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Variation in the prevalence, awareness, and control of diabetes in a multiethnic population: a nationwide population study in Malaysia

Rampal S, Rampal L, Rahmat R, Zain AM, Yap YG, Mohamed M, et al.

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2010 Apr;22(2):194-202.
PMID: 19443875 DOI: 10.1177/1010539509334816

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between different ethnic groups and the prevalence, awareness, and control of diabetes in Malaysia. A population-based cross-sectional study using multistage sampling was conducted in Malaysia. Diabetes is defined as having a fasting blood glucose > or =7 mmol/L or a self-reported diabetic on treatment. Among the 7683 respondents aged > or =30 years, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 15.2% (95% CI = 14.1, 16.4). Multivariate analysis showed that compared with Malays, Chinese had lower odds (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.71; 95% CI = 0.56, 0.91) and Indians had higher odds of having diabetes (aOR 1.54; 95% CI = 1.20, 1.98). The odds of diabetes increased with age, family history of diabetes, body mass index, and lower education levels. Among those with diabetes mellitus, 45.0% were aware and 42.7% were under treatment. Among treated diabetics, 25.1% had their fasting blood sugar under control. There is a significant association between prevalence of diabetes and different ethnic groups.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext Knowledge and behavior regarding breast cancer screening among female teachers in Selangor, Malaysia

Parsa P, Kandiah M, Mohd Zulkefli NA, Rahman HA

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2008 Apr-Jun;9(2):221-7.
PMID: 18712963

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the knowledge and practices of 425 female secondary school teachers from 20 selected secondary schools in Selangor, Malaysia on breast cancer screening (BCS). A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used for data collection. This study showed moderate to low knowledge on breast cancer (BC) and BCS among teachers. Only 19%, 25% and 13.6% eligible women performed breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography respectively, on a regular basis. Level of breast cancer knowledge was significantly associated with BSE (p<0.001). Having heard/ read about BCS, and regular visit with a physician were associated with BCS behaviors (P<0.05). There was no association between BCS behaviors (P>0.05) and age, family history of breast cancer, marital status or having health insurance. Efforts are needed to increase knowledge and remove misconceptions about breast cancer and screening practices among Malaysian women.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Self-care actions taken for vasomotor symptoms by some postmenopausal Kelantanese women

Dhillon HK, Singh HJ, Mahmood NM, Ghaffar NA

Climacteric, 2008;11(6):518-24.
PMID: 18991079 DOI: 10.1080/13697130802491031

OBJECTIVE:
Documentation of self-care actions for vasomotor complaints by some postmenopausal women in Kelantan.

METHODS:
A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 326 naturally menopausal women to determine the prevalence and types of self-care actions taken for vasomotor complaints.

RESULTS:
Fractionally more women took self-care actions for night sweats than hot flushes. The choice of self-care action depended upon the area of residence and the educational level. The most common action taken for night sweats was to sleep either in an air-conditioned room or under a ceiling fan. About one-quarter of the complainants used hormone replacement therapy, the majority of who were urban-living and with secondary education. Only a small fraction used traditional remedies.

CONCLUSION:
A large proportion of women complaining of vasomotor complaints took self-care actions and the choice of self-care actions depended on the area of residence and educational level. The use of modern remedies and less of the traditional remedies was more common amongst the more affluent and educated women than women in rural areas who either did nothing or resorted to the more simple type of self-care actions. Contrary to our expectations, the use of traditional remedies was low.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in Malaysia: a national study of 16,440 subjects

Rampal L, Rampal S, Azhar MZ, Rahman AR

Public Health, 2008 Jan;122(1):11-8.
PMID: 17981310 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2007.05.008

Study design: A cross-sectional study was conducted in all states of Malaysia to determine the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension. A stratified two-stage cluster sampling design with proportional allocation was used.
Methods: Trained nurses obtained two blood pressure measurements from each subject. Hypertension was defined as mean systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure >90 mmHg, or a self-reported diagnosis of hypertension and taking antihypertensive medication. All data were analysed using Stata 9.2 software and took the complex survey design into account. A two-sided P-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension for subjects aged 15 years was 27.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 26.9-28.8). The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in males (29.6%, 95% CI 28.3-31.0) compared with females (26.0%, 95% CI 25.0-27.1). Multivariate logistic regression showed that the odds of having hypertension increased with increasing age, in males, in subjects with a family history of hypertension, with increasing body mass index, in non-smokers and with decreasing levels of education. Only 34.6% of the subjects with hypertension were aware of their hypertensive status, and 32.4 were taking antihypertensive medication. Amongst the latter group, only 26.8% had their blood pressure under control. The prevalence of hypertension amongst those aged 30 years has increased from 32.9% in 1996 to 40.5% in 2004.
Conclusion: In Malaysia, the prevalence of hypertension is high, but levels of awareness, treatment and control are low. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive integrated population-based intervention programme to ameliorate the growing problem of hypertension in Malaysians.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
A preliminary study on the effect of pharmacist counseling on awareness of and willingness to quit smoking in Malaysian population

