Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding COVID-19 infection and its associated factors among participants in Tachileik town, Myanmar
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Abstract
BACKGROUND:The global COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to public health systems worldwide. The border regions, such as Tachileik town, presented unique challenges due to their geographical proximity to neighboring countries and porous borders. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 infection in residents of Tachileik Town, Eastern Shan State, Myanmar. The insights gleaned from this research hold paramount importance as they will guide evidence-based interventions customized to address the specific needs of the communities studied.
OBJECTIVE:To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 among the population of Tachileik town, a border area between Myanmar and Thailand and find the associated factors of COVID-19 infection.
METHODS:Data were collected from 364 participants between November and December 2022 through random sampling and face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate analyses explored factors associated with COVID-19 infection.
RESULTS:The results reveal that individuals who contracted COVID-19 were more likely to belong to the Burmese ethnic group, have tertiary education, be married, and receive no more than one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Adjusting for various factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis underscores significant associations with COVID-19 infection. Males, individuals aged 18-50, those with lower education levels, and married individuals faced significantly higher odds of infection. Furthermore, vaccination status emerged as a crucial factor, with individuals receiving fewer doses exhibiting higher odds of infection.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:These findings underscore the importance of targeted public health interventions to address disparities in KAP levels and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in border regions. Effective strategies must consider demographic characteristics and vaccination status to tailor preventive measures and enhance community resilience against the pandemic.
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