Factors Related to the prevention behaviors of the coronavirus disease 2019 among the elderly people receiving services at the Acute Respiratory Illness Clinic (ARI) Vachira Phuket Hospital

Abstract

Background: The elderly are a high-risk group for Coronavirus 2019 infection, with a higher likelihood of severe symptoms and mortality compared to other age groups due to lower immunity levels. Therefore, engaging in preventive behaviors against Coronavirus disease 2019 is crucial.

Objective: This study aimed to test the level of preventive behaviors against Coronavirus disease 2019 and the relationship between Coronavirus 2019 perception and preventive behaviors among the elderly attending the Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) Clinic at Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Method: This descriptive correlational study A simple random sampling method was used to select 107 elderly individuals aged 60-75 years who visited the ARI Clinic at Vachira Phuket Hospital. The research instruments consisted of a questionnaire on perception regarding Coronavirus disease 2019 and preventive behaviors on Coronavirus disease 2019. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Result: The results showed that the sample group had a good level of Coronavirus disease 2019 perception. Specifically, risk perception, severity, benefits of prevention, and social support for preventive information were high, while perceptions of barriers were low. The level of preventive behaviors against Coronavirus disease 2019 was good, and there was a moderately significant correlation (r=0.672) between Coronavirus disease 2019 perception and preventive behaviors (p<.05).

Conclusion: Research finding suggests that perception of Coronavirus disease 2019 should be promoted among elderly people living in the community to have good preventive health behaviors on Coronavirus disease 2019.