Factors Related to COVID-19 Reinfection Among Previously Infected Patients in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

This retrospective analytical study aimed to investigate factors related to reinfection COVID-19 among patients in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, with a sample size of 256 individuals. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included personal information, health literacy regarding COVID-19, and COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Content validity analysis showed a high level of alignment with objectives, with coefficients ranging from 0.67 to 1.00 The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.81, indicating good internal consistency. Data analysis was conducted using inferential statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations. Inferential statistics employed multiple logistic regression analysis, with a statistical significance level set at 0.05. The results showed that the majority of those who were reinfected with COVID-19 were female (65.63%), had no underlying diseases (53.13%), and had been isolated for 1-7 days (75.00%). Overall, 93.75% of reinfected participants had inadequate health literacy regarding COVID-19, and 82.81% exhibited moderate preventive behaviors against COVID-19. Factors related to reinfection COVID-19 of infected patients in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, at a significance level of 0.05 included being female (Adjusted OR=2.04; 95% CI: 1.01 to 4.16; p-value=0.050), having underlying diseases (Adjusted OR=2.43; 95% CI: 1.33 to 4.45; p-value=0.004), inadequate health literacy in accessing information  (Adjusted OR=2.19; 95% CI: 1.02 to 4.71; p-value=0.043), insufficient  health literacy regarding information analysis (Adjusted OR=3.11; 95% CI: 1.24 to 7.80; p-value=0.016), and low to moderate preventive behaviors (Adjusted OR = 15.05, 95% CI: 4.36 - 51.94, p-value <0.001). Factors such as Gender, underlying health conditions, and health literacy especially in accessing and evaluating information are linked to the risk of COVID-19 reinfection. To address this, a health promotion plan should be developed to enhance public health literacy and access to accurate information. This plan should also expand public inquiry channels and encourage better self-care and preventive measures against COVID-19. By equipping the public and those affected with the knowledge to access and evaluate health information, better health behaviors and self-care practices can be achieved.