1.Malaria and Its Prevention: Socio-acceptability in the Application of Insecticides-treated Bed Nets Among Household Heads in the Rural Village Community of Mazabuka, Zambia
Jane Banda ; Nur Raihana Ithnin ; Malina Osman ; Rukman Awang Hamat
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.2):159-169
Introduction: Malaria poses immerse public health challenges in the world as it is still causing significant morbidity
and mortality especially in endemic regions such as Zambia. One of the effective tools in preventing malaria is the
application of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs). This study aims to explored the socio-acceptability of malaria and
ITNs among rural village community of Mazabuka, Zambia. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 177 respondents via two different approached methods; focus group discussions and one-to-one interviews
to assess the level of KAP of the respondents about malaria and ITNs. Results: Most of the respondents (98.7%) possessed ITNs that were provided free of charge by the Ministry of Health Zambia. Overall, the knowledge and attitude
of respondents on malaria and ITNs were at moderate levels of 68.1% and 71.8%, respectively. In contrast, the level
of practice was poor with only 36.2% of positive response. Although 92.1% of the respondents answered correctly
on the association between malaria and mosquito bites, myths and misconceptions were still common as some of
them still attributed malaria to drinking dirty waters (32.8%), bad weather (15.8%), witchcraft (3.4%), and bathing
dirty water (19.8%). The practice was significantly associated with knowledge (p=0.003), but not attitude (p=0.230).
Logistic regression analysis revealed that respondents with high knowledge level and tertiary education were more
likely to use ITNs correctly (OR=2.957; OR=21.739, respectively). Conclusion: The present study showed that the
knowledge gaps were remained among the villagers as misconceptions and their believe of myths were still exist.
2.Feasibility and Acceptability of MyWarung©: A Food Poisoning Prevention Smartphone-Apps During Dining Out
Nur Afifah Mursyida Zaujan ; Asma' ; Ali ; Norashiqin Misni ; Malina Osman ; Hui Yee Chee ; Nur Raihana Ithnin ; Surianti Sukeri ; Christie Pei-Yee Chin
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2021;17(No.3):170-176
Introduction: Eating out has always been associated with increasing cases of food poisoning. These problems can
be minimized through mobile applications and technology development. A mobile application called MyWarung©
was developed to provide an alternative, improved tool for improving food poisoning knowledge and preventive
behaviour. Methods: This cross-sectional study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptance of the MyWarung©
application for consumers in Terengganu. The 50 consumers were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion
criteria using convenience non-probability sampling. The data were collected through a questionnaire that included
three components: socio-demographic, feasible (6 components) and acceptable (7 components). The scoring above
80.0% indicates an acceptable, while lower than 80.0% show unacceptable for both feasibility and acceptability
sections. SPSS 22.0 has analyzed the data. Results: The results showed excellent feasibility with a median score
of 27.5 (IQR 6.0) out of 30.0, and acceptance with 32.0 (IQR 7.0) out of 35.0. Majority of the respondents agreed
that the app is easy to use (94.0%), easy to understand (88.0%), attractive (84.0%), catchy (88.0%), provides more
information (96.0%), efficient (96.0%), knowledge improvement (96.0%), beneficial (100.0%), useful application
(88.0%), and recommend to the other people (84.0%). The overall result showed that most respondents agreed that
MyWarung© application was feasible and acceptable with 90.0% and 86.0% feasibility and acceptability rate. Conclusion: The MyWarung© application among consumers can be highly feasible and acceptable in preventing food
poisoning during dining out.