FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PREVENTIVE BEHAVIORS FOR LIVER FLUKE DISEASE PREVENTION IN MODEL VILLAGES, MUEANG SUBDISTRICT, KANTHARALAK DISTRICT, SISAKET PROVINCE.

Abstract

This study was a cross-sectional descriptive research aimed at investigating the factors associated with preventive behaviors against liver fluke infection among residents of model villages in Mueang Subdistrict, Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province. The sample comprised 171 individuals aged 15 years and above. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, with a significance level set at 0.05.

The findings showed that most participants were female (56.10%), aged 45–59 years (39.82%), with an average age of 49.38±15.39 years. Nearly half had completed primary education (47.40%), worked in agriculture (46.86%), and had a monthly income below 5,000 baht (62.00%). Health belief scores were generally high (mean = 4.32±0.49), with the highest score in perceived severity (mean = 4.40±0.53). Preventive behaviors were also at a high level (mean = 4.28±0.55). A strong positive correlation was observed between health belief model components and preventive behaviors (r = 0.793**, p < 0.01), particularly in perceived barriers (r = 0.795**), perceived benefits (r = 0.675**), perceived severity (r = 0.665**), and perceived susceptibility (r = 0.581**). These findings highlight the critical role of strengthening community health beliefs in promoting sustainable preventive behaviors. Public health strategies should emphasize accessible educational activities, encourage family and community participation in behavior modification, and build the capacity of community health leaders to ensure long-term prevention of liver fluke infection.