Factors Associated with Dengue Prevention Behaviors Among Village Health Volunteers in Song Phi Nong District, Suphanburi Province.

Abstract

     This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to examine factors associated with dengue prevention behaviors among village health volunteers (VHVs) in outbreak areas of Song Phi Nong District, Suphan Buri Province. The study population comprised VHVs working in sub-districts with dengue incidence rates in 2023 exceeding the 5-year median (2018–2022). Data were collected during January–February 2025 using a structured questionnaire consisting of six sections. The questionnaire covered personal factors, knowledge about dengue, perceptions and expectations, resource availability, enabling factors, and dengue prevention behaviors. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression were employed, with a significance level set at 0.05.

     The results revealed that most participants had a moderate level of knowledge about dengue (mean score: 9.96 out of 15), and high levels of perceived severity, susceptibility, and self-efficacy regarding dengue prevention. Resources were sufficiently available (45.00%), but innovation use was moderate (43.93%). The overall dengue prevention behavior was at a moderate level (60.29%), with source reduction being the most practiced activity and information dissemination the least. Pearson correlation analysis showed that perceptions and expectations (r = 0.44) and resource availability (r = 0.11) were positively correlated with prevention behaviors, whereas social support (r = -0.47) was negatively correlated, all with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Income level and duration of VHV service had no significant association with behaviors. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that perceptions and expectations (β = 0.44), resources (β = 0.11), and social support (β = -0.47) were significant predictors, accounting for 59% of the variance in prevention behaviors (R² = 0.59)