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