Knowledge, Attitude and Preventive Behavior toward COVID-19 among grade 10-12 students in Bangkok

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and COVID-19 preventive behaviors of grade 10-12 students in Bangkok. This is a descriptive research,  collected data from 362 grade 10-12 students at Srinakharinwirot University Prasarnmit Demonstration School during May - June 2021. The tools used to collect information include: COVID-19 related knowledge,  Attitude toward preventive behavior and the COVID-19 prevention behavior level assessment form. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistic and generalized linear model. The results showed that the group of students had a moderate level of knowledge about COVID-19 (M=6.85, SD=1.48) out of a full score of 10, the students had a good level of attitude towards COVID-19 prevention (M= 32.36 SD=3.13). The level of risk perception was moderate (M=13.50, SD=3.45) and the level of COVID-19 prevention behavior was good (M=44.60, SD=4.65). The results of Pearson's Correlation analysis revealed that attitudes towards COVID-19 prevention and perceptions of the risk of getting COVID-19 were positively correlated with COVID-19 prevention behaviors (r= .541** and r=.232**, p<0.01). The results of the analysis of the generalized linear model revealed that the most potent factors predicting COVID-19 prevention behaviors were attitudes towards COVID-19 prevention (Beta = .502, p<0.01) and perceived risk of getting COVID-19 (Beta = .137, p<0.01) was statistically significant. From the research results attitude toward preventive behavior should be promoted consistently to increase awareness of prevention and should be done promoting knowledge about COVID-19, updating information continuously through channels that students can easily access such as various online media to make students to be more aware of the risk of getting COVID-19, which will affect the behavior of preventing COVID-19 of this group of students.