Knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) towards anaemia among female university students in Malaysia: A cross-sectional survey
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2021-0067
- Author:
Cheryl Huong
1
;
Jing Lin Chua
1
;
Rui Yi Ng
1
;
Dhanashri Kshitij Panse
2
;
Snigdha Misra
3
;
Afshan Sumera
2
Author Information
1. Pharmacy Programme, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2. Pathology Division, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
3. Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
anaemia, health-seeking behaviour, knowledge attitude practice
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2022;28(No.2):203-215
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Anaemia is a common health problem in Malaysia, most common
being iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude,
practices (KAP), and health-seeking behaviour (HSB) towards anaemia among
undergraduate female students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted
among 180 female university students from a medical university in Malaysia. Data
were collected using an online questionnaire comprising KAP and HSB. SPSS
version 25.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Most participants (60%) had
an appropriate level of knowledge about anaemia. A positive attitude was shown
with adequate awareness of anaemia. A total of 55.5% of participants reported
having good health practices. However, 52.9% of the participants consumed less
iron-rich foods and 81.7% reported skipping meals. The overall observed healthseeking behaviour was good. A statistically significant relationship was found
between knowledge with attitude (p=0.003) and practice (p=0.005). This study
observed that the study population had poor nutritional status, long menstrual
duration, and vegetarianism. Moreover, infrequent consumption of vitamin C-rich
fruits and low iron-folate supplementation were also observed. Conclusion: A good
level of knowledge on IDA among students was noted. However, most of the students
showed a lack of positive attitude and good practices towards preventing anaemia.
University students are prone to IDA due to a lack of KAP, which can significantly
affect health-seeking behaviour. This issue should not be neglected; therefore,
implementing intervention programmes to educate students on the preventive
measures against the risk factors of IDA is recommended.
- Full text:4.2022my0577.pdf
