Developing a COVID-19 health risk behaviour assessment web application and online health education to promote a healthy university

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many aspects of life for people around the world. The goal of this survey research study was to develop online health education and a database of COVID-19 health risk behaviours exhibited by Chiang Mai University (CMU) students and staff to promote the development of CMU as a healthy university. Methods: This study employed a descriptive survey research design to assess the COVID-19 health risk behaviour in the CMU population (n=1,266) using an online health education and web-based application. The data were analysed using Chi-square test for both the student and staff groups. Results: The participants were CMU students (n=650) and staff (n=616). We observed differences in the risk scores for relevant travel histories related to COVID-19 and the health risk behaviours and health risk prevention behaviours when comparing students and staff (p < 0.05). There were also differences in potentially risky behaviours, such as a lack of sleep among students and staff (p < 0.001). The student and staff groups had differences in both risk behaviours and health risk prevention behaviours. Conclusions: The web application was able to assess and offer an understanding of risk behaviours related to COVID-19 among CMU students and staff. Risk behaviours related to COVID-19 infection could be sustainably prevented by enhancing participation, building awareness, and improving health literacy among students and staff. However, more intensive online health education may be required for the student group. Keywords: Healthy University, COVID-19 Health Risk Assessment, Risk Behaviour, Web-Application, Sustainable Development Goal.