Association Between Health Literacy and Preventive Behaviors for Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Among Village Health Volunteers in Mueang Buriram District, Buriram Province

Abstract

        Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) play a crucial role in implementing dengue fever prevention activities, requiring health knowledge on dengue prevention to serve as role models for community practices. This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to investigate the association between health literacy and dengue prevention behaviors. The sample consists of village health volunteers from Mueang Buriram District, Buriram Province, totaling 381 individuals, and was randomized by systematic sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire accessing health literacy aspects including health information, health service, communication skills, decision-making skills, digital skill, and the self-management literacy, as well as variables related to dengue prevention behaviors. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses.

        The results revealed a significant correlation between health literacy and dengue prevention behaviors including communication skills, decision-making skills, and self-management skills. VHVs with high-level communication skills were associated with a 5.19 times greater likelihood of engaging in dengue prevention behaviors compared to VHVs with low to moderate communication skills (OR_Adj=5.19; 95%CI=1.82-14.78), VHVs with high-level decision-making skills were associated with a 3.97 times greater likelihood of engaging in dengue prevention behaviors compared to VHVs with low to moderate decision-making skills (OR_Adj=3.97; 95%CI=1.28-12.29), and VHVs with high-level self-management skills were associated with a 9.41 times greater likelihood of engaging in dengue prevention behaviors compared to VHVs with low to moderate self-management skills (OR_Adj=9.41; 95%CI=3.11-28.39). Therefore, it is imperative to enhance the communication, decision-making, and self-management skills of VHVs regarding dengue fever prevention to effectively disseminate accurate knowledge, serve as community role models, and mitigate dengue fever risks.