Development of a Model for Promoting Health Literacy and Health Behaviors in Accordance with the 3E. 2S. Principles of Working Population in Health Behavioral Modification Village, Health Region 6.

Abstract

This action research aimed to develop and evaluate a model for promoting health literacy and health behaviors in accordance with the principles of 3E.2S. among working age people in the health behavioral modification village, Health District 6. The study was divided into 3 phases: Phase 1: analyzing the situation and area context by multistage random sampling among 1,920 people aged 15–59 years; Phase 2: developing the model with the participation of 26 stakeholders; and Phase 3: evaluating the developed model. The quality of research tool was evaluated by three experts and determined that the accuracy of its content was 1.00. Descriptive and inferential statistics in terms of Paired Samples T-test were used to analyze quantitative data, while content analysis was applied to analyze qualitative data. The results revealed that:

1. 1. The participants had their health literacy at a high level (37.6%) and also their behaviors in accordance with 3E. 2S. at a high level (59.2%).
2. 2. The model for promoting health literacy and health behaviors in accordance with 3E. 2S. consisted of five steps: 1) participatory analyzing of problem, sharing information and learning together; 2) creating high-quality manuals and instructional materials in print and online formats; 3) developing health literacy and health behaviors by organizing workshops for the responsible task groups to deliver the knowledge to the target groups; 4) monitoring the progress and visiting to strengthen the operations in the area and establishing a consulting system; and 5) creating a health literacy promoting model for exchanging knowledge and receiving guidance.
3. 3. After the implementation of the model, the participants had a statistically significant increase in health literacy scores compared to before implementation (Mdif=4.176, 95%CI=3.427-4.925) and a statistically significant increase in health behavior scores compared to before implementation (Mdif=1.892, 95%CI=1.528-2.255).

In conclusion, the developed model of promoting health literacy and health behaviors can help improve health literacy and health behaviors of the participants.