(P-467) Determinants of COVID-19 Self-protection Behaviors of Thai People: A Cross-sectional Survey

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a critical situation since 2020. Its outbreak rapidly occurs across the world. At the time of study conducted, a small number of new COVID-19 infected cases in Thailand was reported. An important national policy was to promote self-protection behaviors including hand wash, waring mask, and physical distancing. However, evidence on determinants of such behavior in Thai people is still limited.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine determinants of COVID-19 self-protection behavior in Thai people.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in January 2021. An online questionnaire was developed under the Health Belief Model (HBM) framework. Content validity and reliability of the questionnaire were assessed. Participants who often or always behave COVID-19 self-protection was considered as proper behavior. Data was collected through social medias. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to associate determinants and self-protection behaviors and its modifying factors.

Results: A total of 408 participants was included. Of those, 92 participants (22.5%) were male with the average age of 32.3 ± 11.5 years. We found that 158 participants (38.7%) have proper self-protection behavior. Focusing on each behavior, 200 participants (49.0%) have proper handwash behavior, 400 participants (98.0%) have proper wearing mask behavior, while 276 participants (67.6%) have proper physical distancing. Based on HBM, perceived threat [odds ratio (OR)=1.40, 95%CI 1.01 – 1.92], perceived barriers (OR=0.51, 95%CI; 0.36 – 0.71), and perceived self-efficacy (OR=6.77, 95%CI; 3.60 – 12.72) were significant associated self-protection behaviors. Age, gender, income, and living with patients with chronic diseases were significant modifying factors of perceptions.

Conclusions: About one-third of participants have proper COVID-19 self-protection behavior. Perceived self-efficacy is the strongest determinants of the behaviors based on HBM framework. To improve COVID-19 self-protection behavior, perception of self-efficacy should be encouraged among Thai people.