Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Department of Operation Theatre, Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although older people are at a higher risk of COVID‑19 infection, there is a lack of
research that focuses on COVID‑19 in older people in Malaysia. Therefore, the aim of this study was
to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes related to COVID‑19, and to identify the association of
sociodemographic background with knowledge and attitudes towards COVID‑19 among older people.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross‑sectional study involving 382 older people living
in the community in Malaysia. Data was collected using convenience sampling through an online
questionnaire that consisted of three parts: sociodemographic details, knowledge, and attitude
related to COVID‑19.
RESULTS: The overall correct rate of knowledge was 77.3%, indicating that participants had slightly
good knowledge related to COVID‑19. The participants showed a positive attitude with a mean
score of 26.0 (SD = 5.0). There were significant associations between knowledge and education
level (P = 0.00) and marital status (P = 0.02). Marital status was significantly associated with
attitude towards COVID‑19 (P = 0.03). A weak positive correlation was found between knowledge
and attitude (r = 0.17, P = 0.00) suggesting that an increase in knowledge will increase the positive
attitude among older people.
CONCLUSION: Older people reported good knowledge and positive attitudes towards COVID‑19.
The Malaysian government should provide relevant health education for those with lower education
levels and divorced or widowed to improve knowledge and attitudes towards COVID‑19.
Keywords
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