Subgroup Behaviors and Factors Influencing Compliance With COVID-19 Preventive Measures Among Undergraduate Students in Southern Thailand

TL;DR

This study explores how undergraduate students in southern Thailand behave in terms of following COVID-19 preventive measures and what factors influence their compliance.

Contribution

The study identifies distinct behavioral clusters and their associated factors among students regarding compliance with preventive measures.

Findings

Three clusters of preventive behaviors were identified: high compliance overall, good routine safeguards, and moderate consistency.

Female students and those with higher academic performance showed higher compliance.

Perceived threats and benefits significantly influenced compliance behaviors.

Abstract

To investigate clusters of students’ COVID-19 preventive behaviors and their associated factors.

We surveyed undergraduate students using an online questionnaire at a regional university in southern Thailand, between April and June 2022. Statistical analyses included latent class analysis and multinomial regression analysis.

Three latent classes were identified: moderately consistent practitioner (7.5%), high compliance overall (48.9%), and good compliance with routine safeguards (43.6%). Females tended to have high compliance overall (RRR 2.46 95% CI 1.23–4.94), and higher academic performance was associated with high compliance overall and good routine safeguards. Perceived threats from COVID-19 were associated with good compliance with routine safeguards (RRR 4.21 95% CI 1.70–10.45). Benefits of actions and clear cues to action were associated with high overall compliance (RRR 5.24 95% CI 2.13–12.90). Students who perceived feasibility were more likely to be moderately consistent practitioners.

The common clusters of the students’ preventive behaviors were high compliance overall and good compliance with routine preventions. Female, academic performance, perceived threats, and perceived benefits and cues to action were associated with compliance.

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