Effectiveness of a Health Literacy Program on Lung Health Literacy and Pulmonary Function among Stone Mill Workers in Phetchabun Province.

Abstract

     This quasi-experimental, two-group study, with pre- and post-test measurements, aimed to compare health literacy levels, perceptions, self-protective behaviors, and lung function. The sample consisted of 80 stone mill workers, divided into an experimental group (40 participants) and a control group (40 participants). The experimental period was 4 weeks. The experimental group received a health literacy promotion program, which included 3 activities during weeks 1-4. The control group received standard education during weeks 1 and 4. The research tools included a health literacy program consisting of: 1) providing knowledge to build health literacy skills, and 2) group discussions about silicosis. Data collection tools included: 1) a general questionnaire, health literacy assessment, behavior assessment, perception assessment, and knowledge interview on silicosis; 2) lung function testing using a spirometer; and 3) data analysis tools including Chi-square test, Paired t-test, and Independent t-test, with a statistical significance level set at 0.05.

     The study found that the group receiving the program had significantly higher health literacy than the control group after the intervention (p<0.001). The experimental group, after receiving the program, exhibited significantly higher dust prevention behaviors than the control group (p<0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in lung function between the experimental and control groups (p<0.001).