Health literacy and health behavior of hypertension patients in Donmanora subdistrict, Bangkhonthi district, Samutsongkram province

Abstract

This survey study aimed to explore the relationship between demographics data, health literacy, and health behaviors among hypertensive patients in Donmanora Subdistrict, Bangkhonthi District, Samutsongkhram Province. The sample comprised both male and female hypertensive patients aged 30 years and above, residing in villages numbered 1-8, totaling 268 individuals, using quota sampling and simple random sampling. The data collection instrument was the health literacy and health behavior assessment tool for hypertensive patients, developed by the Health Education Division, Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Public Health, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.78. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square statistics, and Pearson's correlation coefficient.

The research results indicated that the sample group had an average overall health literacy at a good level (Mean = 57.69, S.D. = 10.19) and an average overall health behavior at a very good level (Mean = 61.32, S.D. = 5.80). The health literacy showed a low level of positive relationship with health behaviors, with statistical significance at the 0.05 level. While the assessment of data and health services, applying data and health services showed a low level of positive relationship with health behaviors, with statistical significance at the 0.01 level. In addition, marital status, education level, and income per month had a statistically significant relationship with health behaviors at the 0.05 level.

Using the data from the study to design activities to promote health literacy among hypertensive patients can lead to appropriate changes in health behaviors and better control of hypertension, thereby preventing complications.