Effectiveness of Hand Washing Education on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Orang Asli Kids in Gua Musang, Kelantan.
| Title: | Effectiveness of Hand Washing Education on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Orang Asli Kids in Gua Musang, Kelantan. |
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| Authors: | Khong LH; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.; School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.; Ghazali AK; Biostatistics and Research Methodology Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.; Nik Mohd Noor NZ; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.; Medical Microbiology and Parasitology Laboratory, Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.; Razian NRA; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.; Muhamad Alojid AA; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.; Wan Alias WAS; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.; Ismail F; Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Unit, Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.; Mustafa NR; Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Unit, Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.; Abdullah CSN; Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Unit, Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.; Awang S; Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Unit, Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.; Latif WNFAM; Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Unit, Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.; Kub TNT; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.; Medical Microbiology and Parasitology Laboratory, Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. |
| Source: | The Malaysian journal of medical sciences : MJMS [Malays J Med Sci] 2025 Oct; Vol. 32 (5), pp. 115-130. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Oct 31. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Universiti Sains Malaysia Press Country of Publication: Malaysia NLM ID: 101126308 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 1394-195X (Print) Linking ISSN: 1394195X NLM ISO Abbreviation: Malays J Med Sci Subsets: PubMed not MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Publication: [Pulau Pinang, Malaysia] : Universiti Sains Malaysia Press; Original Publication: [Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia] : School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia |
| Abstract: | Background: Handwashing is a crucial preventive measure against illnesses such as diarrhoea and respiratory infections, particularly in rural communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Orang Asli kids often experience high rates of preventable diseases due to poor handwashing practices. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of handwashing among Orang Asli kids in Gua Musang, Kelantan, and to assess the impact of a targeted handwashing education intervention.; Methods: An interventional study was conducted among 61 Orang Asli students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Pasir Linggi, Gua Musang, Kelantan. The intervention consisted of a structured handwashing education programme, and KAP scores were measured before and after the intervention. A paired sample t-test was used to analyse the impact of the intervention on the participants' KAP scores.; Results: The post-intervention scores for all KAP related questions were significantly higher than the pre-intervention scores (P < 0.05). Following the educational programme, there was a significant improvement in handwashing with soap, which had been poorly practised before the intervention. Year 1 students had lower baseline knowledge and attitude scores compared to older students, highlighting the need for greater focus on younger children in future programmes.; Conclusion: The handwashing education programme effectively improved the KAP of handwashing among Orang Asli kids. However, the lower baseline KAP scores among younger students suggested that future interventions should focus more on early education to foster better hygiene practices and prevent the spread of infectious diseases in this vulnerable community.; (© Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2025.) |
| Competing Interests: | Conflict of Interest: None. |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: Orang Asli; attitudes; handwashing; knowledge; practices |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260504 Date Completed: 20260504 Latest Revision: 20260504 |
| Update Code: | 20260504 |
| PubMed Central ID: | PMC13132129 |
| DOI: | 10.21315/mjms-01-2025-059 |
| PMID: | 42077254 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
Journal Article