KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF PERSONAL HYGIENE TO PREVENT COVID-19 AMONG THE STUDENTS IN THE ISLAMIC BORADING SCHOOL

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Islamic boarding schools are one of the places at risk of COVID-19 transmission. Prevention efforts such as personal hygiene practices are necessary in order to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. This study aimed to describe the level of knowledge, attitudes, and personal hygiene practices of students in preventing COVID-19 transmission in an Islamic boarding school. This study is an analytical study with a cross-sectional approach. The population in this study was 1,884 students, and only 100 students were selected as samples through simple random sampling. Statistical analysis was performed using a chi-square test with a 95% confidence level. Results showed that 75% of respondents had a good level of knowledge, 60% of respondents had a good attitude, and 48% of respondents had proper practice. Furthermore, a half of the respondents stated that the available facilities and infrastructure, as well as rules were in the supporting category (51% and 58%, respectively). There was no relationship between the level of knowledge and attitude towards personal hygiene (p=0.157) and between knowledge and personal hygiene practices (p=0.355). There was a relationship between attitudes and personal hygiene practices (p=0.001). This study concluded that the respondents had good knowledge and attitudes toward personal hygiene to prevent COVID-19 transmission. The management of the Islamic boarding school has to monitor and improve the practices of the students to prevent COVID-19.