The developing prevention health literacy on hypertension of pre-hypertension risk group in Chainat province

Abstract

            Hypertension is a major and growing public health concern, both globally and in Thailand, with rising prevalence among at-risk populations in Chainat Province. This quasi-experimental two-group pretest-posttest study aimed to evaluate the effects of a health literacy development program on hypertension prevention among at-risk adults in Chainat Province. Sixty adults aged 35–59 years at risk of hypertension were purposively selected and allocated equally into an experimental group (n = 30) and a comparison group (n = 30). The eight-week program integrated Nutbeam's health literacy framework with participatory learning and the LINE application. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Paired         t-test, and Independent t-test.

            Following the program, the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in health literacy scores (Mean Difference = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.74) and overall preventive behavior (Mean Difference = 10.27, 95% CI: 9.22, 11.31), which were significantly higher than the comparison group across all outcome variables (p <0.05). Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly both clinically and statistically (Mean Difference = -15.17 mmHg, 95% CI: -20.35, -9.99), as did diastolic blood pressure (Mean Difference = -4.13 mmHg), while the comparison group showed no significant changes.

            The digital health literacy program combining participatory learning and the LINE application effectively improved health literacy, preventive behaviors, and blood pressure levels among at-risk adults. It is recommended for implementation within primary care settings.