Abstract

Background: Knowledge about the transmission of diseases is essential for infection control. People in Thailand live in close proximity. Infection control is extremely integral in keeping the rest of the population from being infected. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess knowledge on infection control, and attitude on following health guidelines and how those two factors correlate with personal hygiene of Ruamrudee International School high school students in Bangkok, Thailand.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a questionnaire. A total of 204 Ruamrudee International School students in Bangkok participated. Infection and prevention control-related knowledge, attitudes toward following infection prevention guidelines, and personal hygiene were investigated. Differences between outcomes and sociodemographic factors were analyzed through independent tests and the ANOVA. In addition, preventive behaviors were analyzed by a generalized linear model.
Results: The high school students showed a decent amount of knowledge with a mean of 6.92 (standard deviation [SD] = 2.15) correct answers out of 10. The students also showed a moderately good level of attitude toward following infection prevention guidelines, at 35.93 (SD = 6.45) of 50 points. In terms of personal hygiene, the respondents revealed a moderate level, at 34.71 (SD = 6.87) of 50 points. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between attitude toward preventive behavior and personal hygiene (r = 0.567**, p < 0.01) from the correlation coefficient model. The generalized linear model also indicated that the attitude toward following health guidelines had a statistically significant effect on the personal hygiene adopted (Beta = 0.563, p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study revealed a good knowledge level about infection control among Ruamrudee International School students in Thailand and indicated positive attitudes on following health guidelines and personal hygiene. Even though there was no correlation found between knowledge and behavior, having a positive attitude about following health guidelines was a determinant of personal hygiene. To promote the personal hygiene of the students, the attitude of the students toward following health guidelines needs to also be improved. To improve the students’ attitude, accurate knowledge about infection control should be given consistently by the school to promote personal hygiene.