Publication: Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on dietary fibre among undergraduate students school of Health Sciences in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
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Date
2025
Authors
Zailani, Nurul Nashwa Balqis
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Abstract
Consumption of fruits and vegetables among students in Malaysia is inadequate. The primary objective was to assess the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to dietary fibre among undergraduate students at the School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). A total of 147 respondents were recruited from the School of Health Sciences based on inclusion criteria using a convenience sampling method. A validated bilingual (available in both Malay and English) questionnaire was employed for data collection. The findings of the study revealed that most respondents exhibited low knowledge (57.8%) and low practice (91.2%) regarding dietary fibre, while the majority demonstrated a high level of positive attitude (83.0%) towards its intake. Sociodemographic characteristics related to academic programs (p = 0.002) were significantly associated with the level of knowledge regarding dietary fibre intake. In contrast, gender (p = 1.000), ethnicity (p = 0.377), and year of study (p = 0.243) did not demonstrate a significant association. Furthermore, the results regarding attitudes toward dietary fibre revealed no associations with any sociodemographic factors, with p-values for gender (p = 0.170), ethnicity (p = 0.089), programs (p = 0.716), and year of study (p = 0.432). Additionally, the practice of dietary fibre intake showed no significant associations with sociodemographic factors, with p-values for gender (p = 1.000), ethnicity (p = 0.455), program (p = 0.704), and year of study (p = 0.429). Body mass index status also did not exhibit any significant associations with sociodemographic characteristics, with p-values of gender (p = 0.929), ethnicity (p = 0.993), program (p = 0.203), and year of study (p = 0.722). Lastly, body mass index showed no associations with knowledge, attitude, and practice, with p-values for knowledge (p = 0.108), attitude (p = 0.217), and practice (p = 0.283).