Factors impacting COVID-19 preventive behaviors in Thai adults during the initial phase of vaccination 10.55131/jphd/2022/200319

Main Article Content

Wiphawadee Potisopha
Donwiwat Saensom
Chanapa Noonark
Chompoonoot Kabkumba

Abstract

Public preventive behaviors can effectively help control the spread of COVID-19. Exploring the leading factors affecting these behaviors is thus vital to public health planning. This study aimed to explore factors influencing COVID-19 preventive behaviors among the Thai population. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to Thai residents through social media applications (Facebook, Line, Instagram, and Twitter) in July 2021. The questionnaires included behaviors, knowledge, and perceived responsibility for COVID-19 control, confidence in pandemic management, having chronic diseases, COVID-19 vaccination, and demographic factors. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, T-Test, and multivariate linear regression analysis. A total of 500 participants (mean age = 40.49 ± 12.68 years; 79.2% females) completed the questionnaires. Of these, 58% were vaccinated. Participants who had college and higher education and were employed tended to be vaccinated compared to their counterparts. Most participants (70%) reported they "always" wear masks outside their homes, but only half (52.8%) admitted that they regularly use hand sanitizers. COVID-19 preventive behaviors were positively associated with preventive knowledge (p < .001), perception of responsibility to control COVID-19 (p = .019), and being a female (p = .007). Being employed or self-employed, on the other hand, was associated with a decrease in preventive behaviors (p = .025). There was no relationship between participants who took COVID-19 vaccination and preventive behaviors. To promote COVID-19 preventive behaviors, efforts should be focused on increasing public knowledge and encouraging perceived responsibility for COVID-19 control, particularly among men and those who are employed, regardless of the COVID-19 vaccination status.

Article Details

How to Cite
1.
Potisopha W, Saensom D, Noonark C, Kabkumba C. Factors impacting COVID-19 preventive behaviors in Thai adults during the initial phase of vaccination: 10.55131/jphd/2022/200319. J Public Hlth Dev [Internet]. 2022 Sep. 9 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];20(3):236-48. Available from: https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/AIHD-MU/article/view/258527
Section
Original Articles
Author Biographies

Wiphawadee Potisopha, Department of Adult Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Department of Adult Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Donwiwat Saensom, Department of Adult Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Department of Adult Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Chanapa Noonark, The School of Communication Arts, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Nonthaburi, Thailand

The School of Communication Arts, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Nonthaburi, Thailand

Chompoonoot Kabkumba, Department of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Department of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

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