Factors Related to Influenza Preventive Behavior Among Patients at Outpatient Department, King Narai Hospital

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study factors related to influenza-preventive
behavior among out-patients who seek services from the out-patient department (OPD) of
KingNarai Hospital. Data were collected using a questionnaire which included general
information, knowledge, attitudes and values of influenza prevention, perceived health status
and influenza-preventative behavior. 400 patients were randomly selected from the OPD and
data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Pearson’s product-moment
correlation coefficient.
The results show that the majority of patients were female (59%), mean age was 38
years, 58% were married, 33% had high school/vocational education, and 29% were
employed. The disease prevention activities at home or in the community include cleaning
with soap and water (86%). Most (94%) received influenza information, 71% received
prevention information from television, while 62% received prevention advice from public
officials. There are statistically significant relationships between predisposing factors and
influenza-preventive behavior in terms of age, perceived health status, health values and
attitudes at p<0.05, while enabling factors were statistically significant such as income per
month, and the environment at p<0.05. Receiving information as a reinforcing factor showed a
statistically significant relationship with practice at p<0.05. In conclusion, designing a health
education program for influenza-preventive behavior should focus on promoting health status
awareness, modifications of health values and attitudes. In addition, television or community
broadcasting should be used as the medium for reinforcing the influenza-preventive behavior
messages at home or in the community.