The Results of Development a Model for Promoting Health Literacy to Prevent Malaria in High- Risk Groups Through Community Participation in Kanchanaburi Province

Abstract

This research and development study aimed to develop and evaluate a health literacy enhancement model for malaria prevention among high-risk groups in Kanchanaburi Province, applying Health Literacy concepts and the Health Belief Model as the theoretical framework. The study was conducted in three phases from August 2024 to February 2025, using questionnaires and interview guides as research instruments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Phase 1 examined the context and health literacy problems among 423 at-risk individuals and interviewed 15 network stakeholders. Phase 2 developed the KANC Model comprising four components: Knowledge management through community health guardian teams (K), Active partnership (A), Network communication (N), and Community engagement through proactive surveillance (C), which was piloted with 60 participants over 12 weeks. Phase 3 conducted program evaluation and lessons-learned review. Phase 1 findings revealed that most at-risk individuals were female (73.05%), with a mean age of 48 years. Overall health literacy was high (69.20%); however, malaria prevention behavior remained moderate (58.00%), indicating a knowledge-to-practice gap. Following model implementation in Phase 3, health literacy, attitudes, and malaria prevention behaviors improved significantly (P-value < 0.05), with self-protection behaviors against mosquito bites increasing by 39.30%. Satisfaction and community participation were high (83.33–90.00%). The KANC Model was effective in improving health literacy and malaria prevention behaviors and has potential for sustainable community-based malaria prevention. Recommendations include integrating the model into primary health care services, developing digital skills among at-risk groups, and extending the study period to assess long-term biological outcomes.