Development of health literacy patternsPrevention of the Opisthorchis viverrini of the public Du Subdistrict, Rasi Salai District, Sisaket Province.

Abstract

                       This study employed an action research design with the objectives of examining health literacy, developing a model, and evaluating the effectiveness of a health literacy enhancement model for preventing opisthorchiasis among the population of Du Subdistrict, Rasi Salai District, Sisaket Province. The population and samples consisted of 400 residents aged 15 years and older living in Du Subdistrict, and 210 residents who were found to be infected with Opisthorchis viverrini. Research instruments included questionnaires, interview guides, worksheets, knowledge sheets, observation records, and performance record forms. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis.

                 The findings revealed that: 1) The population had a low level of health literacy and preventive behaviors related to opisthorchiasis (=2.60). The developed health literacy enhancement model for opisthorchiasis prevention was based on the V-Shape Model integrated with three cycles of the PAOR (Planning–Action–Observation–Reflection) process. In the first cycle, the campaign to raise awareness on opisthorchiasis prevention involved participants from all seven villages, accounting for 64.94%. Screening and treatment among residents aged 15 years and older revealed Opisthorchis viverrini eggs in 27.87% of participants. In the second cycle, improvements were observed in the six components of health literacy for opisthorchiasis prevention, including enhanced abilities and skills in analyzing disease situations, learning experiences, linking concepts and knowledge, and applying preventive principles in practice. These improvements contributed to appropriate behavior modification and reductions in infection and morbidity, with an overall moderate level of satisfaction. In the third cycle, participants demonstrated good levels of improvement in skills related to accessing information and services, knowledge creation, inquiry, decision-making, application, and communication for screening, treatment, and prevention of opisthorchiasis. 1) Post-development evaluation indicated that health literacy for opisthorchiasis prevention among the population was at a fair level (= 3.30), while awareness and preventive practices were at a good level (= 4.12). The quality evaluation of the model showed a high level of appropriateness (= 4.11), feasibility (= 3.94), and usefulness (= 4.09).

                 In conclusion, the health literacy enhancement model based on the V-Shape Model integrated with the PAOR development cycle was appropriate, feasible, and beneficial, and effectively contributed to high-quality prevention of opisthorchiasis in Du Subdistrict.