

Goverment / Kerajaan Non goverment / Bukan kerajaan

SOURCE OF INFORMATION TOTAL

Figure
Government 91 2;Number of
respondents
Non-government 10 how they get
information
from
government or non-government

From the figure 2, A total of 101 respondents were surveyed regarding their sources of
information about COVID-19. The vast majority of respondents, 91 out of 101 (90%), reported
obtaining information about COVID-19 from government sources, such as official websites,
press conferences, and announcements from government officials. Only 10 respondents (10%)
reported obtaining information from non-governmental sources, such as social media, news
websites, and independent experts.

When asked about the level of trust they had in the information they received, respondents who
obtained information from government sources reported a higher level of trust (mean score =
4.7 out of 5) compared to those who obtained information from non-governmental sources
(mean score = 3.2 out of 5). Respondents who obtained information from government sources
cited reasons such as the official nature of the sources and the transparency of the government's
communication efforts, while respondents who obtained information from non-governmental
sources cited concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the information.

Overall, these results suggest that in this particular Malaysian community, the government is
the most trusted and relied-upon source of information about COVID-19. This highlights the
importance of effective and transparent communication from government officials in
disseminating information about public health crises, and the potential risks associated with
misinformation and unreliable sources of information.

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 Medium used

92
100
80
43
60 28
40
4
20
0
TOTAL

TELEVISION RADIO MEDIA SOSIAL OTHERS

From a total of 101 respondent, the majority of the respondent got information from media
social; nmediasocial =92, television; ntelevision =43, radio; nradio = 28 and last respondent
got from others platfrom ; nothers =4. The Mean of this sample is 2.34 (MeanMedium = 2.34)
Standard deviation of this data is 0.89 (STDEVmedium = 0.89) showing that the responded
receives information various platform.

The correlation between the standard deviation source and standard deviation medium shows
that government are active sending message in various platform.

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Descriptive analysis of knowledge about covid 19

Table: Descriptive analysis of knowledge (n = 101)

Questions Im not sure False Correct answer

The primary clinical 0/101 0/101 101/101

manifestations of COVID-19 (100%)
include fever, fatigue, dry
cough, and body aches.
Consuming or coming into 19/101 15/101 (14.9%) 67/101
contact with wild animals would (18.8%) (66%)
result in infection with the
COVID-19 virus.
In people infected with the 17/101 25/101 (24.8%) 59/101
COVID-19 virus, stuffy nose, (16.8%) (58.9%)
runny nose, and sneezing are
less likely than with the typical
cold.

Those with COVID-19 who do 9/101 (8.9%) 7/101 (6.9%) 85/101

not have a fever cannot transmit (84.5%)
the virus to others.
To prevent infection with the 0/101 0/101 101
COVID-19 virus, persons (100%)
should avoid crowded settings
including community
transportation.
People must wear face masks to 0/101 0/101 100/101
avoid contracting the COVID- (100%)
19 virus.

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A total of 67 (66.3%) participants knows that consuming or coming into contact with wild
animals would result in infection with the COVID-19 virus is false. only 15 participants
(14.9%) believed that consuming or coming into contact with wild animals would result in
infection with the COVID-19 virus is false. while 19 participants (18.8%) did not know or were
unsure that consuming or coming into contact with wild animals would result in infection with
the COVID-19 virus.

There are only 59 respondents (58.9%) were correct that in people infected with the covid-19
virus, stuffy nose, runny nose, and sneezing are less likely than with the typical cold is true.
Other that, only 25 respondents (24.8%) are incorrect and 17 participants (16.8%) were unsure
or don’t know about in people infected with the covid-19 virus, stuffy nose, runny nose, and
sneezing are less likely than with the typical cold is true.

In addition, almost all respondent 85(84.5%) were correct that those with COVID-19 who do
not have a fever cannot transmit the virus to others is incorrect. Only 7 respondents (6.9%)
that’s answer incorrect. While 9 respondents (8.9%) are not sure about those with COVID-19
who do not have a fever cannot transmit the virus to others.

