Heath Literacy of Major Caregivers and Teachers/Child Caregivers about Early Childhood Care in the Health Region 5

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to study the health literacy of major caregivers and factors that related to health literacy of major caregivers who rising early childhood. The samples of this research were major caregivers and children who were 9 month - 5 years old. Data was collected by random sampling amount 4 province in 8 province of the 5th health region by multi stages sampling. The samples were 405 couple. Collect data were the personal information by questionnaire on health literacy of major caregivers about early childhood care which had IOC value of 0.93 and reliability value of 0.94. . Data analyze were used percentage Chi-square test and Pearson's Correlation Coefficient. The research found that health literacy of major caregivers about early childhood care was faired, as a percentage more than half (59.5%). When separating by sides, found that low level of the health literacy, including in search of information, examination and decision making, self-management and interpersonal communication as follows 58.0 %, 58.0 % and 52.1 % respectively. We also found statistically significant (p-value <0.05) related factor to health literacy including age, education level, occupation, sufficient income, relation with children and family typing. However, the age of major caregiver was negative correlation to this issue, on the other hand education was result in positive correlation. Nevertheless, knowledge of early childhood upbringing were strong associated with nutritional status (by standard height according to age) (p-value <0.05). Summary and suggestion from the study, The major caregiver lack of the health literacy in raising early childhood. The suggestion area that the administrators should use results of the study to design a learning management process. To enhance health literacy for early childhood caregivers, according to the problems and needs of the caregivers in each area by quality family and school parent activities.