Health literacy and self-care behaviors for chronic disease prevention among village health volunteers in Phuket province

Abstract

            This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to examine health literacy and self-care behaviors for chronic disease prevention among village health volunteers (VHVs) in Phuket Province, and to identify related factors and predictors of health behaviors. The sample consisted of 370 VHVs selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a theory-based questionnaire that had been validated for content and reliability. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression analysis.

            The results revealed that most VHVs demonstrated good levels of health literacy, particularly in self-management and decision-making. However, health communication remained relatively low. Self-care behaviors were generally at good to very good levels (58.92%). Significant factors associated with health literacy (p < 0.05) included educational level and social support. Factors related to self-care behaviors were age, duration of service as a VHV, social support, health knowledge, self-management, media literacy, and decision-making. At the same time, waist circumference and body mass index were negatively correlated. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that self-management, decision-making, health communication, and waist circumference were significant predictors, together explaining 27.20% of the variance in self-care behaviors. The findings suggest that public health authorities should systematically strengthen the capacity of VHVs, focusing on enhancing self-management, health decision-making, and context-appropriate health communication skills. Such efforts would enable VHVs to serve as positive health role models and play a crucial role in the prevention of chronic diseases within communities.