Factors Associated with Heat-Related Injury and Illness Prevention Behaviors among Informal Workers in Warin Chamrap District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study examined factors associated with preventive behaviors against heat-related illnesses among informal workers in Warin Chamrap District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. A total of 188 informal workers were selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, health literacy, health beliefs, self-efficacy, and preventive behaviors. The instrument was validated with an Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) index of 0.91 and demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89). Descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test were performed at a 0.05 significance level.

The results revealed that most participants reported a high level of preventive behaviors. Household income, presence of chronic illness, health literacy and self-efficacy (p < 0.05)

In conclusion, preventive behaviors among informal workers are strongly influenced by economic status, underlying health conditions, and psychosocial factors such as health literacy and self-efficacy. These findings highlight the need for targeted health promotion programs and preventive strategies focusing on vulnerable groups with limited resources and high exposure to heat.