Development of an Application to Promote Health Literacy for Primary Caregivers of Preschool Children in Roi Et Province.

Abstract

      The objectives of this research were 1) to study guidelines for developing an application to promote health literacy among parents or primary caregivers of preschool children; and 2) to study the effects of using the application on promoting health knowledge among parents or primary caregivers of preschool children. This study employed a mixed-methods research design. The qualitative research involved 10 key informants selected through purposive sampling, consisting of parents and teachers at child development centers in Selapum District, Roi Et Province, who were willing to participate in the study. The research instrument was a focus group discussion guide. The quantitative research consisted of two steps: 1) developing an application to promote health literacy among parents or primary caregivers of preschool children; and 2) studying the effects of using the application to promote health literacy among parents or primary caregivers of preschool children. The instruments used in the study included a health knowledge test and a satisfaction questionnaire regarding the use of the application, with a reliability coefficient of 0.87. The instruments were administered to 50 participants selected through purposive sampling, representing parents or primary caregivers who used smartphones in Selapum District, Roi Et Province. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Health knowledge before and after using the application was compared using a paired t-test at a significance level of 0.05.

      The results regarding the guidelines for developing an application to promote health literacy among parents or primary caregivers of preschool children indicated that health information should be presented in concise and easily understandable content without excessive information. The application should include video media, be easy to use and uncomplicated, use bright colors and large font sizes, and incorporate pictorial symbols to facilitate understanding. Regarding the effects of using the application, the results showed that after using the application to promote health literacy, the participants' health knowledge was significantly different from that before using the application at the 0.05 significance level. The participants also reported a high level of satisfaction with the use of the application.