Knowledge, attitude, and practice of white coat use among medical students during clinical practice (LAUNDERKAP): A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Recent studies found white coats to be reservoirs for bacteria and medical students did not conform to proper hygiene measures when using these white coats. We investigated the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of medical students toward white coat use in clinical settings (LAUNDERKAP). A validated, online-based survey was disseminated to 670 students from four Malaysian medical schools via random sampling. Scores were classified into good, moderate, or poor knowledge/practice, and positive, neutral, or negative attitude. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the relationship between demographic variables and KAP scores. A total of 492/670 students responded (response rate: 73.4%). A majority showed negative attitudes (n=246, 50%), poor knowledge (n=294, 59.8%), and moderate practice (n=239, 48.6%). Senior and clinical year students had more negative attitudes. Male students had higher knowledge, while students from private medical schools and pre-clinical years had better practice. There was a significant relationship between attitude and practice (r=0.224, p<0.01), as well as knowledge and practice (r=0.111, p<0.05). The results demonstrate the need for more education to improve medical students' infection control practices. Our results can also guide decision-making among administrators on the role of white coats as part of the medical student attire.