The Relationship Between Health Literacy, Health Awareness, Health Behavior and Obesity among Staffs in Chonburi Hospital

Abstract

This study is a cross-sectional analytical study. The objectives were to examine the relationships between health literacy, health awareness, health behaviors, and obesity among hospital personnel, including the levels of these factors and the prevalence of obesity. The study was conducted among 815 personnel at Chonburi Hospital. Data were collected using a questionnaire that was validated for content validity by experts. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics including percentages, means, and standard deviations, as well as parameter estimation (means or percentages) at 95% confidence interval and Chi-squared test statistics. The findings revealed that the levels of health literacy, health awareness, and health behaviors among hospital personnel were at a moderate level, while exercise skills were rated as poor. The prevalence of obesity in hospital personnel was 38.4% (95% CI 35.1-41.8). Health awareness, health behaviors, and dietary habits were statistically significant associated with obesity (95%CI OR=1.22-2.52, 1.16-3.01, and 1.29-3.75, respectively). Therefore, it is recommended to promote health awareness and change health behaviors, particularly dietary habits, to prevent and reduce obesity. Additionally, organizing activities or programs aimed at enhancing health literacy, health awareness, and health behaviors to a higher standard is essential.