The Effectiveness of Health Literacy and desirable Health Behavior programs among Older Adults in a Semi-Urban Community in Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

The purposes of this quasi-experimental study of two groups pretest-posttest design was to study the Effectiveness of Health Literacy and desirable Health Behavior programs among Older Adults in a Semi-Urban Community in Khon Kaen Province. The samples were random selection according to the criteria of 64 peoples into the experimental group (n=30) and comparison group (n=30).The experimental group received the health literacy enhancement program which was developed from Sorensen et al’s health literacy concept. Data were collected using the questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and paired t-test. Instruments were examined for content validity by qualified experts, yielding values of .60. Reliability was tested by Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient yielding values of.80. Data were then analyzed for finding frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation paired t-test and unpaired t-test. The study found that most of the experimental and comparison groups were female, 87.50 and 78.13 percent, 60-69 years old. 53.13 and 62.50 percent, and had education level. Elementary level, 24.75 and 68.75 percent, respectively. After receiving the program. It was found that the experimental groups had statistically significant higher mean scores of health literacy and health behaviors than before receiving the program (p<0.05). And they had statistically significant higher mean score on health literacy and health behaviors than comparison group (p<0.05). These findings suggested that health care providers should apply this program in health literacy of the elderly in other communities.