Demographic and initial outbreak patterns of COVID-19 in Thailand.

This study investigated the demographic heterogeneity of COVID-19 infection to reveal the role of age structure and gender on COVID-19 diffusion patterns, demonstrating that the infection is distributed unevenly across ages, genders, and outbreak times. Based on cluster analysis, we analysed the 4-month COVID-19 outbreak data (N = 3017) in Thailand from January 12 to May 12, 2020, covering the early to late outbreak period of the initial wave. Results revealed that there are 7 pertinent clusters of COVID-19 outbreaks. Infection risk was classified by age, sex, and confirmed infection period. Results showed that elderly and young male clusters were at risk of becoming infected at the very beginning of the wave. Working-age male, young female, and elderly male clusters were key clusters controlling transmission when spreading became pervasive. Relevant clusters addressed at the end of the wave included general public and younger age clusters. Unlike other regions, the infection risk in Thailand is interestingly stronger among younger age clusters and male populations. Even though elderly individuals are at risk of becoming infected earlier than other clusters, the infection proportion was low. The findings provide new insights into the risk for COVID-19 infection.

The Influence of Neighbor Effect and Urbanization Toward Organ Donation in Thailand.

INTRODUCTION: Toward population wellness, an extreme scarcity of organ supply is proven to be an enormous hindrance. Preferences toward organ donation are vital to raise the organ donation rate. Notably, the area people live in can address the social influence on individual preference toward organ donation. RESEARCH QUESTIONS: This article studies the impact of the neighbor effect on organ donation decisions, addressing the social influence of urbanization on preferences. How neighborhood-specific variables, population density, and socioeconomic status drive the neighbor effect is investigated. The pursuit of organ donor traits is to be answered. DESIGN: The study uses organ donation interview survey data and neighborhood-specific data from Thailand to estimate a series of logistic regression models. RESULTS: Individuals residing in urban areas exhibit a greater likelihood to sign the donor card than those in rural areas. The neighborhood socioeconomic status is the key driver. An individual is more willing to be an organ donor when having neighbors with higher socioeconomic statuses. Results also reveal positive influences of males and education on the organ donation rate. DISCUSSION: This article documents the "neighbor effect" on the organ donation decision via living area type, offering an alternative exposition in raising the organ donation rate. In shifting the society norm toward organ donation consent, policy-makers should acknowledge the benefit of urbanization on organ donation decision derived from resourceful urban areas. Moreover, raising education levels does improve not only citizens' well-being but also their tendency to exhibit an altruistic act toward others.