Factors Affecting Health Literacy of Village Health Volunteers at Klong Si Health Promoting Hospital, Village No. 13, Klong Si Sub-district, Klong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province

Abstract

     This survey research by cross-sectional study aimed to study: 1) personal factors, competency standard factors, and performance factors of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs); 2) health literacy levels of VHVs; and 3) factors affecting health literacy of VHVs at Klong Si Health Promoting Hospital, Village No. 13, Klong Si Sub-district, Klong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province. The sample consisted of 159 VHVs registered and working in the area for at least one year. Data were collected using a four-part questionnaire covering general information, competency standard factors, work performance, and health literacy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analysis.
     The results showed that most participants were male (50.9%), with a mean age of 57.86. Most had completed primary education (54.1%), were married (77.4%), earned monthly income between 5,001-10,000 baht (42.8%), had no underlying diseases (50.9%), and had served as VHVs for 11-20 years (42.1%). Regarding competency standards, most VHVs demonstrated moderate-level capabilities (50.9%). For performance factors, role perception, work motivation, and social support were at high levels (56.6%, 68.6%, and 57.2%, respectively). Concerning health literacy, the majority demonstrated good levels (57.9%), followed by very good (25.2%), fair (15.7%), and poor levels (1.2%), with an average score of 110.89. Factors affecting VHVs' health literacy were role perception (β = 0.606, p < 0.001), work motivation (β = 0.353, p < 0.001), social support (β = 0.202, p < 0.001), and age (β = -0.002, p < 0.001). These factors collectively explained 54.3% of the variance in health literacy.