Hospital Practices and Research

Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception (KAP) among Muslim Patients Regarding Halal Pharmaceuticals in Hospital Besut

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Aifa Husna Zahrudin
Nur Ima Ilyana Ismail
Nur Asma Amira Mayuti
Noorul Atiqah Ramli
Wan Nurain Najihah Wan Tagiman
Nurul Izzah Iskandar
Nik Nurain Mardhiah Mohd Azmi
Nurwani Wahida Kamarudin
Nur Aqilah Mohd Pauzi
Maryam Sofea Zainordin
Nur Aizahakiki Shafie
Rabihah Abdul Rashid
Muhammad Syazwan Maarof

Pharmacy Department, Hospital Besut, Terengganu, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Malaysia

10.30491/hpr.2026.538888.1504
Abstract
Background: Muslims are religiously obligated to ensure that the pharmaceutical products they use are Halal. As awareness of Halal healthcare grows, Muslim consumers are increasingly considering the Halal status of medicines in healthcare decisions.
Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) regarding halal pharmaceuticals among Muslim patients at Hospital Besut and to identify influencing factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study using a validated, self-administered questionnaire was conducted in the outpatient pharmacy. KAP scores were calculated, with higher scores indicating a better understanding. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent t-tests.
Results: Out of 376 respondents, 58.2% were female, with a mean age of 35.2 years. Mean KAP scores were: knowledge 6.46 ± 2.13 (max 9), attitude 26.93 ± 6.09 (max 35), and perception 30.89 ± 4.78 (max 35). Knowledge scores were significantly associated with age group (P < 0.001), gender (P = 0.003), education level (P < 0.001), occupation (P = 0.027), and health status (P = 0.005). Higher knowledge correlated with purchasing decisions (P = 0.016). Attitudes and perceptions differed significantly across educational levels. A strong positive correlation was found between attitude and perception (r = 0.734, P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Muslim patients in Hospital Besut showed a high KAP regarding halal pharmaceuticals, strongly influenced by education level. Positive attitudes were linked with better perceptions, highlighting the importance of awareness in promoting halal pharmaceutical use.

Keywords

Knowledge
Attitude
Perception
Halal Pharmaceutical Products
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Hospital Practices and Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 30 September 2026

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