Publication: Exploring health literacy and demographic determinants among village health volunteers in the post-COVID-19 era: a web-based cross-sectional study
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Issued Date
2026-12-01
Resource Type
eISSN
14712458
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105029631937
Pubmed ID
41507917
Journal Title
BMC Public Health
Volume
26
Issue
1
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
BMC Public Health Vol.26 No.1 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Khuancharee K., Suwanchatchai C., Ngampiw U. Exploring health literacy and demographic determinants among village health volunteers in the post-COVID-19 era: a web-based cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health Vol.26 No.1 (2026). doi:10.1186/s12889-025-26159-6 Retrieved from: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14740/55382
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Abstract
Background: Health literacy (HL) is essential for individuals to effectively navigate health information and make informed decisions. Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in rural Thailand are crucial in delivering health education and services, yet little is known about their HL levels, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the HL of VHVs is crucial for enhancing health communication and the effectiveness of public health initiatives. This study aims to evaluate the HL levels of VHVs and explore the association between demographic factors and HL levels following the COVID-19 outbreaks. Methods: A web-based, cross-sectional, descriptive-analytic study was conducted with 840 adults (aged 18–85 years) in Nakhon Nayok, Thailand, using random cluster sampling. HL levels were assessed using a validated HL questionnaire. A multiple logistic regression model was employed to identify demographic factors associated with HL levels. Results: The findings revealed that 0.4% of VHVs had inadequate HL, 4.8% had marginal HL, 65.5% demonstrated adequate HL, and 29.4% exhibited excellent HL. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified several factors significantly associated with adequate HL. A positive attitude (AOR = 3.44; 95% CI: 1.37–3.57; p = 0.012), high levels of motivation (AOR = 4.56; 95% CI: 1.70–6.73; p < 0.001), and more than 10 years of experience as a VHVs (AOR = 3.63; 95% CI: 1.29–10.19; p = 0.014) were positively associated with adequate HL. In contrast, a monthly household income exceeding 9,000 THB was negatively related to adequate HL (AOR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.15–0.93; p = 0.034). Conclusion: The current results indicate that the majority of VHVs demonstrated adequate HL followed by excellent HL. Positive attitudes, high motivation, and over 10 years of experience were key factors linked to better HL. To enhance HL levels, educational interventions should target VHVs with neutral attitudes, low motivation, and less than 10 years of experience.