THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HEALTH LITERACY PROMOTION MODEL TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF KAREN ETHNIC GROUPS IN THE AREA OF SUAN PHUENG DISTRICT RATCHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objective of this research paper are to 1) study the circumstances and availability of health care among the Karen ethnic group; and 2) develop a model to promote health literacy to improve the quality of life among the Karen ethnic group. Suan Phueng District, Ratchaburi Province is a mixed research method. Quantitative research. The sample group consisted of 326 Thai people of Karen descent in Suan Phueng District. The questionnaire had a confidence value of 0.83. The statistics used were the mean and standard deviation. Qualitative research, 12 informants, consisting of in-depth interviews and group discussions. It's a purposive sampling.The tool is an interview form. The selection criteria were health promotion officers of the 5th Health District Office, village health volunteers, community leaders in the area, and people living in the area. Content analysis and examination using triangulation techniques. The results of the research found that 1) the situation and readiness of health care is that health knowledge in responding to information is at a high level, and access to health services is at a high level. Guidelines for promoting health literacy include 5 points: participation, supporting adequate resources and budget, promoting volunteer mental health leaders, promoting and developing health models, and giving importance to health care at all ages. And 2) the model for promoting health literacy to improve the quality of life in the Karen ethnic group consists of receiving good and continuous support, adequate management, empowerment in terms of confidence and having faith in Good health, participation of all sectors in health promotion, and exchange of knowledge among community members.