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

Background: Fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 µm or less (PM2.5) dust has emerged as a major air pollution concern in Thailand. Objective: To investigate the factors influencing self-protective behaviors from exposure to PM2.5 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 PM2.5 (B = 1.092, β = 0.590), attitude toward PM2.5 (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 PM2.5 and access to air quality and health information about PM2.5 among the dwelling community. Furthermore, tailored interventions specifically targeting at age-specific populations are recommended.