The Factors Related to the Preventive Behavior of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever in the Population Aged 10-14 Years in Chan Subdistrict, Kanthararom District, Sisaket Province

Abstract

This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the factors associated with dengue prevention behaviors among individuals aged 10–14 years in chan Subdistrict, Kanthararom District, Sisaket Province, Thailand. A total of 238 participants were selected by stratified random sampling from 15 villages. Data were collected using a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.84. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including Pearson's correlation, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. The findings revealed that: 1) The participants’ knowledge regarding dengue prevention was at a moderate level, with 71.85% having moderate knowledge, 67.65% holding moderate attitudes, and 60.08% displaying moderate preventive behaviors.2) Factors positively correlated with preventive behaviors against dengue fever among the population aged 10-14 years, with statistical significance (P-value < 0.05), included age, education level, living environment, stagnant water sources at home and in the vicinity, training/experience, knowledge, and attitudes towards dengue fever prevention. Controlling for the influence of other variables, significant predictors of preventive behaviors against dengue fever were a history of dengue fever, living environment (rice fields and other areas), training/experience, knowledge scores, and attitude scores. The multiple regression model explained 34.60% of the variance in dengue prevention behaviors among the target population.  Recommendations from this study were continuous educational programs for school-age children using age-appropriate communication methods. Efforts should be made to promote dengue prevention behaviors, particularly those that are still infrequently practiced, such as wearing light-colored clothing, applying mosquito repellent to avoid mosquito bites, and eliminating mosquito larvae by placing guppy fish in household water containers. These are simple yet effective preventive measures that can be implemented at the household level.