HEALTH LITERACY AND LIVER FLUKE PREVENTION BEHAVIORS AMONG SECONDARY STUDENTS IN THE SECONDARY EDUCATIONA

Abstract

Health literacy and liver fluke prevention behaviors for students in the school is considered as important measures to promote values and creating appropriate consumption behavior culture. This cross-sectional study research aimed to study of health literacy and Liver fluke Prevention behaviors and determine the relationship between Health literacy and Liver fluke Prevention behaviors among Secondary students in schools under the office of primary educational region 9. The 788 samples were selected by purposive sampling technic. Data collection was done by questionnaires which consisting of 3 parts: 1) sociodemographic characteristics, 2) health literacy on Liver fluke prevention and 3) Liver fluke prevention behaviors. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient.

The result showed that 69.6% had moderate level of the health literacy. Liver fluke prevention behaviors showed that 74.4% had a moderate level. Health literacy showed a positive relationship with Liver fluke prevention behaviors at low level with significant level of (p<0.05) (r=0.100) In addition, this study found that the factors of health-related decisions change behaviors, and interaction skills showed a positive relationship with Liver fluke prevention behaviors with significant level of (p<0.05) (r=0.142, 0.074). Access skill, understand skill, and questioning skill showed a non-relationship with liver fluke prevention behaviors. Therefore, all related agencies should be encouraged that liver fluke prevention program would be prioritized by using appropriate health knowledge, strengthen health learning competencies focusing on decisions change behaviors, and interaction skills. Which result in good health and increase self-care in the target population.