Babar ZU, Bukhari NI, Sarwar W, Efendie B, Pereira R, Mohamed MH

Pharm World Sci, 2007 Jun;29(3):101-3.
PMID: 17288012 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-005-2905-4

OBJECTIVES: This paper presents an outcome of pharmacist counseling among Malaysian smokers for their awareness of and willingness to quit smoking.

METHOD: It was a cross-sectional study during a 3-day public health campaign at a shopping complex. Each self-referred participant was asked to complete a questionnaire apart from the question regarding improvement, and if any in their awareness and willingness to quit smoking, were asked to respond after counseling. Pharmacists counseled each participant about smoking cessation strategies and smoking related diseases. The data were analyzed by chi2 test.

RESULTS: Among respondents, 25.5% had been smoking for more than 10 years, 31% for 5-10 years, 25.4% for 2-5 years and 18.3% for 1-2 years. The participants declaring no awareness about smoking were 22.9%, with little awareness 44.3%, having moderate awareness 25.7% and with considerable awareness were 7.1%. After counseling, 4.1% revealed unawareness, 17.8% little awareness, 43.8% moderate and 34.2% had considerable awareness on the above aspects. The post counseling awareness on smoking was observed to be significantly higher (P < 0.01). Among smokers studied, 67% showed willingness to quit smoking.

CONCLUSION: Increase in awareness of and willingness to quit smoking reflects that pharmacist counseling seems to be helpful in cessation of smoking.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext Knowledge of diabetes mellitus among diabetic and non-diabetic patients in Klinik Kesihatan Seremban

Ding CH, Teng CL, Koh CN

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Oct;61(4):399-404.
PMID: 17243515 MyJurnal

The Malaysian Ministry of Health has undertaken various campaigns on healthy lifestyle and health promotion over the years. The impact of these campaigns has been mixed and not well documented. This cross-sectional study evaluated the knowledge level of patients with and without diabetes in a large urban polyclinic using a 41-item questionnaire. One hundred and forty-nine adults (83 with diabetes, 66 without diabetes) participated in this study. Patients with diabetes had higher overall knowledge scores than those without diabetes (81.8% vs 64.0%, p < 0.001). While the overall knowledge of patients without diabetes appeared to be acceptable, several areas of knowledge deficiency were identified in this group--areas that should be filled by the on-going health promotion activities.
Study site: Klinik Kesihatan Seremban, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
A study on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Southeast Asian dermatologists in the management of atopic dermatitis

Chan YC, Tay YK, Sugito TL, Boediardja SA, Chau DD, Nguyen KV, et al.

Ann Acad Med Singap, 2006 Nov;35(11):794-803.
PMID: 17160196

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Southeast Asian dermatologists in the management of atopic dermatitis (AD).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire survey of 255 dermatologists in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
RESULTS: Familiarity with diagnostic criteria varied considerably. The usage of moisturisers by the respondents from Vietnam and Indonesia was significantly less frequent than the other countries. Most respondents (91% to 100%) used topical corticosteroids in children with mild-to-moderately severe dermatitis. Some respondents in the Philippines (17% to 19%) and Vietnam (11% to 25%) only used topical corticosteroids for severe disease. For infected eczema, most respondents would prescribe systemic antibiotics for mild-to-moderate infection. A minority in the Philippines (14%) and Vietnam (11%) did so only for severe infection. The top 4 systemic antibiotics prescribed most frequently were: erythromycin, cloxacillin, cephalosporin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. In Indonesia, a large proportion of the respondents (47%) prescribed amoxicillin most frequently. The majority of respondents (60% to 100%) prescribed both sedating and non-sedating oral antihistamines. Most respondents used oral corticosteroids to treat severe AD. Some in Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam used cyclosporin (7% to 58%), azathioprine (5% to 31%) and methotrexate (5% to 14%). With the exception of those in Singapore, the majority of respondents (71% to 97%) did not use phototherapy.
CONCLUSION: Familiarity with diagnostic criteria, the early and judicious use of moisturisers and topical corticosteroids, as well as the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus superinfection with penicillinase-stable antibiotics should be emphasised in this region.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Clinical pathways in primary dental care in Malaysia: clinicians' knowledge, perceptions and barriers faced

