Factors Associated with Preventive Behaviors Against Melioidosis Among the Population in the Catchment Area of Thung Yao Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Palian District, Trang Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to examine the levels of motivation, preventive behaviors, and factors associated with preventive behaviors against melioidosis among the population in Thung Yao Subdistrict, Palian District, Trang Province. A total of 357 participants were selected using simple random sampling from all seven villages. The findings revealed that most participants demonstrated a high level of motivation toward melioidosis prevention (65.5%) and a high level of preventive behaviors (72.8%). Common preventive practices included wearing boots when walking through water, washing the body after exposure to soil and water, and cleaning equipment used in high-risk areas. Factors significantly associated with preventive behaviors were sex (p = 0.041), smoking status (p = 0.023), type of drinking water (p = 0.034), and motivation level (p < 0.001), with motivation being the strongest predictor. The study highlights the importance of enhancing motivation, improving access to personal protective equipment, and implementing targeted health education interventions to strengthen preventive behaviors against melioidosis within the community