Health Literacy and Health behaviors 3E 2S in the Risk Group for Diabetes of Pathumthani Hospital Personnel

Abstract

            This descriptive cross–sectional study aimed to study the level of health literacy and health behaviors 3E 2S., factors correlated with health literacy levels and study the relationship between the health literacy and health behaviors 3E 2S and participation in social health activity in 56 diabetes risk personnel of Pathumthani hospital. The samples were randomly selected using lottery method. Data were collected from January to March, 2022. The instrument was the health literacy questionnaire based on the principles of 3E 2S for Thai people with the risk of diabetes/hypertension and aged ³ 15 years developed by the department of supports health services, Ministry of Public Health. Data were analyzed using the percentages, average, standard deviations. The correlations were tested by Chi–square test, Fisher’s exact test and Spearman’s Rho correlation coefficient.

           The results showed that the average score of an overall health literacy of samples was 66.36 (S.D. 10.68), representing 51.21% and was in a poor level. Their average score of health behaviors 3E 2S.was 22.55 (S.D. 4.52), representing 56.37% and was in a poor level. Their average score of social activity attendance was 7.59 (S.D. 4.30), representing 37.95% and was in a poor level. The gender, education level and type of personnel were statistically significant correlated with health literacy (p < 0.05). The females had the qualified knowledge levels more than males. The personnel with bachelor’s degree or higher education had the qualified knowledge levels more than those with undergraduate. The civil servants had the qualified knowledge level than those of civil service employees and employees. It was found that the health literacy was significantly associated with health behavior and participation in social health activities in a positive manner (r = 0.397, p < 0.05 และ r = 0.345, p < 0.05).

             The results of this study can be used as fundamental information to enhance the health literacy and health behaviors among diabetes risk personnel especially those with inadequate level of health literacy. In order to create the health behavior changes according to 3E 2S principles and reduce the incidence of diabetes in the future.

            Keywords: Health literacy Health behaviors, hospital personnel, diabetes risk groups