Factors Associated with Health Literacy on Substance Use Among Adolescents in Lak Hok Sub-district, Mueang Pathum Thani District, Pathum Thani Province

Abstract

               This research aimed to study (1) the level of health literacy regarding substance use among adolescents and (2) factors associated with health literacy regarding substance use among adolescents in Lak Hok Sub-district, Mueang Pathum Thani District, Pathum Thani Province. This cross-sectional descriptive study included 226 adolescents aged 18-25 years, selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire adapted from Sørensen et al.'s health literacy concept, with a reliability coefficient of 0.89. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and Pearson correlation coefficient.

              The results revealed that the majority of participants were female (50.4%) with a mean age of 21.64 years. The overall health literacy regarding substance use was at a high level ( = 86.17, SD = 7.45). Factors significantly associated with health literacy (p < 0.05) included marital status, leisure activities involving exercise and music, and access to information through the Internet. Both age and income showed positive correlations with health literacy (r = 0.224 and 0.152, respectively). Although most adolescents demonstrated high levels of health literacy, risk factors requiring vigilance were identified, particularly among younger individuals with lower income and limited access to appropriate information channels. Therefore, it is recommended to develop age-appropriate health literacy promotion programs, emphasizing creative activities and developing effective communication channels that reach target groups.