In terms of practice, all respondent 101(100%) agrees that to prevent infection with the covid-
19 virus, persons should avoid crowded settings including community transportation. Finally,
all respondent 100 (100%) agrees that people must wear face masks to avoid contracting the
covid-19 virus.

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Descriptive analysis of attitude patient about covid-19
Table: Descriptive analysis of attitudes (n = 101)
Questionnaires I’m not Disagree Agree Yes No
sure

"The Malaysian government 13/101 7/101 80/101

effectively manages the covid19 (80%)
(13%) (7%)
health crisis?

"Do you have faith in the - 87/101 14/101

Malaysian government's (86.1%) (13.99%)
capability to battle covid 19?

"Do you concur that COVID-19 25/101 7/101 69/101

has been effectively managed? (24.8%) (6.9%) (68.3%)

"Do you agree that vaccination 14/101 23/101 64/101

can prevent the spread of (13.9%) (22.8%) (63.4%)
COVID-19?

"Are you sure in the efficacy of 73/101 28/101

the vaccine you injected yourself (72.3%) (27.8%)
with?

The table above shows the number of respondents who answered agree, disagree and also not
sure for each question in the questionnaire attitudes about covid-19. Part c of the questionnaire
is related to respondents' attitudes to covid 19. Almost all respondent 80 (80%) agree the
Malaysian government effectively manages the covid19 health crisis. While 7(7%) respondent
was disagree with Malaysian government effectively manages the covid19 health crisis and
13(13%) respondent was unsure with government effectively manages the covid19 health
crisis.

Mostly respondents 87 (86.1%) are have faith in the Malaysian government's

capability to battle covid 19. While 14 (13.99%) respondent didn’t believe the Malaysian
government's capability to battle covid 19.

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 There are 69 (68.3%) respondent were agreeing that COVID-19 has been effectively
managed. While 25(24.8%) respondent are ensure that Malaysian Government COVID-19 has
been effectively managed. Only 7 (7%) respondents disagree with Malaysian Government
COVID-19 has been effectively managed.

A totals 64 respondents (63.4%) agree that vaccination can prevent the spread of
COVID-19. While there 23 respondents (22.8%) were disagree vaccination can prevent the
spread of COVID-19. A totals 14 respondents (13.9%) are ensure with vaccination can prevent
the spread of COVID-19.

Finally, a totals 73 respondents (72.3%) believe the efficacy of the vaccine you injected and 28
respondents (27.8%) were didn’t have faith the efficacy of the vaccine injected to their body.

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Result analysis relation between source of knowledges against level of knowledges

Table 1;Figure 1: Exploring the Link Between Knowledge Sources and Levels of Expertise

98
100

80

60

40

20 0 3
TOTAL
0
0 UNTIL 6 7 UNTIL 12 13 UNTIL 18

Knowledge of respondents toward covid-19

From table above shows that knowledges of respondents toward covid-19. The range marks
from our questionnaire 13 until 18 is good, 7 until 12 is medium and 0 until 6 is low. The totals
respondents getting good marks is 98/101 respondents, following 3/101 respondents getting
medium marks. From the graph we can conclude majority of respondent has good knowledges,
hypothesis 1 is accepted. The mean for this data set is 16.68 and standard deviation is 1.4.

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Analysis correlation between two variables; source of knowledges against level of
knowledges

Table 2: Figure 2: Analysing the Correlation Between Knowledge Sources and Levels of Expertise

The corellation between the source versus the

level of knowledges
2.5

2
Source of knowledges

1.5

1
0 5 10 15 20
0.5

0
Level of knowledges

Correlation test were conducted to see the relationship between the source of knowledge versus
the level of knowledge. Figure above shows the correlation between source of knowledge
against the total score of knowledges from the questionnaire. The correlation value obtained is
r=-0.0667, which show that’s there a weak correlation between the source and level of
knowledge. Results are divided to two groups which is 90/101 respondent getting information
from the government, 11/101 from the non-government, via various platform. Both groups
have good knowledge about covid 19. Therefore, the level of knowledge is not affected by it
sources. Therefore, hypothesis II a can be rejected.

