EFFECTS OF SELF-EFFICACY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM AFFECTING PREVENTIVE BEHAVIORS ON FINE PARTICULATE MATTER OF THE ELDERLY AT MUEANG RAYONG DISTRICT IN RAYONG PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effects of a self-efficacy enhancement program on PM2.5 prevention behaviors among older adults in Mueang Rayong District, Rayong Province. A quasi-experimental research design with a two-group pretest–posttest approach was employed. The study was conducted from September to November 2024. The sample consisted of 44 older adults, who were divided equally into an experimental group (n = 22) and a control group (n = 22) Result revealed that after the intervention, the experimental group showed significantly higher mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors compared to both their pre-test results and the control group at the .05 significance level. The findings indicate that the self-efficacy enhancement program effectively improved preventive behaviors among older adults exposed to air pollution. The experimental group received a self-efficacy enhancement program consisting of six activities: (1) activities to enhance knowledge regarding PM2.5 prevention; (2) activities promoting preventive practices against PM2.5 exposure; (3) activities addressing health impacts of PM2.5; (4) activities focusing on monitoring and surveillance of PM2.5 levels; (5) peer reminder activities; and (6) activities distinguishing real news from fake news related to PM2.5. The program was implemented over a period of eight weeks. The control group participated in routine activities provided by the elderly club.

The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, comparison of mean differences (Delta: Δ), the Mann–Whitney U test, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results indicated that after participating in the program, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher mean scores in knowledge (p<0.001,Δ = +1.46), attitudes (p<0.001,Δ = +5.91), and preventive behaviors (p<0.001,Δ = +5.05) compared with pre-intervention scores and with those of the control group. Consequently, the experimental group was able to appropriately engage in self-protective behaviors when PM2.5 levels exceeded standard thresholds. These differences were statistically significant at the .05 level.

The findings indicate that the self-efficacy enhancement program had a clear effect on improving PM2.5 prevention behaviors among older adults. It is recommended that this program be adapted for other high-risk populations, such as vulnerable groups in pollution-prone areas, and integrated into health promotion activities of local agencies in at-risk communities to further strengthen knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors related to PM2.5 at the community level.