Tay HL, Raja Latifah RJ, Razak IA

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2006;18(2):33-41.
PMID: 16883968 DOI: 10.1177/10105395060180020601

The Oral Health Division, Ministry of Health in Malaysia piloted clinical pathways (cpath) in primary care in early 2003. This study investigated the knowledge, perception of cpaths and barriers faced by the clinicians involved in the pilot project. Self-administered questionnaires were sent to the clinicians (n=191). Dentists (67.9%) and dental nurses (70.6%) had good overall knowledge of cpaths. The majority of the clinicians (67.9% to 95.6%) perceived cpath positively in all areas. Only 9.2% of dentists encountered difficulties in using cpath forms compared to 28.4% of dental nurses. A higher proportion of dental nurses (73.5%) compared to dentists (64.8%) were willing to continue using cpath. The majority of dentists (76.7%) and dental nurses (73.1%) were willing to participate in future development of cpaths. Overall, there was evidence of managerial support for the pilot project. A follow-up of the pilot project was somewhat lacking as less than half (43.3%) of the clinicians reported that the state coordinator obtained feedback from them. The findings auger well for the future implementation of cpath should the Oral Health Division decide to adopt cpath routinely in the public oral health care service.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Cultural health beliefs in a rural family practice: a Malaysian perspective

Ariff KM, Khoo SB

Aust J Rural Health, 2006 Feb;14(1):2-8.
PMID: 16426425 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1584.2006.00747.x

Background: Understanding the sociocultural dimension of a patient’s health beliefs is critical to a successful clinical encounter. Malaysia with its multi-ethnic population of Malay, Chinese and Indian still uses many forms of traditional health care in spite of a remarkably modern rural health service.
Objective: The objective of this paper is discuss traditional health care in the context of some of the cultural aspects of health beliefs, perceptions and practices in the different ethnic groups of the author’s rural family practices. This helps to promote communication and cooperation between doctors and patients, improves clinical diagnosis and Management, avoids cultural blind spots and unnecessary medical testing and leads to better adherence to treatment by patients.
Discussion: Includes traditional practices of ‘hot and cold’, notions of Yin-Yang and Ayurveda, cultural healing, alternative medicine, cultural perception of body structures and cultural practices in the context of women’s health. Modern and traditional medical systems are potentially complementary rather than antagonistic. Ethnic and cultural considerations can be integrated further into the modern health delivery system to improve care and health outcomes.
KEY WORDS: alternative medicine, child health, cultural healing, traditional medicine, women’s health

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext Awareness and knowledge of common eye diseases among the academic staff (non-medical faculties) of University of Malaya

Chew YK, Reddy SC, Karina R

Med J Malaysia, 2004 Aug;59(3):305-11.
PMID: 15727374 MyJurnal

A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of common eye diseases (cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and refractive errors) among 473 academic staff (non-medical faculties) of University Malaya. The awareness of cataract was in 88.2%, diabetic retinopathy in 83.5%, refractive errors in 75.3% and glaucoma in 71.5% of the study population. The knowledge about all the above common eye diseases was moderate, except presbyopia which was poor. Multivariate analysis revealed that females, older people, and those having family history of eye diseases were significantly more aware and more knowledgeable about the eye diseases. Health education about eye diseases would be beneficial to seek early treatment and prevent visual impairment in the society.

Matched MeSH terms: Knowledge*
Preventive behaviours towards influenza A(H1N1) and factors associated with the intention to take influenza A(H1N1) vaccination

Naing C, Tan RY, Soon WC, Parakh J, Sanggi SS

J Infect Public Health, 2012 Dec;5(6):412-9.
PMID: 23287612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2012.07.005

PURPOSE: (i) To determine knowledge of, and self-protecting preventive behaviours towards influenza A(H1N1) and (ii) to identify the factors influencing intention to take influenza A(H1N1) vaccination among the study population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional survey carried out in Mantin Town, a semi-urban area of Malaysia. A structured questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of pandemic influenza symptoms, mode of transmission, self-protecting preventive behaviours, and intention to receive the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccine was used for face-to-face interviews with the household members.
RESULTS: Of 230 who heard about pandemic influenza A(H1N1), 86% had misconception about mode of transmission of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, and 52% had sufficient self-protecting behaviours. A majority (58.3%; 134/230) had intended to receive the vaccine. In the multivariate analysis, the intention to get vaccinated was significantly higher among 'those who trusted in efficacy of vaccine for prevention of influenza A(H1N1)' (p<0.001), 'those who were equipped with higher education level' (p=0.015) and 'those who worry about themselves contracting illness' (p=0.008).
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the need to scale up the community's knowledge regarding influenza A(H1N1). Recognizing the factors affecting the acceptance of vaccination documented in this study will allow decision makers to devise effective and efficient vaccination strategies.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
An exploratory study on cultural variations in oral health attitudes, behaviour and values of freshman (first-year) dental students

Kawamura M, Wright FA, Declerck D, Freire MC, Hu DY, Honkala E, et al.

