Factors Associated with COVID-19 Preventive and Control Behaviors among People in High Incidence Border Community, Thailand - Myanmar
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Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant threat to global public health for over a year, affecting communities worldwide, including those residing in border areas between Thailand and Myanmar. Mae Sai District, located in the northernmost part of Chiang Rai Province in northern Thailand, serves as a prominent border crossing between the two countries, characterized by high population mobility and a substantial presence of foreign workers, thereby rendering its inhabitants susceptible to COVID-19 transmission. This study aimed to determine factors associated with the prevention and control of COVID-19 behaviors among people in Mae-Sai District, Chiang Rai Province.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data in Thai-Myanmar borders in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. A validated questionnaire was used to collect the characteristics, predisposing factors, reinforcing factors, and enabling factors related to COVID-19 prevention and control behaviors. The questionnaire was assessed by three experts, and the content validity index (CVI) before use. The Kuder-Richardson coefficient (KR-20) was calculated and yielded a value of 0.73, indicating good reliability. The questionnaires were completed via face-to-face interviews. The data were summarized and analyzed by descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation.
Results: A total of 346 participants were recruited for the study, with a majority (59.8%) being females, and 28.3% belonging to the age group of 50 to 59 years. Most participants (53.2%) were married, and a significant proportion (76.6%) had previously experienced COVID-19 infection, with 39.0% opting for home isolation. Encouragingly, a vast majority (96.8%) had received the COVID-19 vaccine, and 52.3% had received at least two doses of vaccination. Predisposing factors, namely attitude (r =0.25; p-value <0.001) demonstrated notable associations with COVID-19 prevention and control behavior. Additionally, reinforcing factors such as social support (r = 0.39; p-value <0.001) and participation (r = 0.45; p-value <0.001), along with enabling factors like service (r = 0.35; p-value <0.001), also positive correlations with COVID-19 prevention and control behavior.
Conclusion: The study's findings underscore the importance of targeted training programs to enhance the population's knowledge, understanding, and awareness of preventing communicable and emerging diseases, including COVID-19. As COVID-19 continues to be a major human threat, particularly in border areas with high population mobility and foreign workers, empowering the community with relevant knowledge and strategies for prevention is crucial to effectively combat the spread of the virus.
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