Determinants of COVID-19 Knowledge, Perception and Attitudes in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Many countries, including Indonesia, were gravely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While younger people were rarely severely affected by an infection, they still served as important spreaders of the disease. Therefore, the knowledge, perception and attitudes regarding COVID-19 of a mostly younger population was assessed in this study using a quantitative survey and semi-structured questionnaire. Out of 15 questions on COVID-19, males answered fewer questions (-1.26) correctly. Persons reporting more diseases in the last year (+0.49 per disease) that lived in a central area of Indonesia, and that had a better socio-economic status defined through household condition scores, had better knowledge of the symptoms, causes of and measures against COVID-19. Better knowledge independently predicted more responsible attitudes and stated behavior. Knowledge and understanding should be enhanced through information campaigns targeted specifically towards men, persons with poor socio-economic backgrounds and those living in the periphery of the state.

Support of the Implementation of a Whistleblowing System for Smoke-Free Environments: A Mixed Methods Approach.

Enforcement of a smoke-free policy is of vital concern in support of the health of smokers and bystanders. Indonesia has issued a smoke-free law, but implementation and enforcement lie with the regional and municipal governments. In a survey of 225 respondents recruited via schools, knowledge about the health effects of smoking and the smoke-free regulation, as well as attitudes towards and commitment and support of the enforcement of the smoke-free regulation in the Kendari City through an electronic whistleblowing system was examined. Furthermore, the participants were asked about the smoking status and smoking behavior. About half of the respondents were students (teenagers), the other half-their parents. Male respondents were strongly overrepresented (85%). Only 18% of the respondents declared to be smokers, mostly adults and males. Both the smokers and the non-smokers supported the smoke-free law and its enforcement through a whistleblowing system. Representatives of the local government were interviewed and participated in focus group discussions. In general, they also exhibited strong support of an electronic enforcement tool. However, issues of efficiency, costs, and responsibility must still be resolved. Nevertheless, an electronic whistleblowing system has the potential to further the health and livelihoods in a community like the Kendari City.