The Health literacy performance assessment model for Village Health Volunteers to Increase Their Work Potential with The Concept of VHV 4.0 and Smart VHV in Galayani Vadhana District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

Purposes: To examine (1) the level of health literacy, (2) health behaviors, (3) performance based on the VHVs 4.0 and Smart VHVs concepts, and (4) the relationship between health literacy and performance among Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in Kalayaniwattana District, Chiang Mai Province.

Study Design: Mixed Methods Research Design.

Materials and Methods: The study population comprised 229 village health volunteers (VHVs) working in Kalayaniwattana District, Chiang Mai Province, who were officially registered under the Ministry of Public Health regulations. Data collection was conducted from March 1 to August 31, 2025. The research instruments included a questionnaire, which demonstrated high reliability with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.95, structured interviews, and a set of guiding questions for focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and content validity analysis.

Main findings : The overall level of health literacy among VHVs was high (70.77%). Health behavior in predisposing factors was also high (64.11%), while enabling factors (Mean = 3.50, SD. = 1.02) and reinforcing factors (Mean = 3.62, SD. = 1.01) were at a high level. Performance based on the VHVs 4.0 and Smart VHVs concepts was also high (Mean = 3.59, SD. = 0.89). Health literacy showed a low positive correlation with performance (r = 0.282, p < 0.01). The findings led to the development of the model titled “Performance Competency Assessment of Health Literacy among VHVs to Enhance Operational Efficiency under the VHVs 4.0 and Smart VHVs Concepts.”

Conclusion and Recommendation: The results can be applied to design health literacy promotion activities and capacity-building programs for health personnel and VHVs, enhancing their competency in implementing health literacy initiatives. This will contribute to sustainable community health development under the project “Kalayaniwattana VHVs: Empowering Health Literacy for the Well-being of the People.”