The multiple logistic regression analysis strongly confirmed
that being of the ethnicity hill tribe and infection
with P. vivax were significant factor associated with
delay in treatment-seeking among malaria patients living
in Tak Province. Initial self-treatment and low social
support were other significant factors. The continuing
problem of multidrug resistance, which may spread to
other parts of Southeast Asia, means that malaria control
in the Thailand-Myanmar border areas is likely to continue
to be a public health priority. Emphasis should be
placed on informing local communities about the need for
accurate diagnosis and early treatment seeking in malaria
patients and the promotion of social support based on assistance
and advice as well as accurate knowledge about
malaria.