Ling Huey Khong
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Anis Kausar Ghazali
Biostatistics and Research Methodology Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Nik Zuraina Nik Mohd Noor
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Nur Rina Alissa Razian
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Nur Rina Alissa Razian
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Anis Amiera Muhamad Alojid
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Wan Alif Syazwani Wan Alias
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Fauziah Ismail
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Unit, Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Nor Reah Mustafa
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Unit, Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Cik Siti Nuraini Abdullah
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Unit, Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Sharizan Awang
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Unit, Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Wan Noor Faradila Aini Mat Latif
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Unit, Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Tuan Noorkorina Tuan Kub
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, 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.
