Malaysian Occupational Therapy Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Urinary Incontinence
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Abstract
Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common health issue that affects people throughout the world, but stigma and misunderstandings about it still exist. This study investigates the knowledge and attitudes of Malaysian undergraduate occupational therapy (OT) students toward UI. Materials and Method: Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected through an online structured questionnaire distributed among OT students in Malaysian universities. Sections measuring participant demographics, the Urinary Incontinence Knowledge Scale (UIKS), and the Urinary Incontinence Attitude Scale (UIAS) were all included in the questionnaire. Results: The survey was completed by 230 (n = 230) undergraduate OT students from five different institutions. Their ages ranged from 19 to 26 years old, with a mean age of 22.67 (SD = 1.93). The majority, 43.9% (n=101) of respondents, had low knowledge of UI but had a positive attitude towards UI with a mean of 45.66 (SD = 4.28). The results showed a significant relationship between knowledge of UI and factors like year of education (p = 0.00) and level of study (p = 0.00). Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between gender and attitudes towards people with UI (p = 0.00). Conclusion: In conclusion, although OT students showed positive attitudes towards urinary incontinence, their limited knowledge highlights the need for improved educational strategies that address identified gaps and demographic influences. Initiatives aimed at destigmatising UI and promoting awareness among healthcare professionals are essential to foster a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment for individuals affected by this condition in Malaysia.
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