Perception and Preventive Behavior towards Particulate matter among Personnel: A case study of an organization in Bangkok

Abstract

          The purpose of this study was to 1) study perceptions about particulate matter and 2) study preventive behavior towards particulate matter. The sample group was 145 personnel of an organization in Bangkok. Data were collected by using questionnaires about perception and preventive behaviors towards particulate matter. The content is divided into 3 sections as follows: 1) general information about the respondents 2) perception about particulate matter and 3) preventive behavior towards particulate matter. The statistics used were descriptive statistics. The results showed that the sample had access to information relating to particulate matter from Facebook (86.2%), followed by TV (84.8%) and Line (69%). The sample perceived the susceptibility of particulate matter at the highest level (x̄=4.55, SD=0.42). The perceived severity of particulate matter was at a high level (x̄= 4.41, SD=0.50), perceived benefits of protection against particulate matter was at a high level (x̄= 3.99, SD=0.67), perceived barriers of protection against particulate matter were at a high level (x̄=3.69, SD=0.77). Also, the preventive behaviors towards micro-dust were at a high level (x̄=4.03, SD=0.71). The most average self-protective behaviors were not burning waste/paper/plastic, always wearing a mask. and avoiding activities that increase the respiratory rate.