Knowledge, attitudes, and sociodemographic factors related to COVID-19 among older people living in the community in Malaysia

BACKGROUND: Although older people are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection, there is a lack of research that focuses on COVID-19 in older people in Malaysia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes related to COVID-19, and to identify the association of sociodemographic background with knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 among older people.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 382 older people living in the community in Malaysia. Data was collected using convenience sampling through an online questionnaire that consisted of three parts: sociodemographic details, knowledge, and attitude related to COVID-19.

RESULTS: The overall correct rate of knowledge was 77.3%, indicating that participants had slightly good knowledge related to COVID-19. The participants showed a positive attitude with a mean score of 26.0 (SD = 5.0). There were significant associations between knowledge and education level (P = 0.00) and marital status (P = 0.02). Marital status was significantly associated with attitude towards COVID-19 (P = 0.03). A weak positive correlation was found between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.17, P = 0.00) suggesting that an increase in knowledge will increase the positive attitude among older people.

CONCLUSION: Older people reported good knowledge and positive attitudes towards COVID-19. The Malaysian government should provide relevant health education for those with lower education levels and divorced or widowed to improve knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19.