A Causal Relationship Model of COVID-19 Prevention Behavior of the Older Adults: Upper Central Region, Thailand
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Abstract
The elderly population is particularly vulnerable to the severe illnesses and deaths caused by COVID-19. This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to investigate a causal relationship model of COVID-19 preventative behavior among elderly people. The sample size was 400 elderly people aged 60 to 79 who were selected via a multi-stage randomization process from three provinces in the upper central region: Nakhon Sawan, Kamphaeng Phet, and Uthai Thani. Between June 1 and September 12, 2022, data was collected using interview forms. The study's dependent variable was COVID-19 preventive behaviors, with personal data, healthy habits, and health communication serving as latent variables. Data was examined using descriptive statistics including percentages, means, and standard deviations, as well as confirmatory factor analysis utilizing packaged statistical software. The findings revealed that the causal relationship model of older people's COVID-19 preventative behavior, based on hypotheses, had a good level of consistency compatible with the empirical data, as indicated by a chi-square value of 8.249, a degree of freedom of 15, a ϰ2/df ratio of 0.550, and a p-value of 0.913. The fit indices were robust (GFI = 0.941, AGFI = 0.986, with SRMR and RMSEA values of 0.00). Personal healthy habit factors (0.34), and health communication factors (0.32) had direct effects on the model, while healthy habit factors (0.12) and personal factors (0.05) had an indirect impact. Together, these variables explained 34.0% of the variance in preventive behavior. Personal healthy habits factors, health communication factors, and personal factors were revealed to be the most significant predictors of COVID-19 prevention behaviors. As a result, improving COVID-19 prevention among the elderly is crucial, highlighting the importance of promoting and strengthening daily healthy practices and knowledge distribution among families and communities.
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