ABSTRACT
@#Foodborne disease is among the primary illness that causes morbidity and mortality in the world. Several studies show that most students do not have adequate food safety knowledge to protect themselves against foodborne diseases. This study aimed to determine the food safety knowledge, behaviour, and beliefs among undergraduate students at a local university in Malaysia. This cross-sectional study involves 121 respondents from three health science-related faculties at the studied institution. The questionnaire was distributed via an online platform. This study used multiple-choiceformat questions for Food Safety Knowledge and a Likert type scale for Food Safety Behaviour and Belief question statements. Most of the respondents were female (78%). About 16% of the respondents have experience working / volunteering in food services, and half of them are involved in food handling during their services. This study recorded a moderate score in all sections (knowledge, behaviour, beliefs) with a total percentage score of 60.3%, 60.3%, and 66.1%, respectively. A strong but not significant correlation between food safety knowledge and beliefs (r = 0.69 p > 0.05) and between food safety knowledge and behaviour (r = 0.83 p > 0.05) were observed. This study is useful as a basis to develop a targeted food safety education program among undergraduate students. Students with high knowledge of food safety will increase food safety beliefs and behaviour, thus preventing them from getting any foodborne illness.
ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Adequate knowledge of antibiotics usage among users is one of the key factors preventing the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains’ infections. This study is conducted to determine the level of awareness on antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance among the residents in Selangor, Malaysia. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study that consisted of three parts: socio-demographic profile, antibiotic use awareness, and antibiotic resistance awareness. The questionnaire was distributed online using the snowball sampling method from January to March 2021. Results: A total of 239 respondents have participated in this study. The majority of the respondents involved were among the Malay youth residents in Selangor. Results showed that most residents in Selangor (65%) misunderstand that antibiotics can treat cold and flu. More than 44% of respondents also thought that antibiotic resistance could only occur to individuals who frequently take antibiotics and could not be spread to other people. Findings also showed associations (p<0.05) between the level of awareness on antibiotic resistance and the respondents’ socio-demographic profile (education level, household income and settlement category). A significant positive correlation was also observed between the level of awareness of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance (r=0.42, p<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, the Selangor respondents’ antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance level of awareness are moderate to high. However, there is still a need to increase awareness of antibiotic resistance and correct the misunderstandings among the public to help curb the antibiotic resistance issue from rapidly increasing in the future.