FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PREVENTIVE BEHAVIORS AGAINST LIVER FLUKE INFECTION AMONG RESIDENTS OF UDON THANI PROVINCE, THAILAND

Abstract

This study employed a cross-sectional analytical design to examine factors associated with preventive behaviors against liver fluke infection among residents of Udon Thani Province. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis, with a significance level set at 0.05. The findings revealed that participants who had never received information regarding liver fluke prevention were 4.98 times more likely to exhibit good preventive behaviors compared to those who had received such information (adjusted OR = 4.98, 95% CI: 1.40-17.70). In addition, individuals residing in communities without cultural practices of consuming raw fish were 3.09 times more likely to demonstrate appropriate preventive behaviors than those living in communities where raw fish consumption is culturally embedded (adjusted OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.88-5.10). These results indicate that information perception and cultural and traditional practices regarding raw fish consumption are significantly associated with preventive behaviors against liver fluke infection. The findings can be applied to inform public health planning and to promote appropriate and sustainable preventive behaviors for liver fluke control.

Keywords: Preventive Behaviors against Liver Fluke Infection, Received information, Cultural and traditional