National Journal of Community Medicine · Published 2026-08-01 · DOI 10.55489/njcm.170820266783
Jiraporn Jumpajan, Phoowasit Phoolawan, Neeranute Wontaisong
Background: Long COVID remains a significant public health concern, particularly among disadvantaged and ethnic populations where cultural beliefs, health literacy, and access to reliable information may influence preventive behaviours. This study aimed to examine the association between information sources and long COVID preventive behaviours among the Tai So ethnic community in Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2025 among 442 Tai So adults with a previous history of COVID-19 infection from three subdistricts in Sakon Nakhon Province. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, sources of health information, and long COVID preventive behaviours. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with preventive behaviours. Results: Most participants accessed health information from public health personnel (82.13%) and village health volunteers (75.79%). The majority demonstrated moderate levels of long COVID preventive behaviours (70.36%), while only 7.69% had high preventive behaviour levels. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, access to information from public health personnel was significantly associated with better preventive behaviours (adjusted odds ratio = 2.68; 95% confidence interval: 1.40-5.11; p = 0.003). Other information sources, including websites, broadcast media, social media, and local community media, were not significantly associated with preventive behaviours. Conclusion: Public health personnels play a critical role in promoting long COVID preventive behaviours among the Tai So ethnic population. Culturally appropriate communication strategies and strengthened community-based health information systems are recommended to improve preventive practices among ethnic communities.
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Jumpajan, J., Phoolawan, P., Wontaisong, N. (2026). Association Between Health Information Sources and Long COVID Preventive Behaviours among the Tai So Ethnic Community in Northeast Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study. National Journal of Community Medicine. https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.170820266783