KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE (KAP) REGARDING EXERCISE AMONG IIUM KUANTAN CAMPUS STAFF

Abstract

Introduction: Low level of exercise can lead to obesity and weight gain and this may lead to higher risk of heart diseases and diabetes mellitus. Malaysia was ranked as number one of the fattest nations in South-East Asia and sixth in the Asia Pacific Region and low exercise activity in Malaysian population could be one of the factors. Objective: This study was conducted to understand the knowledge, attitude and practice of exercise in a small Malaysian population and to assess the relationship between attitude and practice of exercise. Method: Data was collected through structured questionnaire. The study population was IIUM staffs from various kulliyyah at IIUM Kuantan campus.  Subjects were recruited through email. A total of 64 subjects responded, gave their consent and answered the questionnaire. Results: There is a correlation between attitude towards physical activity and its practice (r=0.322, n=64, p=0.009). Conclusion: In general, people in IIUM Kuantan have adequate knowledge as 57% of the questions were answered correctly, a positive attitude towards exercise and a good practice of exercise but with some room for improvement.