Health Literacy for Preventing Health Effects Associated with Particulate Matter Less Than 2.5 Micrometers (PM2.5) Exposure Among High-Risk Occupational Groups in Ban Chang District, Rayong Province
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Abstract
Particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less (PM2.5) is a critical environmental and public health concern, particularly among outdoor workers. This study aimed to examine the level of health literacy related to self-protection against PM2.5 exposure and to identify factors associated with health literacy among a high-risk occupational group in Ban Chang District, Rayong Province, Thailand. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 56 street sweepers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire between April and June 2025. Descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to summarize the data.Independent samples t-tests were applied to compare differences in health literacy levels, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associated factors. The results showed that the overall level of health literacy was moderate (mean = 2.86, S.D. = 0.99). All domains of health literacy, including access to information, cognitive understanding, communication skills, self-management, media literacy, and decision-making skills, were also at a moderate level. Age and educational level were significantly associated with health literacy (p < 0.05). Participants aged 20 - 40 years and those with at least secondary education had higher odds of having a higher level of health literacy compared with those in the older age group and those with lower educational attainment.In conclusion, street sweepers demonstrated a moderate level of health literacy regarding self-protection against PM2.5 exposure, indicating a need for targeted health literacy promotion to enhance effective self-protective behaviors among high-risk occupational groups.
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ผู้แต่งที่ตีพิมพ์กับวารสารโรคและภัยสุขภาพ ภาคตะวันออก ประเทศไทย จะต้องยอมรับเงื่อนไขต่อไปนี้ :
ผู้แต่งจะต้องสงวนลิขสิทธิ์และให้สิทธิ์กับวารสารในการตีพิมพ์เผยแพร่บทความ โดยบทความจะถือเป็นลิขสิทธ์ของ สำนักงานป้องกันควบคุมโรคที่ 6 จังหวัดชลบุรี
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