Popular Behaviors and Behavioral Reinforcement Guidelines during the COVID-19 Pandemic among the Multicultural Population in Pateung Sub-district, Maechan District, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

      The objectives of mixed-method research were to examine popular behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic and to study appropriate behavioral reinforcement guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic among the multicultural population in Pateung sub-district, Maechan district, Chiang Rai province. The sample consisted of 400 multicultural population between 20-60 years old, obtained using multistage random sampling, and a group of 16 informants participating in group discussions, which included community leaders, academic personnel, public health officers and public and private agencies involved in pandemic management, obtained using purposive sampling. The tool used for data collection included a questionnaire, with reliability of 0.96, and group discussion topics related to appropriate behavioral reinforcement guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The qualitative research questions were open-ended and adaptable to the corresponding area. The research tools were closely monitored by proficient inspectors. The statistical metrics used for data analysis included mean and standard deviation of behavioral score during the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive content analysis was also employed.
      According to the results obtained from multicultural population in Pateung sub-district, Maechan district, Chiang Rai province, the average behavioral score during the COVID-19 pandemic is considered high at 3.75, with standard deviation of 0.98. Aspect-wise, the patience score has the highest mean (=3.80 SD=0.96), followed by self-confidence score ( =3.77 SD=1.04) and social compliance score ( =3.75 SD=0.98). The accountability score is the lowest ( =3.70 SD=0.94). As for appropriate behavioral reinforcement guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the individual level, understanding on COVID-19 and self-discipline need to be fostered; in the household level, cohabitation behaviors must be changed and family members need to support each other mentally; and in the community level, the concept of safe community, understanding and positive communication must be encouraged.