Perceptions, Attitude, Responses, Knowledge and Emotional Well-being (PARKE) of COVID-19 among students at Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed)

Abstract

# Background Adherence to preventative measures designed to mitigate transmission of COVID-19 depends on individual’s understanding and perception of COVID-19. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, perceptions, behavioural adaptation and psychological well-being related to COVID-19 among students attending Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia. # Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling of students. The self-administered online questionnaire was sent via email in Google forms format between 18 April and 30 April 2020. The questionnaire focused on sociodemographic, perception, attitude and behavioural responses, knowledge and sources of information and anxiety level. # Results 326 university students with mean age of 21.8 (S.D 2.3) participated in this study. More females (n =236) took part in the study than males (n= 90). Most students (80%) believed that they knew how to protect themselves. More than two-thirds (68%) of students strongly agreed that COVID-19 was a serious public health issue. Most students (>90%) practised the recommended measures, except for avoid touching of eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands (82%). Wearing a facemask was positively associated with behavioural uptake in university students. # Conclusions This study showed a good attitude, behavioural responses, knowledge level and emotional responses among NUMed students towards COVID-19.