Occupational health literacy work-related safety behaviors among village health volunteers in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand
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Abstract
This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between occupational health literacy (OHL) and work safety behaviors among 245 Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. Data were collected using validated questionnaires (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.962 and 0.88). Descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed. The majority of VHVs were female (88.6%). The mean age was 51.18 ± 8.54 years. Most participants were married (73.9%), had primary education (53.1%), and worked in agriculture (84.9%). The average monthly income was 3,710 ± 2,897.79 THB. Most participants had no history of work-related accidents (89.9%) and no underlying diseases (73.9%). The mean experience as VHVs was 13.16 ± 7.32 years, and occupational health and safety information was primarily obtained from medical personnel (76.3%). The results indicated that both occupational health literacy and work-related safety behaviors were at moderate levels. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that monthly income (β = -0.128, p = 0.046), decision-making and application (β = 0.334, p < 0.001), and media literacy (β = -0.242, p = 0.008) were significant predictors of work-related safety behaviors. The model explained 6.5% of the variance (R² = 0.065).These findings highlight the importance of cognitive dimensions of occupational health literacy, particularly decision-making and application skills, in influencing safety behaviors. Targeted training programs focusing on these competencies may improve work-related safety behaviors and accident prevention practices among VHVs in community-based settings..
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