Health Literacy Factors Influencing Desirable Health Behaviors Among the Elderly in the Catchment Area of Ban Tha Bandai Health Promoting Hospital, Yan Ta Khao District, Trang Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the levels of health literacy and the factors affecting desirable health behaviors among the elderly in the catchment area of Ban Tha Bandai Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Yan Ta Khao District, Trang Province. The sample consisted of 254 older adults aged 60 years and above, selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire with an overall reliability coefficient of 0.78 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

The results revealed that the majority of the participants were female (74.80%), with a mean age of 67.50 years. Regarding health literacy levels, comprehension skills were at a high level (61.42%), whereas accessing, questioning, decision-making, and application skills were predominantly at a moderate level. The overall desirable health behaviors were primarily at a high level (58.27%). The analysis identified three factors significantly affecting high-level desirable health behaviors (p < 0.05). Females were 1.55 times more likely to exhibit high-level desirable health behaviors compared to males (Adjusted OR = 1.55). Furthermore, participants with high-level comprehension skills and high-level application skills were 2.10 times (Adjusted OR = 2.10) and 2.85 times (Adjusted OR = 2.85) more likely to demonstrate these behaviors, respectively, compared to those with moderate and low skill levels. In conclusion, comprehension skills, application skills, and gender are significant determinants of desirable health behaviors. Therefore, it is recommended that local authorities develop health literacy promotion programs focusing on practicing questioning skills and practical application. Additionally, establishing a participatory community health learning center is suggested to sustainably enhance the quality of life for the elderly.