[2026-02-13] Factors Influencing Self-Protective Behaviors From Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter Among Community-Dwelling People in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Tuksin Kaojaree; Burapa Saenta; Natthaphat Jomin; Sakulying Bunnag; Thanawadee  Chantian; Wilawan Chaiut; Anongnad Mee-Inta; Thitaporn Kaewboonchoo; Thapakorn Ruanjai

doi:10.33165/rmj.2027.e277547

Authors

Tuksin Kaojaree Department of Public Health, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Burapa Saenta Department of Public Health, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Natthaphat Jomin Department of Public Health, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Sakulying Bunnag Rong Chang Health Promoting Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Thanawadee Chantian Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 6, Chon Buri, Thailand
Wilawan Chaiut Department of Physical Therapy, School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Anongnad Mee-Inta Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Thitaporn Kaewboonchoo Department of Public Health, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Thapakorn Ruanjai Department of Public Health, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand / Center of Excellence for the Hill Tribe Health Research, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3923-459X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33165/rmj.2027.e277547

Keywords:

Self-protective behavior, PM2.5, Influencing factors

Abstract

Background: Fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 µm or less (PM_2.5) dust has emerged as a major air pollution concern in Thailand.

Objective: To investigate the factors influencing self-protective behaviors from exposure to PM_2.5 or less among people in community-dwelling in Chiang Rai province.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 216 participants in the Rong Chang subdistrict, Pa Dad district, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Validated questionnaires were administered to gather information from March and April 2025. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment and Spearman rank correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression.

Results: The results revealed that 63.40% of the participants were female, with a mean (SD) age of 54.63 (15.27) years. Additionally, 56.00% had completed primary education, and 60.10% worked as farmers. More than half of the participants (56.40%) exhibited a high level of protective behavior. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that access to air quality and health information about PM_2.5 (B = 1.092, β = 0.590), attitude toward PM_2.5 (B = 0.272, β = 0.146), and age (B = 0.048, β = 0.110) significantly influenced self-protective behavior (adjusted R² = 0.468).

Conclusions: The findings highlight that the relevant organization should promote public health interventions focusing on the attitude regarding PM_2.5 and access to air quality and health information about PM_2.5 among the dwelling community. Furthermore, tailored interventions specifically targeting at age-specific populations are recommended.

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