Success in eradicating COVID-19 will rely on the rate of vaccination adoption worldwide. Vaccine acceptance among vulnerable groups is critical for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and decreasing unnecessary deaths. The purpose of this study was to report on the willingness to obtain COVID-19 immunization and the factors related to its acceptance among Myanmar migrant workers in southern Thailand. This cross-sectional study consisted of 301 samples collected between October and November 2021 and analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Thirty-nine percent of workers intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine within a year. The following factors were associated with obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine: a high level of perception of COVID-19 (AOR = 5.43), income less than or equal to 10,000 baht/month (AOR = 6.98), financial status at a sufficient level (AOR = 7.79), wearing a face mask in the previous month almost all the time (AOR =4.26), maintaining 1–2 m of distance from anyone in the last month (AOR =2.51), and measuring temperature in the previous month (AOR = 5.24). High reluctance to accept the COVID-19 vaccine among Myanmar migrant workers can influence efforts to eliminate COVID-19. Collaboration with all stakeholders is critical to helping Myanmar workers understand COVID-19, social measures, and preventive beliefs to increase vaccine uptake.

Online fraud threatens the well-being of older adults, with disparities in digital literacy and socioeconomic conditions amplifying their vulnerability. This study examined digital literacy and fraud victimization behavior among older adults in urban and rural settings, identifying key factors influencing victimization and its consequences. This cross-sectional analytical study, using multi-stage sampling, included 864 participants from Southern Thailand. The findings revealed that 46.3% of participants had adequate digital literacy, while 75.3% experienced fraud victimization, with higher rates of health impacts in rural areas. Higher age (Adjusted Odds Ratios; AOR: 1.83, p = 0.004), income (AOR: 2.28, p = 0.003), and rural residence (AOR: 3.03, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of fraudulent victimization. Conversely, being non-Buddhist (AOR: 0.47, p = 0.001) and having an adequate digital literacy (AOR: 0.50, p < 0.001) were protective factors. Fraud victimization significantly affected older adults’ health, with 29.5% reporting the following adverse outcomes: physical (AOR: 5.55), emotional (AOR: 7.80), social (AOR: 4.97), and overall heightened health risks (AOR: 7.71, p < 0.001). This research highlights the importance of improving digital literacy, fostering community awareness, and implementing tailored fraud-prevention strategies to protect older adults. This study provides a foundation for evidence-based policies aimed at mitigating digital risks and enhancing older adults’ well-being in the digital era.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of developing and using a model to predict dengue risk in villages and of a larval indices surveillance system for 2372 households in 10 Thai villages. A community participatory action research method was used in five steps: (1) community preparation covering all stakeholders, (2) assessment of the understanding of a dengue solution and a larval indices surveillance system, (3) development of a prediction and intervention model for dengue risk villages, (4) implementation of the model that responds to all stakeholders, and (5) evaluation of the effects of using the model. The questionnaires to assess and evaluate were validated and reliability tested. The chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to analyze the quantitative data collected by means of questionnaires. Thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data collected through interviews. The results found that the model consisted of six main activities, including (1) setting team leader responsibility, (2) situation assessment, (3) prediction of the dengue risk in villages, (4) the six steps of the larval indices surveillance system, (5) the understanding of the dengue solution and the understanding of the larval indices surveillance system training program, and (6) local wisdom innovation. The effects of using the model showed a statistically significant increase in correct understanding among 932 family leaders, 109 village health volunteers, and 59 student leaders regarding dengue prevention and control (p < 0.05). The larval indices and dengue morbidity were diminished and related to the nine themes present in the community leaders’ reflections and to the satisfaction of the community members. Hence, local administrative organizations should use community-based approaches as the subdistrict dengue solution innovation to reduce the dengue problem.

Assessing the acceptance of vaccinations among vulnerable populations is essential to ensure proper coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) control. This study used the Health Belief Model to examine the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 among vulnerable populations in Thailand. This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Thailand between October and November 2021. Using multistage random sampling, 945 individuals from vulnerable populations (i.e., older adults, pregnant women, market or street vendors, and individuals with chronic diseases) were selected and invited to complete a self-reported questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed participants' socioeconomic characteristics, COVID-19 preventive measures, knowledge, preventative health beliefs, and vaccine intention. A generalized linear mixed model was used to identify factors associated with the intention to receive the vaccine. The prevalence of intent to accept the COVID-19 vaccine was 75.03% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 72.16-77.68). The Health Belief Model factors associated with vaccine acceptance were cue to action (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.13; 95% CI: 2.07-4.71), perceived benefits (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.38-3.01), and perceived severity (AOR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.18-2.65). Significant other covariates were wearing a face mask in the previous month (AOR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.59-4.31), being 1-2 m away from other people (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.11-2.24), trust in government (AOR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.03-2.02). Additionally, women were more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine compared to men (AOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.02-2.01). Approximately one quarter of vulnerable individuals do not intend to be vaccinated. Health Belief Models can explain vaccine acceptance, and aid the Ministry of Public Health in planning future efforts to increase vaccine uptake. Healthcare professionals' advice, village health volunteers' information, and partnership collaborations are critical. Facilitating mobile community units, launching educational campaigns, maintaining a distance of 1-2 m from others, and wearing masks may increase COVID-19 vaccine acceptability. This research can help prepare for future pandemics.

Employers claim managerial skills are more important for community public health students than specialist subject knowledge. However, to date, there is no valid and reliable instrument to measure these skills. Furthermore, employers’ viewpoints are often not considered in developing such a measure. This study aimed to develop an instrument by considering employers’ perspectives in health agencies to define the required managerial skills new graduates should possess. A cross-sectional study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. A preliminary list of skills was developed based on the Delphi technique. The final list was then distributed to 410 employers who provided feedback. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was employed to analyze the responses. The employers identified 19 items that indicate four types of managerial skills students need to possess: (a) vision-grounded skill, (b) collaboration skill, (c) systems thinking skill, and (d) health promotion and disease prevention skill. Each skill has a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient ranging from 0.87 to 0.94. The ability to collaborate is the most crucial skill. The limited but valid and reliable tool is relevant in the Thai context because a few instruments are already measuring “competency” or “leadership” skills of community public health professionals. Educators and employers should prepare new practitioners with the four managerial skills identified in the study to perform their jobs effectively.