Int Dent J, 2005 Aug;55(4):205-11.
PMID: 16167608

To identify similarities and differences in oral health attitudes, behaviour and values among freshman dental students.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of epilepsy in Asia: toward a uniform study protocol

Lim SH, Pan A

Epilepsia, 2005;46 Suppl 1:48-9.
PMID: 15816980

Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of epilepsy (KAPE) among the public play a major role in determining the extent to which people with epilepsy can be integrated into their society.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Poor Knowledge and Practice Towards Breast Cancer among Women in Baghdad City, Iraq

Hasan TN, Shah SA, Hassan MR, Safian N, Azhar ZI, Syed Abdul Rahim SS, et al.

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2015;16(15):6669-72.
PMID: 26434892

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among females worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice about breast cancer and its related factors among women in Baghdad city, Iraq.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 508 women aged 18 to 55 years from four non-governmental organizations (NGO) in Baghdad city, Iraq. A self-administered questionnaire on breast cancer knowledge and practice was distributed to participants during weekly activity of the NGO.
RESULTS: A total of 61.2% of the respondents had poor knowledge, only 30.3% performed breast self-examination (BSE) and 41.8% said that they did not know the technique to perform BSE. Associations between knowledge and marital status and age were significant. For practice, working status, education, age and family income were significant. After controlling for cofounders, the most important contributing factors for poor knowledge among respondents were marital status and not performing BSE, with adjusted odds ratio of 1.6 and 1.8 respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer knowledge and practice of BSE are poor among women in Baghdad city, Iraq. More promotion regarding breast cancer signs and symptoms and also how to perform BSE should be conducted using media such as television and internet as these constituted the main sources of information for most women in our study.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext Knowledge of female undergraduate students on breast cancer and breast self-examination in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Akhtari-Zavare M, Latiff LA, Juni MH, Said SM, Ismail IZ

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2015;16(15):6231-5.
PMID: 26434821

BACKGROUND: In Malaysia, breast cancer is the first cancer among females regardness of race.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to identify the knowledge and BSE practice among undergraduate female students at four public universities in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 820 undergraduate female students using a self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic data, knowledge of breast cancer and BSE practice.

RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 21.7±1.2 years. The majority of them were single (96.8%), Malay (91.9%) and 16.5% of respondents had a family history of breast cancer. This study showed low level of knowledge on breast cancer and breast self-examination among participants. Only 19.6% participants were performing BSE regularly. Knowledge of breast self-examination was significantly associated with BSE practice (p=0.00). Also, there were significant associations between performing BSE with age, marital status and being trained by a doctor for doing BSE (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that the rate of BSE practice and knowledge of breast cancer is inadequate among young Malaysian females. A public health education program is essential to improve breast cancer prevention among this group.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Parental awareness and attitude towards environmental tobacco smoke exposure in children with respiratory illnesses

Hasniah AL, Tan YP, Nur Buhairah MA, Chan TW, Muhammad Nabil TI, Syed Zulkifli SZ

Public Health, 2016 08;137:182-4.
PMID: 26976490 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2015.10.028
Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
The needs of the deaf and hard of hearing when seeking pharmaceutical care

Jacob SA, Chin JR, Ying Qi T, Palanisamy UD

Res Social Adm Pharm, 2016 03 04;12(4):664-5.
PMID: 27012972 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2016.02.009
Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext Why is there variation in the practice of evidence-based medicine in primary care? A qualitative study

Hisham R, Ng CJ, Liew SM, Hamzah N, Ho GJ

BMJ Open, 2016 Mar 09;6(3):e010565.
PMID: 26962037 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010565

OBJECTIVE: To explore the factors, including barriers and facilitators, influencing the practice of evidence-based medicine (EBM) across various primary care settings in Malaysia based on the doctors' views and experiences.
RESEARCH DESIGN: The qualitative study was used to answer the research question. 37 primary care physicians participated in six focus group discussions and six individual in-depth interviews. A semistructured topic guide was used to facilitate both the interviews and focus groups, which were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, checked and analysed using a thematic approach.
PARTICIPANTS: 37 primary care doctors including medical officers, family medicine specialists, primary care lecturers and general practitioners with different working experiences and in different settings.
SETTING: The study was conducted across three primary care settings-an academic primary care practice, private and public health clinics in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
RESULTS: The doctors in this study were aware of the importance of EBM but seldom practised it. Three main factors influenced the implementation of EBM in the doctors' daily practice. First, there was a lack of knowledge and skills in searching for and applying evidence. Second, workplace culture influenced doctors' practice of EBM. Third, some doctors considered EBM as a threat to good clinical practice. They were concerned that rigid application of evidence compromised personalised patient care and felt that EBM did not consider the importance of clinical experience.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite being aware of and having a positive attitude towards EBM, doctors in this study seldom practised EBM in their routine clinical practice. Besides commonly cited barriers such as having a heavy workload and lack of training, workplace 'EBM culture' had an important influence on the doctors' behaviour. Strategies targeting barriers at the practice level should be considered when implementing EBM in primary care.
Study site: klinik kesihatan, general practice clinics, Klang Valley, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Effect of an Educational Intervention on Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination among Pre-University Students in Malaysia

Kwang NB, Mahayudin T, Yien HL, Abdul Karim AK, Teik CK, Shan LP

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2016;17(1):267-74.
PMID: 26838222

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Studies evaluating the effect of health education on knowledge and perception of cervical cancer have generated conflicting results. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of educational intervention towards knowledge of HPV vacccination for cervical cancer prevention among pre-university students in Malaysia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an experimental before and after study performed between October 2014 and March 2015. Five hundred and eighty students were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. All were required to complete both pre-intervention and post-intervention questionnaires. Those in the intervention group were given an information leaflet to read before answering the post-intervention questionnaire.
RESULTS: Almost half (48.3%) of the students had poor knowledge, with a score less than 5, and only 51 (8.8%) exhibited good knowledge, with a score of 11 and above. After educational intervention, the number of students with poor knowledge was reduced to 177 (29.3%) and the number of students who exhibited good knowledge increased to 148 (25.5%). Students from the intervention group demonstrated significant higher total scores in knowledge regarding 'HPV infection and cervical cancer' (p=0.000) and 'HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention' (p=0.000) during post-intervention as compared to the control group.
CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge on HPV infection and vaccination is low among pre-university students. Educational intervention in the form of information leaflets appears effective in creating awareness and improving knowledge.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Public Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding the Use of Antibiotics and Resistance: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study Among Palestinian Adults

Abu Taha A, Abu-Zaydeh AH, Ardah RA, Al-Jabi SW, Sweileh WM, Awang R, et al.

Zoonoses Public Health, 2016 09;63(6):449-57.
PMID: 26752329 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12249

Antibiotics are considered to be among the most commonly sold drug classes in Palestine. Resistance to antibiotics has increased for reasons relating to the use and misuse of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, and attitudes regarding antibiotic use and awareness about resistance among adults visiting the emergency departments at hospitals in North Palestine. A self-administered cross-sectional questionnaire survey involving participants aged 18 or over was conducted from June 2012 to February 2013. Adults who visited the emergency departments at hospitals in North Palestine were included. Demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic use were included in the questionnaire. Poor and good knowledge were defined as a total knowledge score of 0-7 and 8-15 of 15 questions, respectively. Attitude scores of 0-3 and 4-7 of 7 questions were considered poor and good, respectively. A total of 375 questionnaires were included in the study. A response rate of 83.3% was attained. About 55.0% of the participants had a good knowledge and 56.5% had a good attitude towards rational antibiotic use. A significant positive correlation was shown between participants' knowledge scores and participants' attitude scores towards antibiotic use (R = 0.344, P = 0.001. Participants with a high family income were more likely to be aware of appropriate antibiotic use than participants with a low family income (P-value <0.001). Participants with a higher educational level (university) had a good attitude towards rational antibiotic use than those with a lower education level (P-value <0.001). This study has documented important knowledge and attitude gaps in antibiotic use. These findings will help health policymakers in Palestine to implement intervention programmes to rationalize antibiotic use. Continuing medical education, professional development and training workshops for healthcare professionals regarding rational use of antibiotics and health risks associated with the spread of antibiotic resistance are needed. In addition, minimizing non-prescription use of antibiotics and increasing the public awareness about the health and economic hazards of antibiotic resistance are also required.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*

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