However, considering the majority of respondent get their information about covid 19 from the
government via various platform. We still can conclude that the majority of respondent are
knowledge due to the consistency of the government in educating the community about covid
19. Hence hypothesis II b accepted.

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The analysis correlation between two variables; Personal self-care practices against
knowledges

Table 3:Figure 3: Investigating the Relationship Between Personal Self-Care Practices and Levels of Knowledge

Personal self care practices

120
100
100
Total of repondents

80

60

40

20
0 1
0
1 UNTIL 2 3 UNTIL 4 5 UNTIL 6
TOTAL 0 1 100
Score

Based on the data analysis between two variable, majority 100/101 of respondent have high
score and practising personnel self-care to protect themselves from covid 19. Only 1 respondent
got an average score. This suggest that all of the respondent is practising personnel self-care.
The r value is r=0.19, r>0 indicates a positive association. The strength or correlation increase
as r move from 0 towards 1. The r figure indicates significant and positive relationship between
the knowledge of the respondent about covid 19 and the personnel selfcare. The respondent is
knowledgeable and have awareness in practising personnel health care to control covid 19.
Hypothesis iii accepted

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The analysis correlation between two variables; attitudes towards the government effort
in controlling covid-19

Table 4:Figure 4: Assessing the Relationship Between Attitudes Towards Government Efforts in Controlling COVID-19 and
Levels of Knowledge

COMUNITY ATITUDE TOWARDS COVID 19

16,
16%

85, 84%

0 UNTIL 7 NEGATIVE 8 UNTIL 15 POSITIVE

MARKS ATITUDE TOTAL

0 UNTIL 7 NEGATIVE 16
8 UNTIL 15 POSITIVE 85

Based on data analysis, 85 (84%) respondents were included in the category of positive towards
the government effort in controlling covid-19 and 16 (16%) were negative towards effort
government. From this result itself it can be conclude the majority respondent are positives
towards government effort. Therefore, hypothesis iv is accepted.

However, correlation test was conducted between the level of knowledges and the
attitudes of the respondent towards government effort in controlling covid 19

The r= -0.04. r<0 indicates a negative association between the two variables. r = -0.4
suggest are weak association between the two continuous variables. STDEV=2.6 it indicates
the data more spread out. We can conclude thats the level of knowledges does have correlation
with the attitudes of the public toward government controlling covid 19.

From these findings, we can conclude that there is a weak correlation between levels of
knowledge and attitudes towards the government's efforts in controlling COVID-19 among the
Malaysian public. The negative association suggests that as knowledge levels increase,
attitudes towards the government's efforts may become less positive, although the weak

25
correlation indicates that knowledge levels are not a major factor influencing attitudes. These
findings highlight the importance of considering multiple factors, including trust in
government, personal experiences, and other contextual factors, in understanding attitudes
towards public health measures during a pandemic. In conclusion, the level of knowledge did
not have significant correlation with the positivity of the community towards the government
effort in controlling covid 19. Hypothesis iv b rejected

26
 7. Discussion

7.1 Knowledge about covid 19

Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the average knowledge score of
patients in Hospital Kudat regarding COVID-19 is 16.68. This suggests that patients in the
hospital have a good level of knowledge about the disease. However, it is important to note
that there was some variability in the knowledge scores, indicating that some patients had lower
levels of knowledge about COVID-19.

The average knowledge score of Malaysians in regards to COVID-19 was overall correct rate
of 80.5%. Even so, correct rates of COVID-19 knowledge ranged widely indicating that while
some participants had high levels of knowledge on the disease, others did not.

