Health Communication Strategy for Youth in Nakhon Nayok Province

Abstract

This research aims to studied health communication strategy and factors influencing health communication strategy for youth in Nakhon Nayok Province. Using a quantitative methodology, data were collected from 400 youth aged between 15 and 19 which were chosen by a simple random sampling method. The samples were asked to answer a questionnaire. After that the questionnaire data were analyzed with statistic, sum, percentage, mean, standard deviation (S.D.), t-test, and multiple regression analysis. The findings showed that the best model of health communication strategy for youth consisted of 1) horizontal communication among youth to build mutual understanding about wellness and health problems and 2) communication to promote or facilitate an ability to take care and nurture own wellness. The model could explain important health problems of youth at 21 percent (R-Square = 0.21). In addition, the best model for predicting factors influencing health communication strategy for youth consisted of 1) strong community culture and good way of living, 2) well-being with nutrition from five major food groups, and 3) safety of lives and properties. The model could explain health communication strategy for youth at 44 percent (R-Square = 0.44).