Development of a model for promoting participatory health literacy among village health volunteers in Ratchaburi Municipality, Mueang District, Ratchaburi Province.

Abstract

This research was a research and development project using a mixed methods research design. The objectives were to 1) study the health literacy situation and development needs of village health volunteers; 2) develop a participatory health literacy promotion model; and 3) examine the effectiveness of the developed model. The research was conducted in four phases from November 29, 2024, to June 28, 2025. Phase 1 studied the health literacy situation among a sample of 198 people; Phase 2 developed the "HEALTH-P Model" through participatory workshops; Phase 3 piloted the model with 30 experimental and 30 comparison group participants for 8 weeks; and Phase 4 evaluated the model through focus group discussions.
The research results revealed that the sample's overall health literacy status was at a fair level 63.98%. The lowest scores were in access to health information and services 58.50% and in health information sharing 51.25%.The developed HEALTH-P Model comprises seven components: H - Health Information Access, E - Health Information Assessment, A - Knowledge Application, L - Knowledge Exchange, T - Training and Skill Development, H - Health Communication, and P - Participation. After the experiment, the experimental group's health literacy increased from a fair level (M=76.63, SD=6.25) to a good level (M=95.60, SD=7.35) and their health behaviors increased from a fair level (M=39.76, SD=3.03) to a very good level (M=48.03, SD=5.46), with statistical significance (p<0.001). In conclusion, the HEALTH-P Model is effective in developing health literacy and health behaviors among village health volunteers. It can be applied to develop the potential of village health volunteers in other areas to promote sustainable community health.
In conclusion, the HEALTH-P Model effectively enhanced health literacy and health behaviors among VHVs. This model can be applied to develop VHV capacity in other areas for sustainable community health promotion.