The Development of a Health Literacy Promotion Model for Leptospirosis Prevention among At-Risk Populations in the Catchment Area of Ban Nong Bua Health Promoting Hospital, Non Sung Subdistrict, Khun Han District, Sisaket Province

Abstract

            This research and development study aimed to 1) explore the situation, problems, and needs for enhancing health literacy for the prevention of leptospirosis among at-risk populations in the service area of Ban Nong Bua Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Khun Han District, Sisaket Province; 2) develop a health literacy enhancement model; and 3) evaluate the effectiveness of the developed model. The study was conducted in three phases. Phase 1 investigated problems and needs of the at-risk population based on six dimensions of health literacy using focus group discussions with 20 purposively selected participants. Phase 2 involved developing a health literacy promotion model using participatory learning and action (PLA), with 33 purposively selected participants comprising a multidisciplinary team and stakeholders. Phase 3 tested the model with 25 systematically sampled at-risk individuals. Data were collected through focus groups and questionnaires. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data assessing the effectiveness of the model were analyzed using paired t-tests.

            The results showed that in Phase 1, the identified problems included limited access to health information, misconceptions about the disease, lack of motivation to change health behaviors, and low confidence in communicating health information. In Phase 2, an eight-week health literacy promotion model was developed, consisting of practical knowledge sessions, skill training, use of community media, home visits by village health volunteers, health record booklets, and communication via LINE groups. In Phase 3, after implementing the model, participants demonstrated significantly higher overall health literacy and preventive behaviors for leptospirosis compared to before the intervention (p < 0.05). The mean differences were 26.72 points for health literacy (95% CI: 22.37 to 31.06) and 26.48 points for preventive behaviors (95% CI: 22.67 to 30.28). In addition, participants reported the highest level of satisfaction with the intervention model.

            In conclusion, the health literacy enhancement model developed according to the community context effectively improved health literacy and preventive behaviors among the at-risk population. This model can serve as a framework for future health literacy promotion activities to encourage behavioral change in leptospirosis prevention in other areas.