Preventive Behaviors, Barriers, and Drivers of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia: A Cross-sectional Survey

Authors

Normaliza Ab Malik, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 55100, MalaysiaFollow
Rusyda Helma Mohd, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor 43600, MalaysiaFollow
Nor Ba'yah Abdul Kadir, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor 43600, MalaysiaFollow

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a public health concern worldwide. This study aimed to assess the preventive behaviors, barriers, and drivers, including the knowledge and self-efficacy of COVID-19 in Malaysia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the COVID-19 outbreak by using a self-administered questionnaire. The instrument used was adopted from the World Health Organization resources. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the categorical data. Chi-square and independent t-test were performed to evaluate the associations between the variables and preventive behaviors.

Results: A total of 465 (97.3%) respondents were recorded. The mean age was 34.3 ± 11.8 years old. A high percentage of the respondents (99.4%) were aware of the COVID-19 outbreak, and their knowledge mean score was 18.74 (Standard Deviation [SD]: 2.51). The mean scores of self-efficacy, barriers, and drivers were 11.07 (SD: 1.72), 5.20 (SD: 2.81), and 39.71 (SD: 5.17), respectively. Barriers (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.10; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.21; p < 0.05) and drivers (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.17; p < 0.001) were found to be predictors for social distancing practices.

Conclusions: Knowledge and self-efficacy were found to be at good levels, whereas self-efficacy, barriers, and drivers were revealed to be the predictive factors in determining the preventive behaviors. Adherence to preventive measures was largely affected by the behavioral drivers.

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Recommended Citation

Ab Malik N, Mohd R, Abdul Kadir N. Preventive Behaviors, Barriers, and Drivers of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia: A Cross-sectional Survey. Makara J Health Res. 2021;25.