The Development of Health Literacy Model for Prevention Coronavirus Disease 2019 of COVID-19 volunteer teams in Thakhantho District Kalasin Province

Abstract

     COVID-19 resulted in the discovery of patients worldwide, including in Thailand and the Thakhantho District of Kalasin Province. Health Literacy (HL) in COVID-19 prevention and control is crucial. Particularly, with the COVID-19 volunteer teams, accurate community communication is critical. Therefore, the objective of this research aims to assess the level of HL and identify factors associated with HL, as well as to develop a model for the process of HL enhancement for the COVID-19 volunteer team in Thakhantho in Kalasin Province.

This action research was conducted with 240 COVID-19 volunteers in Thakhantho District. The research tools used consist of questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The research utilized Sørensen's concept of HL, which consists of four dimensions: Access, Understand, Appraise, and Apply. The quality of the tools was examined in terms of content validity by three experts, and reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. For variables related to receiving training, social support, and receiving information and having equipment, the reliability coefficients were 0.81, 0.87, and 0.82, respectively. Statistical analysis involved Pearson's correlation coefficient for determining relationships and content analysis for qualitative synthesis from in-depth interviews.

     The results found that the HL of COVID-19 prevention and control was problematic at 24.58%. Through the analysis of relationships, it was found that factors significantly correlated with high-level HL include receiving training in disease surveillance and prevention skills (r=0.85, 95%CI: 0.81 to 0.88; p-value <0.001), updated information, as well as supportive equipment/tools for disease surveillance and prevention (r=0.96, 95%CI: 0.95 to 0.97; p-value <0.001). A moderate-level correlation was found with social support (r=0.58, 95%CI: 0.49 to 0.66; p-value <0.001). From in-depth interviews, it can be concluded that the development of a process to enhance HL for the COVID-19 volunteer team requires a comprehensive management plan that addresses people, funding, materials, equipment, and clear systems, along with continuous monitoring of progress.

     The research findings conclude that the development of the process to enhance HL should be advocated as a policy for promotion and advancement. There should be a clear plan in place to execute continuous development. Essential models to be included involve training in disease surveillance and prevention skills, supporting information and news dissemination, and providing various equipment.