Knowledge, attitude, and preventive behavior toward pathogen spreading of high school students in Thailand

Background: The spread of pathogens rapidly affects all aspects of life. Although the medicine is more advanced, the epidemic situations still can occurred. This continues to increase and is a major public health problem. Therefore, public health maintenance behavior has the effect of inhibiting the spread of pathogens. Breaking the chain of pathogen spread can reduce the spread of bacterial infections and the severity of the epidemic. Objectives: This study aimed to assess community knowledge, attitude, and preventive behavior toward pathogen spreading among high school students in Chonburi, Thailand. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a questionnaire. A total of 329 students participated. Knowledge about infection prevention, attitude toward preventive behavior, attitude toward preventive rules and regulation supported, and pathogen transmission preventive behavior were assessed. Independent t-test and ANOVA were used to analyze differences between outcomes and sociodemographic. Results: Students revealed a poor level of knowledge about infection prevention, correctly answering 2.52 (SD = 1.31) question in a total of 5, a high level of attitude toward preventive behavior, average score was 23.31 (SD = 2.22) of 25, and a high level of attitude toward preventive rules and regulation supported, the average scores at 21.48 (SD = 2.71), question in a total of 25, and a high level of pathogen transmission preventive behavior at the average score of 29.69 (SD = 4.06) questions in a total of 35. Conclusion: This research revealed that the high school students of Chonburi Science School at Prince Chulabhorn have a low level of knowledge about pathogens, and shows that they have a positive attitude toward prevention behavior, a good attitude toward supporting prevention rules and regulations, and good prevention behavior. Students have very little knowledge because the school does not have guidance, but some students can discover information by themselves through internet channels as long as they have equipment and connections. Therefore, this study can provide positive attitudes for a young teenager because he is constantly listening and following the rules. Therefore, specific knowledge about the basic prevention of pathogen transmission and infection is essential for all, and should be taught and strengthened in schools where all students know and are aware of this need, and all students will regularly take action to protect themselves such as wearing a mask and washing hands with alcohol gel.