Factors Associated with Self-Protective Behaviors during Smog Pollution among Adults in Phayao Province, Northern Thailand

Introduction: Smog pollution with tiny particulate matter (PM2.5) can be detrimental to your physical and mental health. This study examined factors associated with people's self-protective behaviors in smog-affected areas. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional survey of 550 adults living in smog-affected areas of Phayao Province, Northern Thailand, between April and May 2024. Data were gathered utilizing a standardized questionnaire. We employed multiple linear regression to examine the relationships between demographic and psychological traits and self-protective behaviors. Results: About 45% of participants (44.7%) reported high levels of self-protective behavior. Older age was associated with higher self-protective behaviors (β = 0.145, p = 0.003), and women reported higher levels than men (β = −0.066, p = 0.048). In contrast, underlying disease (β = −0.172, p < 0.001), higher stress (β = −0.118, p = 0.001), and longer duration of residence in the area (β = −0.188, p < 0.001) were associated with fewer self-protective behaviors. Perceived smog severity showed the strongest positive association with self-protective behaviors (β = 0.525, p < 0.001). The model explained 40.4% of the variance in self-protective behaviors (R = 0.636, R² = 0.404, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Self-protective behaviors during smog pollution were associated with both demographic and psychological factors. Public health programs may be strengthened by pairing risk communication with mental health support, with particular attention to long-term residents and people living with chronic illness. Given the cross-sectional design, the findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects.