International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 9, Issue 2, pp: (12-18), Month: October 2021 - March 2022, Available at: www.researchpublish.com
COVID-19 related Knowledge and Preventive behaviour of Delta Variant among grade 10-12 students in Bangkok Chanacharn Luckanakul Saint Gabriel's College
Abstract: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) affected every single population in the world. Thailand was hastening to vaccinate their population. However, children (age below 18) are not in the scope of vaccination. Therefore, preventive behaviour is the most important protocol to face this pandemic. Purpose: to assess COVID-19 related knowledge, attitude toward COVID-19 prevention and COVID-19 preventive behaviours Methodology: This is a descriptive research that studied a group of students in Saint Gabriel’s College, Bangkok. Sampling groups were invited to participate in completing the questionnaire distributed by class social media. Findings: 392 students participated during August-September 2021.COVID-19related knowledge, attitude toward preventive behaviour and COVID-19 preventive behaviour was assessed. For findings, participants revealed moderate knowledge about COVID-19 (M=6.04, SD=1.53), favourable attitudes toward preventive behaviours (M=49.46, SD=6.12) and low risk perception of getting COVID-19 (M=2.77, SD=1.32). Participants reported always engaging in COVID-19 preventive behaviour (M=62.56, SD=10.02) from a total of 80 scores. There was positive correlation between knowledge about COVID-19, attitude toward prevention and preventive behaviour (r=.658** and r=129*, p<0.05 and p<0.01) statistically significant. In addition, there were negative correlation between Risk Perception of getting COVID-19 and COVID-19 Preventive Behaviour (r=-.124**, p<0.01). Having a positive attitude toward COVID-19 preventive behaviours (Beta= .692, p <0.01) predicted the adoption of those preventive behaviours. Conclusion: This research provides data to plan protocol to prevent this pandemic. The study found that the consistency in knowledge and attitude is essential to promote good preventive behaviours. Keywords: COVID-19, Preventive behaviour, high school students.
1. INTRODUCTION Coronavirus Disease or known as COVID-19 has established ―New normal‖ life, which is distinct from our lives before this ―outbreak‖ has started. For instance, physical distancing [1] — this means we keep a distance of at least 1m from each other and avoid spending time in crowded places or in groups, wearing face masks all the time, etc. Also, COVID-19 has demolished many offsite activities since the physical distancing and many COVID-19 defensive measure [2]. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) was first reported as the pathogen causing COVID19 disease in Wuhan, China in December 2019 [3]. This outbreak is believed to have linkage with the epicentre, the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market where many wildfires such as bats were sold. In addition, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the WHO on March 11th, 2020, due to the mortality and infection rate [4]. The COVID-19 is transmitted worldwide including Thailand. The situation of this pandemic in Thailand at the 4th quarter of 2019 is in control— more statistically, On the 29th of December 2020, 155 new cases of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were reported by the Ministry of Public Health. The total number of cases reported in Thailand is currently 6,440. Of these cases, 65 % (4,184) have recovered, 1% (61) have died (one new death was reported today) and 34 %
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