Effectiveness Of Community-Based Health Education On Preparedness For Flood-Related Communicable Diseases In Kelantan

@#The flood disaster in Kelantan in 2014 had resulted in substantial health implications including increased cases of communicable diseases. There was a lack of community preparedness including customized health educations in the prevention and control of flood-related communicable diseases in the affected areas. The research was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based health education modules on flood-related communicable diseases among communities in Kelantan. Health education modules focusing on major food-related diseases were developed. A non-randomized community-controlled trial using the modules were conducted. Outcomes were assessed on knowledge, attitude and preventive practice scores to flood-related communicable diseases using a pre-validated questionnaire. Independent t test was used to compare mean scores between the intervention community (Tumpat) and the control community (Bachok) at 1-month post intervention. One-way independent ANOVA test was done to compare score differences at baseline (pre), post 1-month and post 2-month from repeated surveys among random samples within the intervention community. There were significant improvements in all knowledge components from 9.4% to 52.6% with 10% increment in attitude scores toward preventing behaviours on flood-related communicable diseases. When compared against the control community at one-month post-intervention, there were significantly higher knowledge on types of diseases, symptoms and risk factors as well as practice scores of drinking safe water and protective habits. This research demonstrated that community-based health education is effective in improving relevant knowledge, attitude and preventive practices among affected communities as part of their preparedness toward communicable diseases related to flood.

Development of a new questionnaire to assess childcare providers’ KAP regarding infant and young child feeding

@#Introduction: The integration of infant and young child feeding into childcare settings is important to the overall wellbeing of a community. To our knowledge, there is no questionnaire at the national context specifically on the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of infant and young child feeding among childcare providers. Preexisting questionnaires are unsatisfactory due to different target populations and validation approaches. This study aims to develop a new questionnaire for assessing the KAP regarding infant and young child feeding among childcare providers in Malaysia. Methods: A new questionnaire on childcare providers’ KAP was developed using literature review, expert opinions, and a theoretical framework. It was developed using a modified Delphi technique in five phases: 1. Identification of the domains, 2. Verification of the identified domains, 3. Definition of the domains, 4. Identification of relevant and representative items for each domain, and 5. Final verification of the domains and items, followed by a pre-survey evaluation. Results: The final items were verified by experts with references to relevant literatures, other questionnaires, and experts’ experiences. A total of 236 items were selected after consideration of their relevancy and representativeness: 104, 90, 42 items addressing knowledge, attitude, and practice, respectively. The questionnaire was named Borang Kaji Selidik Pemakanan Bayi dan Kanak-kanak dalam kalangan Pengasuh, or IYCFCCPQ. Conclusion: The IYCF-CCPQ is a newly developed questionnaire to measure childcare providers’ KAP regarding infant and young child feeding.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections among Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims from Malaysia in 2018.

Respiratory tract infection (RTI) is a major public health challenge during the Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Malaysian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims towards the prevention of RTIs in 2018 and determine correlations among three domains. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 225 Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards RTI prevention was assessed by using a validated self-administered questionnaire among pilgrims attending a weekly orientation course organized by private Hajj/Umrah companies. Out of 225 participants, 65.9% of respondents were female with the mean (SD) age of 46.74 (13.38) years. The interquartile range (IQR) score for knowledge is 18.0 (6.0), the mean scores of attitude and practice are 32.65 (4.72) and 25.30 (4.9). respectively. Significant and negative linear correlations between knowledge and practice (r = -0.232, p < 0.001), and attitude and practice (r = 0.134, p = 0.045) were observed. Results from the current study showed good knowledge of RTIs among Malaysian pilgrims. However, a poor attitude was reflected in their preventive practice behaviors. This will further help in the prevention and management of RTIs during Hajj and Umrah. Therefore, an extensive educational health campaign should be provided to pilgrims to create awareness.

Translation and Validation of the Malay Version of the Parents' Satisfaction Scale (PSS-M) for Assessment of Caregivers' Satisfaction with Health Care Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

BACKGROUND: A Malay version of Parent Satisfaction Scale (PSS-M) is needed to investigate the factors contributing to the Malay caregivers' satisfaction with health care management for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of the study is to translate and validate the questionnaire to assess the caregivers' satisfaction on health care services. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 caregivers of children with ASD aged between 2 and 17 years old that received treatment at two tertiary care centres in Kelantan. Permission to use the original version of the PSS questionnaire was obtained. The original English version of the PSS was translated into a Malay version following the 10 steps proposed by an established guideline. Pre-testing of the PSS was carried out with 30 caregivers before confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was established using 110 caregivers. They were asked to assess their understanding of the questionnaire. The one-dimensional questionnaire consists of 11 items, including staff attitudes, availability of staff, supportiveness, and helpfulness. The 5-point Likert scale provided ratings from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Confirmatory factor analysis was performed using a robust maximum likelihood estimator. RESULTS: The analysis showed model fit data with good reliability. CONCLUSION: The PSS-M shows overall model fitness based on specific indices, with good construct validity and excellent absolute reliability to determine the satisfaction level of caregivers of children with ASD with respect to health care services.