Development of "Guidelines for Promoting Health Literacy and Health Behavior in Non-Communicable Disease Risk Population” in the area of Ban Mae Tub Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospital, Doi Tao District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This study employed an action research design with the objective of exploring the current status of knowledge, health behaviors, and levels of health literacy in order to develop a “Guideline for Promoting Health Literacy and Health Behaviors Among Populations at Risk of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)” in the area served by Ban Mae Tub Health Promoting Hospital, Doi Tao District, Chiang Mai Province. The sample consisted of 301 individuals aged 35 years and over who were identified as being at risk of NCDs. The study was conducted in two phases: Phase 1 involved the collection of quantitative data, and Phase 2 focused on developing intervention strategies. The research instrument was a questionnaire validated by experts (IOC = 0.96), with a reliability coefficient (Cronbach’s alpha) of 0.82. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, percentage, and rating scales.
           The results showed that participants had an overall low level of knowledge about NCDs (x ̅ = 5.70, SD = 1.50) and a fair level of health behavior (x ̅= 50.26, SD = 4.47). Although participants generally demonstrated correct behaviors in areas such as diet, exercise, smoking, and rational drug use, these behaviors were not performed consistently. Regarding health literacy, the overall level was moderate (x ̅= 86.97, SD = 13.70). Most participants (62.79%) had moderate health literacy, followed by high (19.27%) and low levels (17.94%).
                  The developed guideline for promoting health literacy and health behaviors in at-risk populations includes enhancing knowledge of NCDs, promoting healthy behaviors, and providing accessible and understandable health information. The guideline emphasizes engaging, service-oriented, and practical activities that are applicable in daily life.