FACTORS AFFECTING THE HEALTH LITERACY OF VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS IN THAILAND: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Abstract

Thailand is strengthening its public health system by enhancing the health literacy (HL) and communication skills of village health volunteers (VHVs). This study aimed to assess HL levels among VHVs and identify key factors influencing HL to enhance their role in community health promotion. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 259 VHVs in Bo Thong district, Chonburi province, using a validated questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.88). Data analysis incorporated descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and multiple regression using stepwise analysis. The results showed that VHVs had an overall fair HL level (Mean = 127.64, SD = 6.48). The highest-scoring domain was understanding health information (Mean = 38.74, SD = 4.42), while communication and decision-making skills had the lowest scores, and all dimensions had a fair level. Factors significantly influencing HL included education level, marital status, occupation, years of service, and technological proficiency. Personal abilities explained 19.6% of the variance in HL (R² = 0.196, F = 59.347, p < 0.05). Among personal abilities, speaking (b = 0.394, p < 0.05), reading (b = 0.201, p < 0.05), and smartphone/computer use (b= 0.252, p < 0.05) were key predictors, while gender, age, and visual ability were not significant. These results emphasize the need for targeted training programs to enhance VHVs’ HL, communication, and digital skills, enabling them to effectively support community health initiatives and improve health outcomes.