Health literacy and Health behavior of Coronavirus 2019 prevention among patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension in Khon Kaen Province.

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive research aims to study levels of health literacy and health behaviors regarding the prevention of COVID-19 among patients with Diabetes and High-blood pressure in Khonkaen province. Multi-stage sampling applied to calculate the sample size (620 participants). Data collected by tools (questionnaires). The study lasted from June–August 2020. Method of data analysis was statical program, descriptive statistics, mean, standard deviations, percentages and frequencies.

The results found that percentages of participants who had diabetes was 21%, high-blood pressure was 38.2% and both diseases were 40.8%. The average age was 62.98 (S.D.=10.22). Elementary education was 84.7%. Overall, participants had excellent level of health literacy 59.5%. 1) Decision skills, 75.3% of participants had excellent level. 2) Self-management skills, 70.0% of participants had excellent level. 3) Media literacy skills, 68.1% of participants had excellent level. 4)Communication skills, 55.6% of participants had excellent level. 5)Access skill, 56.5% of participants had poor level. 6) Cognitive skill, 52.4% of participants had average level.

An overall level of health behaviors was very high 99.5%. Suggestions: Most of participants were senior, leading
to miscommunications.