Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Heat-related Illnesses among Thai Merchant Seafarers
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Abstract
This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of heat-related illnesses and factors related to practices among 246 Thai merchant seafarers. Data were collected from a self-administered questionnaire comprising personnel, occupational factors, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of heat-related illnesses. Cronbach's alpha coefficient were 0.41, 0.71, and 0.71, respectively. Correlation was analyzed using Chi-square statistics and Pearson's Correlation Coefficient. The results found that positive attitude relates to practices more than knowledge. 34.6% had low level in knowledge, 37.3% had moderate level in attitudes, and 36.6% had low level in practices. The factors related to the level of practice included the level of education, merchant job positions, type of ship, working hours, knowledge, attitudes and work exposure to other heat sources and it was found that increased exposure time to other heat sources while working was associated with lower practice scores (r = -.146). Therefore, knowledge and attitudes enhancement should be provided inorder to achieve proper preventive practices and there should be measures to prevent heat-related illnesses among Thai merchant seafarers in conditions of climate change.
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