Prevention and control practices of hand, foot, and mouth disease and related factors among teachers and child caregivers in childcare centres in Phitsanulok Province: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious disease associated with several outbreaks in Thailand, especially among children under five years old, particularly those in childcare centers. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the prevention and control of HFMD and to identify the factors associated with the practices among teachers and child caregivers in childcare centres in Phitsanulok Province. METHODS: The sample included 270 teachers and child caregivers in childcare centres under the local governments in the 9 districts of Phitsanulok Province, Thailand, through stratified random sampling. A validated and reliable self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression to identify associated variables at the α = 0.05 significance level. RESULTS: In total, 156 participants (57.78%) had inadequate knowledge (score < 10), 192 participants (71.11%) had a negative attitude (score < 60), 202 participants (74.81%) reported insufficient support for information and equipment (score < 54), and 196 participants (72.59%) displayed low levels of preventive practice (score < 95). Multivariate analysis revealed that participants who had experience caring for children with HFMD (AOR = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.29-5.13, p = 0.007), those with positive attitudes towards HFMD (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.41-5.15, p = 0.003), and those who received adequate information and equipment support from the local government and healthcare sector (AOR = 6.26, 95% CI = 3.26-12.02, p < 0.001) were more likely to engage in the prevention and control of HFMD practices. CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the need for training programs designed using experiential-based learning (EBL) to increase positive attitudes and practices. Furthermore, local governments and healthcare sector should increase support for providing information and equipment consistent with the Ministry of Public Health guidelines in Thailand.