(Current Challenges and Updates in Pharmacy Education and Research)

Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Online Distance Learning Experience of Malaysian University Students towards COVID-19: A Cross Sectional Study

Not scheduled

20m

كلية الصيدلة

Recorded poster Conference Trak Two

Speaker

Dr Ehab Mikhael (University of Baghdad)

Description

Background of study: New norms need to be adapted during COVID-19 pandemic period where people need to wear masks, wash their hands frequently, maintain social distancing and avoid going out unless to buy the necessities. Therefore, educational institutions were closed to minimize the spread of COVID-19. As a result of this, online education was adapted to substitute the physical face-to-face learning.
Aim of study: This study aimed to assess Malaysian university students’ adaptation to the new norms, knowledge levels, attitudes and practices toward COVID-19.
Methods: A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit 500 Malaysian university students from January to February 2021 though social media. All students were asked to fill in a questionnaire that was developed based on previous literature, using Google Forms.
Results: 498 students completed filling the questionnaire (response rate 99.6%). Malaysian Ministry of Health was the main source (83.73%) that students refer to when looking for information on COVID-19. Only 40% of the participants had good overall knowledge about COVID-19; such knowledge was influenced by the students' field of study. The current practice towards COVID-19 was good only by 26.1% of participating students; such practice was influenced by student ethnic groups. Additionally, 60% of participated students agreed that COVID-19 can be successfully controlled. About 1/3 of participants had positive attitudes toward online learning. The major challenges facing students during online learning include distraction of the learning environment (80%), unstable internet connectivity (75%), lack of motivation (70%), limited technical skills (41%), and limited broadband data (34%).
Conclusions: The knowledge and practice toward COVID-19 was good in less than half of Malaysian university students. Attitudes about the controlling of COVID-19 were positive, while the attitudes toward online learning were neutral among most Malaysian university students. Challenges toward online learning are diverse and include both technical and student-related problems.