Factors Associated with Health Behaviors among Hypertensive Patients in the Catchment Area of Marui Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Thap Put District, Phang Nga Province

Abstract

Abstract

          This descriptive research aimed to examine factors associated with health behaviors among hypertensive patients under the responsibility of Maruai Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Thap Put District, Phang Nga Province. The sample consisted of 234 hypertensive patients who were registered and receiving services, selected by systematic random sampling from a total population of 468 individuals across four villages. Sample size was calculated using Daniel's formula (2010). The research instrument was a structured interview questionnaire developed by the researcher, comprising three sections: personal characteristics, health literacy (six domains), and health behaviors of hypertensive patients. Content validity was assessed by three subject matter experts, and reliability was examined through a pilot study using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.851. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including Pearson's correlation coefficient and Chi-square test. Overall health literacy demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation with health behaviors (r = 0.191, P-value < 0.01). Domain-specific analysis revealed that media and information literacy exhibited the strongest correlation (r = 0.474, P-value < 0.01), followed by health knowledge and understanding (r = 0.406, P-value < 0.01), access to health services (r = 0.327, P-value < 0.01), self-management for safety (r = 0.277, P-value < 0.01), and informed decision-making (r = 0.165, P-value = 0.011). Notably, the domain of communicative health expertise enhancement demonstrated a statistically significant negative correlation with health behaviors (r = -0.308, P-value < 0.01).