Subgroup Behaviors and Factors Influencing Compliance With COVID-19 Preventive Measures Among Undergraduate Students in Southern Thailand

Objective To investigate clusters of students' COVID-19 preventive behaviors and their associated factors.Methods We surveyed undergraduate students using an online questionnaire at a regional university in southern Thailand, between April and June 2022. Statistical analyses included latent class analysis and multinomial regression analysis.Results Three latent classes were identified: moderately consistent practitioner (7.5%), high compliance overall (48.9%), and good compliance with routine safeguards (43.6%). Females tended to have high compliance overall (RRR 2.46 95% CI 1.23-4.94), and higher academic performance was associated with high compliance overall and good routine safeguards. Perceived threats from COVID-19 were associated with good compliance with routine safeguards (RRR 4.21 95% CI 1.70-10.45). Benefits of actions and clear cues to action were associated with high overall compliance (RRR 5.24 95% CI 2.13-12.90). Students who perceived feasibility were more likely to be moderately consistent practitioners.Conclusion The common clusters of the students' preventive behaviors were high compliance overall and good compliance with routine preventions. Female, academic performance, perceived threats, and perceived benefits and cues to action were associated with compliance.