7.2 The community attitudes towards the government effort in controlling covid-19

The current investigation on journal revealed that the overwhelming majority of the study
subjects expressed favorable attitudes regarding the management of COVID-19. Specifically,
around 80% of the participants concurred that the control of COVID-19 would be accomplished
successfully. Correspondingly, roughly 90% of the participants demonstrated confidence that
Malaysia would ultimately triumph over the virus and that the government's handling of the
health crisis was commendable.

Based on the results of our study, it can be concluded that the majority of the respondents,
specifically 87 out of 101 participants or 86.1%, have faith in the Malaysian government's
capability to battle COVID-19. On the other hand, 14 respondents or 13.99% did not believe
in the Malaysian government's ability to combat COVID-19. This indicates that there is a
significant level of trust and confidence among the public towards the government's efforts in
controlling the pandemic. However, it is important to note that the sample size of this study is
limited to 101 participants, which may not represent the entire population of Malaysia.
Therefore, caution should be exercised when generalizing these findings to the broader
population.

7.3 The limitations of the study

Sampling for the study was conducted via a convenience sample through the networks of the
researchers and disseminated through different social media platforms. As a result, there is a

27
possibility of bias as underprivileged populations may not have been able to participate in the
study.

Until now, the number of COVID-19 infections has been increasing, but in some countries, the
rate of infections has decreasing, and in others, there has been no new infections. Age is a
concern, especially the elderly with co-morbidities, but not all elderly people understand and
want to get information about preventing COVID-19 transmission.

The elderly group is more vulnerable, but this group does not have sufficient access to the
available information. Conversely, because the young age group has access to information from
various sources, they can easily afford to obtain correct information about COVID-19.

The findings of our research indicate that age may be a significant factor in understanding and
obtaining information about preventing COVID-19 transmission. While the elderly population
is more vulnerable to the virus due to co-morbidities, not all of them have access to or seek
information about prevention measures. Conversely, younger individuals have easy access to
information from various sources and may have a better understanding of COVID-19
prevention measures.

However, our research also revealed that a large proportion of respondents were in the age
range of 50 to 70 years old. Specifically, 9.9% of respondents were in their 50s, 3% were in
their 70s, and 2% were in their 60s and 16s respectively. This demographic skewness may limit
the generalizability of our findings and represent a potential weakness in our research.

28
 8. Conclusion

In conclusion, the present study was able to provide comprehensive examination of the
knowledge, attitudes and practices of patients in Hospital Kudat toward COVID-19. The
findings suggest that the patients in Hospital Kudat have an acceptable level of knowledge on
COVID-19 and are generally positive in their outlook on overcoming the pandemic. Even so,
consistent messaging from the government or health authorities are key to aid public
knowledge and understanding of COVID-19. Additionally, some categories of the population
may benefit from specific health education programs to raise COVID-19 knowledge and
improve practices.

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Summary

This study aimed to determine the community’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding
COVID-19. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019
and quickly spread worldwide, resulting in a global pandemic. Three Chinese visitors
contracted COVID-19 in Malaysia for the first time on January 25, 2020, marking the outbreak
beginning. Malaysia has documented more than 5,300 positive cases and 89 deaths as of April
20, 2020. As fast human-to-human transmission was seen and a significant amount of
information about the virus remained unknown, it was believed that lockdown measures were
essential to halt the infection’s spread. Due to the mystery of this unusual virus, there has been
much uncertainty and misunderstanding regarding the virus itself, how it might spread, and the
precautions required to prevent infection. Knowledge and attitudes about COVID-19 play a
crucial role in deciding whether or not a society is prepared to adopt behavioural change
interventions from health authorities. The study was carried out at Hospital Kudat, utilising a
google form and questionnaires that were created. Google Forms was used as a method to
collect data. The questionnaires had been sent to members of the public who have received
medical treatment or care at Hospital Kudat as part of the study. The study’s goal is expected
to be to better understand patient’s degree of knowledge about COVID-19, as well as their
attitudes about the condition and its consequences. The type of sampling used is simple random
sampling. This means that any individual patient in the population has an equal probability of
being chosen. The information has been turned into tables and graphs to assist in organise and
present it in a clear and straightforward manner. Based on the findings of this study, it can be
concluded that the average knowledge score of patients in Hospital Kudat regarding COVID-
19 is 16.68. However, it is important to note that there was some variability in the knowledge
scores, indicating that some patients had lower levels of knowledge about COVID-19.

