The Relationship and Predictive Power between Health Literacy and Preventive Behaviors Against Unwanted Pregnancy among Adolescent Female

Abstract

The descriptive research aims to examine the relationship and predictive power between health literacy and preventive behaviors against adolescent pregnancy among adolescent females. The sample consisted of 98 female adolescents in a suburban community in Surin Province, Thailand, who were selected purposively from those meeting the specified criteria. Data collection tools included a general information questionnaire, a health literacy scale for premature pregnancy prevention for female adolescents (including health understanding, access to health information and services, communication for expertise enhancement, self-management of health conditions, media and information literacy, making correct practical decisions), and premature pregnancy prevention behaviors. The reliability of the tools was 0.89, 0.95, 0.96, 0.85, 0.92, 0.96, and 0.80. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation statistics, and stepwise multiple regression analysis.

The research findings indicate that health literacy, communication for expertise enhancement, and self-management of health conditions are positively correlated with early pregnancy prevention behaviors, with statistical significance at the level of p < .001. Access to health information and services, Media and information literacy is positively correlated with early pregnancy prevention behaviors, with statistical significance at the level of p < .01. Health literacy and access to health information and services together can predict 36.1% of early pregnancy prevention behaviors (R² = 0.361, F = 26.820, p = .000). Based on the research results, it is recommended that relevant public health personnel organize activities or programs focusing on promoting health literacy and access to health information and services to prevent early pregnancy.