DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERWEIGHT HEALTH LITERACY MODEL FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE 2TH PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AREA OFFICE PATHUMTHAINI PROVINCE

Abstract

               Objective: To develop an Underweight Health Literacy Model for elementary school students in the 2th Primary Educational Service Area Office, Pathumthani Province.

               Methods: This study was the research and development. The procedure had three phases. First Phase: There were consisted of the problems diagnosis and needs identifying of underweight health literacy model for elementary school students. Questionnaires were collected from 386 elementary school students (First - sixth grade). There were depth-interview questionnaires from school administrators, advisory teachers, Tambon health promoting hospital staff and parents. Second Phase: There were implemented the model of 30 elementary school students (First – sixth grade). This model were consisted of six interventions. Third Phase: The model were evaluated. The content validity was 0.8 and the reliability was 0.7. Statistical analysis were used One-way repeated-measures ANOVA and content analysis.

               Results: The prevalence of Underweight elementary school students was 23.17% in Pathumthani province, Thailand. The results showed that 4.92 % of students had underweight condition and their underweight health literacy was low to moderate level. Underweight health literacy Model of elementary school students significantly increased the level of underweight health literacy all 6 – dimensions; access to information, cognitive about underweight condition, interaction, asking question and exchanging information about underweight, decision in choosing a practice method for good health, word of mouth and changing behavioral of eating, exercise and sleeping. There was statistically significant (p < 0.05) in the average score of 6 – dimensions before and after using the underweight health literacy model. The school and parents follow and having underweight surveillance guide for elementary school students.

               Conclusion: The results of this study showed that this program increases body weight and Health Literacy about Underweight of students. School and Parents has follow up their Underweight students continuously and have monitor handbooks.