Analysis of Thai Citizens Clustering in COVID-19 Outbreak Preparedness at the Three Southernmost Provinces

Abstract

Corona virus 2019, or COVID Disease 19, causes loss of life and damages the entire global economic and social system. This research was interested in analyzing the outbreak preparedness of Thai citizens at the three southernmost provinces. Survey via online questionnaires together with convenient and snowball sample selection via social media and forwarded to over 190 users. Data was collected between 29 March and 3 April 2020 with a total of 622 respondents. The items including demographic information and preparation for the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and cluster analysis. The result of the research shows that preparedness factors with COVID-19 outbreak of Thai citizens at the three southernmost provinces consist of five factors, including 1) coping with lifestyle change and physical health care, mental health of the family and news updates, 2) Response to observation, action and monitoring of the situation from the government, 3) Receiving help from government agencies and participation in reducing the risk of pandemic, 4) coping with life insurance, occupations or other options, and 5) coping with information exchange product purchase and helping social activities. It can be divided into 5 groups which were group 1, alert to cope, group 2 ready to cope, group 3 ready to cope but still not interested in other alternatives, group 4 medium response, and group 5 cope below average. In which about 50% of the Thai citizens at the three southernmost provinces were in group 1 and group 2, which was a group that can handle at a higher level than the total average. As a result, the government may have to manage citizen groups in order to mitigate their concerns based on demographic differences or may use policies to respond in a timely manner so that people are not too panicked about their future preparation.