Development of a health literacy model to promote health behaviors among novices in Pariyathidhamma school, Sisaket province

Abstract

Health literacy is a key determinant of health behavior development among children and adolescents, including novice monks who are at a developmental stage suitable for cultivating healthy behaviors. This research and development study aimed to examine the situation of health care behaviors among novice monks, investigate the influence of personal factors, social and environmental factors, and health literacy on health care behaviors, develop a health literacy model to promote health care behaviors, and evaluate the effectiveness of the model. The study was conducted in nine Buddhist Scripture Schools under the General Education Division in Sisaket Province. The survey phase included 252 novice monks, while 180 participants were involved in the evaluation phase. Research instruments consisted of questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and a satisfaction assessment form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, multiple regression, and paired t-test. The findings showed that health status, social and environmental factors, health literacy, and health care behaviors were at moderate levels, with mean scores of 3.35, 3.56, 3.46, and 3.51, respectively. Social and environmental factors (r = 0.737, p < .01) and health literacy (r = 0.896, p < .01) were positively associated with health care behaviors and jointly explained 80.7% of the variance. Post-implementation scores were significantly higher than pre-implementation scores across all dimensions. The developed model was effective and suitable for implementation in Buddhist Scripture Schools under the General Education Division.