Factors Associated with Health Literacy among Hypertensive Patients in Primary Care Unit, Muang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

       This research is a cross-sectional analytical research. The aimed to study health intelligence and factors associated with health literacy of hypertensive patients who come to receive services in the primary care unit, Muang Nakhon Ratchasima area, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Total 498 participants were collected data using questionnaires. The correlation statistic analyzed by multiple regression statistics.

       The result found that health literacy of hypertensive patients who come to receive services in the primary care unit found that most of them (53.21%) had sufficient level of health literacy. In addition, found that factors associated with the health literacy among hypertensive patients were education (p<0.001). Patients who graduated Junior high school, Senior high school/ Vocational certificate and Diploma / Vocational certificate and above had an adequate health literacy more than patients who graduated primary and lower as 3.61 times (AOR=3.61, 95%CI=2.43 – 5.38), 3.49 times (AOR=3.49, 95%CI=1.48 – 8.21), 2.15 times (AOR=2.15, 95%CI=1.02 – 4.53) respectively. And hypertensive patients who were high attitude were 4.51 times more health literacy than patients who were moderate attitude (AOR = 4.51, 95% CI = 1.18-17.26). Therefore, encouraging patients to have adequate health literacy in order to reduce complications. The patient's correct attitude to illness and education level should be considered in order to organize activities that are more efficient.