Knowledge, Attitude and Perception Regarding the Importance of Halal Status of Prescription Medications Among Patients in Private Hospital

Abstract

Medications constitute a vital part of life and have become an essential human need. Nevertheless, Muslims have raised arguments about the permissibility and lawfulness of medication from an Islamic point of view. Prescription medications are required to be consumed consistently to optimize treatment, and the halal status of prescription medications may affect patient compliance. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and perception (KAP) regarding the importance of halal status of prescription medications among patients in a private hospital. This was a cross-sectional study carried out by using self-administered questionnaires. A total of 230 patients, aged 18 and above who are able to understand Malay and English language and willing to participate in the study, were included. Results revealed that patients have good knowledge, positive attitude and positive perception towards the importance of halal status of prescription medications. Mean knowledge score was 7.057 ± 1.408 out of maximum possible score of 9. Mean attitude score was 26.18 ± 2.46 out of maximum score of 30, and mean perception score was 42.13 ± 2.906 out of maximum possible score of 45. There was no significant correlation between knowledge and attitude (r = −0.080, p = 0.229) as well as knowledge and perception (r = −0.024, p = 0.713). Meanwhile, there was a significant but weak positive correlation between attitude and perception (r = 0.147, p = 0.026). Age, gender and level of education showed no significant association with knowledge on the importance of halal status of prescription medications. p-value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. It can be concluded that better attitude regarding halal status of medications will create a better perception towards the importance halal status of medications