The KAP Model and A Study of Behavior and Attitude on Prevention HIV/AIDS Infection in Thai Seafarers

Abstract

  Recent years ago, international trade has rapidly been growing and expanding. More than 95 percent by cargo weight is carried by sea-going. Seamen play a significant role to support to maritime transport. This career needs professionally specific skills with patient and many experiences. Thailand labor market has been seriously confronting with seaman shortage. The evident shows that many Thai seamen are infected to HIV/AIDS and transmitted the infection to their wives. The objective of this study is to examine how the KAP model fits to pattern of working of Thai seamen. It identifies factors influence to modify and change the seamen’s behaviors to prevent them from HIV infection. Further, the paper defines an approach to prevent HIV infection focusing on encouraging, support and change seaman’s behavior. To achieve the objective, the paper synthesizes secondary related to seaman’s behavior and HIV/AIDS. It also collects primary data through questionnaire and interview methods. The questionnaire was distributed to 500 seamen and 350 questionnaires were returned with rate of return was 70 percent. The result found that variables in KAP model had statistically relationships. It also suggests that the model fit with Thai seamen’s behavioral study. It reveals that seamen lack knowledge and understanding related to HIV/AIDS. As the result, it influences to their attitude and behavior for preventing HIV infection. It also recommends an approach and action plan to encourage, support for modifying or changing seamen’s behavior in pattern of self-controlling.