Abstract
A community participatory action research aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices to prevent COVID-19 among the hill tribe population living in border areas including the impacts of the COVID-19. The ultimate goal was to to develop a model for preparedness and response COVID-19epidemic in the area. A validity questionnaire and special training programs developed were used as the tools. A total of 2,518 people were recruited. A moderate level of knowledge and attitude were detected. While a good level of practice to prevent the disease was found. Students were impacted from the pandemic of the COVID-19 in several dimensions such as having to stop studying and having trouble with online learning. The employees were terminated, and their salaries. Many people had debt during the pandemic. Farmers could not sell their products. A large proportion did not get the compensation from the government due to lack of Thailand national identification card (ID card). After the training, it was found that knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 prevention and control of the participants improved significantly. The villagers were transformed from knowledge and prevention skills from people who attended the training program. There were many approaches to transferring knowledge and skills to the villagers: village broadcast, small group discussion, and small group training. All people in the villages had a better knowledge and skills in COVID-19 prevention and control with evidence of regular hands washing, wearing a mask and social distancing. Disease prevention and control implementation should be collaborated among community leaders, village health volunteers and villagers to maximize the effectiveness and efficacy especially under the situation of travelling restriction.
