Abstract: Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread around the world resulting in millions of deaths worldwide. There is currently no specific treatment available. This means we need to rely on preventive measures which include vaccination and adopting preventive behaviors. At the time of research, the vaccine rollout in Thailand is still in progress. Even after being vaccinated, one can still catch and spread the virus. This means we have to strictly rely on preventive behaviors to avoid being infected.
Purpose: To assess knowledge about COVID, attitudes towards preventive behaviors and COVID-19 preventive behaviors among grade 10-12 high school students in Bangkok.
Methodology: In September 2021, all students from a Bangkok high school were invited to participate in completing an online questionnaire. A total of 478 students participated. Knowledge about COVID, attitudes towards preventive behaviors and COVID-19 preventive behaviors were assessed. Differences between outcomes and social demographics were analyzed through independent t-tests and the ANOVA. A generalized linear model was made to determine the predictive variables of COVID-19 preventive behaviors.
Findings: A total of 478 students participated in this study. They generally revealed a good level of COVID-19 knowledge, correctly answering 11.03 out of 12 (SD=1.49), a good level of attitudes towards COVID-19 preventive behaviors, with a score of 13.65 out of 15 (SD=1.65) and a high score in terms of COVID-19 preventive behaviors, at 51.74 out of 60 (SD=7.55). There was a positive and statistically significant correlation between COVID-19 Preventive behaviors and Attitude toward Preventive Behaviors (r=.442**, p<0.01) and Knowledge about COVID-19 (r=.249**, p<0.01). The result from the generalized linear model indicated that attitude toward preventive behaviors (β=.407, p<0.01) and knowledge about COVID-19 (β=.159, p<0.01) were predictive factors of COVID-19 preventive behavior adopted.
Originality / Values: From the findings, to keep high school students protected from COVID-19, a level of preventive behaviors should be maintained consistently,therefore knowledge about COVID-19 and all the updates should be communicated to the students persistently. That would influence their attitude and it is best if the level of attitudes stays high. This can be done effectively through the news channel that could penetrate to most participants. The policy maker could also arrange health education among high school students to increase the level of knowledge and understanding and to emphasize COVID-19 preventive behaviors.
Keywords: COVID-19, adolescent, Preventive behaviors.
Title: Knowledge, Attitude and COVID-19 Preventive Behavior among High School Students in Bangkok, Thailand
Author: Tanakrit Tanasansakorn
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
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