A cross-sectional study on rotavirus infection among students of University Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak in Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Rotavirus (RV) infection is quite rare in Malaysia but cases involving this virus gradually increases. In order to avoid any risk of infection, it is important to have the awareness about this virus. Aims and Objectives: The present study aims to compare the knowledge, attitude and practice towards RV infection between the different gender and students from variety of courses in University Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak (UniKL RCMP). Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted among students from variety of courses (MBBS, Pharmacy, Nursing, Radiography and Physiotherapy) in UniKL RCMP. This study involved 1769 students and were given questionnaires regarding their demographic data, knowledge, attitude and practice on RV infection. Results: From the total respondents, 64% were categorized as high knowledge score. Male group particularly studying in MBBS showed higher percentage of knowledge score compared to female and other available courses. About 72.1% of male respondents had high knowledge on RV infection while 96.0% of female students and 35.0% of the MBBS group had good attitude score. Conclusion: Aware ness on RV infection is important to all students from different courses in order to avoid any risk and can therefore take preventive measures for themselves and the people surrounding them against RV infection.