Socio-ecological factors of dengue preventive practices among Myanmar migrants in Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand.

BACKGROUND

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection with recurring outbreaks across tropical and subtropical climatic regions worldwide. Dengue was one of the major public health threats and a leading cause of hospitalization in Thailand. High population mobility contributes to the spread of dengue in endemic areas. Our study sought to investigate the level of dengue preventive practices and its associated socio-ecological factors among Myanmar migrants in Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out in Mueang Samut Sakhon District, Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand. A total of 415 participants from three migrant clusters within the district were recruited by using voluntary response sampling. Participants were approached during their leisure time with the help of community leaders. Data collection took place between June and July 2024 through interview-administered questionnaires, facilitated on mobile devices using KoboToolbox.

RESULTS

Good levels of dengue preventive practices were reported by more than half of the respondents (56.6%). Multiple logistic regression revealed that participants residing in Thailand for ≥ 3 years (AOR: 1.647, 95% CI: 1.003–2.706), those with high knowledge about dengue (AOR: 1.741, 95% CI: 1.119–2.708), those reporting high social support for dengue prevention (AOR: 1.978, 95% CI: 1.255–3.118) and those exposed to five or more sources of stagnant water (AOR: 2.751, 95% CI: 1.476–5.128) were significantly more likely to practice effective dengue prevention.

CONCLUSION

While over half of Myanmar migrants in Samut Sakhon demonstrate good dengue preventive practices, notable gaps remain in knowledge, social support, and community engagement. Tailored health education targeting newly arrived migrants, strengthened social support networks, enhanced risk communication, and multi-stakeholder collaboration are recommended to sustain and improve dengue control efforts in migrant communities.