An Insight on Social Distancing During COVID-19: Online Survey on Public’s Understanding, Practice and Perception

Masitah Ahmad; Komathi Perialathan; Manimaran Krishnan; Teresa Sui Mien Yong; Nurashma Juatan; Nor Haryati Ahmad Sanusi; Mohammad Zabri Johari

doi:10.47405/mjssh.v7i9.1780

Masitah Ahmad Institute for Health Behavioural Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Block B3, National Institutes of Health Complex (NIH), No 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Section U13, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
Komathi Perialathan Institute for Health Behavioural Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Block B3, National Institutes of Health Complex (NIH), No 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Section U13, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
Manimaran Krishnan Institute for Health Behavioural Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Block B3, National Institutes of Health Complex (NIH), No 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Section U13, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
Teresa Sui Mien Yong Institute for Health Behavioural Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Block B3, National Institutes of Health Complex (NIH), No 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Section U13, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
Nurashma Juatan Institute for Health Behavioural Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Block B3, National Institutes of Health Complex (NIH), No 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Section U13, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
Nor Haryati Ahmad Sanusi Institute for Health Behavioural Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Block B3, National Institutes of Health Complex (NIH), No 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Section U13, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
Mohammad Zabri Johari Institute for Health Behavioural Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Block B3, National Institutes of Health Complex (NIH), No 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Section U13, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47405/mjssh.v7i9.1780

Keywords: Social Distancing, Physical Distancing, Knowledge, Attitude, Perception

Abstract

One of the first critical recommendations made by the Malaysian government as part of the COVID-19 prevention measures was social distancing, also known as physical distancing. It has thus become necessary to determine to what extent this measure has successfully prevented the spread of the virus. However, the public has mixed feelings about this topic, so a study is required to understand the present situation. This study aims to assess the public's understanding, attitude, and practice regarding social distancing, particularly during the early stages of the Movement Control Order (MCO). An online survey was conducted from 19 June to 19 July 2020. The study also applied non-probability sampling, an unrestricted, self-selected survey, and the adopted snowballing method. The study concluded that the general public has a high knowledge, practice, and a positive attitude toward physical distancing. In conclusion, human nature is influenced by their understanding, attitudes, perceptions, and intentions to comply with the new practice.

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References

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