Author(s): Wongkongdech, R., Tongsiri, S., Puangpronpitag, D., Wongkongdech, A., & Kingkaew, W. M.
The current COVID-19 pandemic is emerging disease and continuing increase, this study aimed to explore and test associations between health literacy (HL) and COVID-19 prevention behavior, including Lessons Learned among Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in 8 sub-districts in the community building community happiness project area of Regional Health 7, Thailand. A cross-sectional, self-report questionnaire study and focus group discussion was conducted in July 2020-May 2021 with 359 participants. Pearson correlation statistics and multiple linear regressions were used to test the association between factors. A qualitative study was used by group discussion and in-depth interview. The results found that; About 87.2% were females, completed secondary school (61.2 %). 71.9%) can search, read and share information by online and received Covid19 information from online, television and health workers more than 10 time (46.8%). They participated with disease control activities over 85%. HL level were high (Mean3.81±0.77) and sufficient (Scores>=3.61, 64.6%), prevention behaviours were suitable (Mean=3.72±0.58), but some behaviour may be at risk of infection include rubbing the eyes, picking the nose or touching the face without washing hands, socialize and talk closely with friends, go to crowded places without wearing masks or coughing and sneezing without covering the mouth and nose. There was a high correlation of VHVs’ literacy and prevention behaviour with statistical significance (p value < 0.01). Although the community participation for prevention and disease surveillance system has a strengthen, and the VHVs have a good role, but the main problem of people was also mistake beliefs and attitudes about vaccination resulting in a low injection coverage rate. This will be providing public relations media and educate the people for correct understanding about causes, severity, prevention, adequate supply of medical personnel and VHVs. particularly, getting vaccine for immunity.