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Overall Conclusion/Research Implication

The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by a so called “infodemic” – a global spread
of misinformation that poses a serious problem for public health. Infodemics are concerning
because the spread of false or misleading information has the capacity to change transmission
patterns and consequently the scale and lethality of a pandemic. This information can be shared
by any media, but there is reason to be particularly concerned about the role that social media,
such as Facebook and Twitter, play in incidentally boosting misperceptions. These platforms
are increasingly relied upon as primary sources of news and misinformation has been heavily
documented on them. Scholars have found medical and health misinformation on the platforms,
including the related to vaccines.

However, misinformation content typically makes up low percentage of overall discussion of

a topic and mere exposure to misinformation does not guarantee belief in that misinformation.
More research is thus needed to understand extent and consequences of misinformation
surrounding COVID-19 on social media. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Facebook, Twitter
and other platforms have engaged in efforts to combat misinformation but they have continued
to receive widespread criticism that misinformation is still appearing on prominent pages and
groups. The extent to which misinformation continues to circulate on these platforms and
influence people’s knowledge and attitudes is still very much and open questions.

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Recommendation for future research

There are number of gaps in our knowledge around public involvement in research that follow
from our findings, and would benefits from further research, including realist evaluation to
extend and further test the theory we have developed here:

1. In-depth exploration of knowledge and attitudes about COVID-19 among patients

become committed to public involvement and how to influence agnostic or sceptical
knowledge and attitudes would be very helpful.
2. More methodological work is needed on how to robustly capture the impact and
outcomes of knowledge and attitudes in research, including further economic analysis
and exploration of impact when the patients are integral to research.
3. It would also be helpful to capture qualitatively the experiences and perspectives of
research among the patients who have had mixed or negative experiences, since they
may be less likely than enthusiasts to volunteer to participate in studies of involvement
in research such as ours.
4. Payment for public involvement in research remains a contested issue with strongly
held positions for and against; it would be helpful to further explore the value research
among the patients and researchers place on payment and its effectiveness for
enhancing involvement in and impact on research.

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 9. Reference

Journals
I. Azlan AA, Hamzah MR, Sern TJ, Ayub SH, Mohamad E (2020) Community
knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19: A cross-sectional study in
Malaysia.
II. NeJhaddadgar N, Pirani N, Heydarian N, Ebadi Fard Azar AA, Yazdi F, Toghroli R,
Chaboksavar F, Shalchi Oghli S, Kianipour N, Zokaei A, Foroughinia A. Knowledge,
attitude, and practice toward the COVID-19 infection among adults Iran
III. Rabbani MG, Akter O, Hasan MZ, Samad N, Mahmood SS, Joarder T
COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among People in Bangladesh
IV. Twinamasiko N, Olum R, Gwokyalya AM, Nakityo I, Wasswa E, Sserunjogi E.
Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towards COVID-19 Public Health
Preventive Measures Among Patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
V. Puwaneswarry M, and Nathratul Ayeshah Z, and Gaaitheri K, and Lim, KQ and Wong,
YH and Tang, SL and Ng, Chong Guan (2020) Development of knowledge, attitudes,
and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. Medicine & Health,
Internet
I. Srichan, P., Apidechkul, T., Tamornpark, R., Yeemard, F., Khunthason, S.,
Kitchanapaiboon, S., ... & Tangcharoensathien, V. (2020). Knowledge, Attitude,
and Practice Toward the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Cross-
Sectional Study in Thailand. Frontiers in Public Health, 8, 217. Retrieved from
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00217/full

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