Evaluation of knowledge, attitude, and perception regarding Halal pharmaceuticals, among general medical practitioners in Malaysia

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) regarding Halal pharmaceuticals, among general medical practitioners in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, carried out between September 2012 and November 2012 period, using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Clinics were chosen based on systematic random sampling technique across Malaysia. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, median, and interquartile range) were used to summarize the data. Chi-square and Fishers exact tests were used as appropriate to assess the association between demographic characteristics, and KAP scores. Results: Results revealed that general medical practitioners have a good knowledge and positive attitude and perception towards Halal pharmaceuticals. Mean knowledge score was 7.72 1.65, out of maximum possible score of 9. Mean attitude score was 34.24 6.77 out of maximum score of 45 and mean perception score was 46.98 5.84 out of maximum possible score of 55. Mean overall KAP score out of maximum possible 109 was 88.90 12.75. There was a significant, positive, and fair correlation (0.25-0.5) between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.443, P < 0.001) and knowledge and perception (r = 0.332, P < 0.001), while good correlation (0.5-0.75) between attitude and perception (r = 0.741, P < 0.001). Conclusion: It can be concluded that better knowledge of Halal pharmaceuticals is associated with positive attitude towards the use of Halal pharmaceutical products. However, it still remains unknown how this positive attitude influence prescribing practices of general practitioners.