Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding COVID-19 among Residents of Pesantren

Abstract

Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) have a risk of COVID-19 transmission. The pesantren learning system is generally carried out collectively and the interaction between teachers and students is almost 24 hours. This community service aims to empower pesantren in efforts to prevent and control COVID-19 so that they become a safe learning place from the spread of COVID-19. The design of this study was a case study on the empowerment of pesantren in the prevention and control of COVID-19. Study located at a traditional Islamic boarding school (salafiah) in Lebak Regency, Banten. The target of the study consists of pesantren leader, teachers (ustadz/ustadzah) and students (97 people), and community service partners consist of the sub-district Public Health Center and the sub district COVID-19 Task Force. The results of this study showed that controlling COVID-19 in pesantren requires the commitment of pesantren leaders through the establishment of pesantren COVID-19 task force and requires partnerships with relevant stakeholders. Health literacy needs to be improved especially the implementation of health protocols and information on clean and healthy living behavior. There were obstacles in handling COVID-19, especially: social distancing, infrastructure, and funding. This study recommended that the empowerment of pesantren residents (teachers and students) related to health literacy, and it is necessary to make people aware that COVID-19 is everyone's responsibility. The Government should pay serious attention to pesantren as boarding educational institutions where interaction between students is almost 24 hours, to prevent pesantren from becoming clusters of the spread of COVID-19.