Factors Associated with Digital Health Literacy Among Village Health Volunteers in Phon Charoen District, Bueng Kan Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytic research aimed to examine the level of digital health literacy and its associated factors among Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in Phon Charoen District, Bueng Kan Province. A sample of 249 VHVs was selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, percentage, standard deviation, median, minimum, and maximum) and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

The findings revealed that the VHVs had a high overall level of digital health literacy ( =80.20, S.D.=8.83). Their role perception regarding health digital technology was at a moderate level ( =34.48, S.D.=5.53), while work motivation ( =63.14, S.D.= 6.99) and social support ( =15.85, S.D.=1.78) were at a high level. A significant association between the frequency of digital technology use and the level of digital health literacy was found (χ²=15.138, d.f.=3, p<0.05). Income was negatively correlated with digital health literacy (r_s = -0.125, p<0.05), whereas duration of VHV experience showed a positive correlation (r_s = 0.129, p<0.05). Social support (r = 0.395, p<0.05), role perception (r = 0.412, p<0.05), and work motivation (r = 0.346, p<0.05) were also positively correlated with digital health literacy.

The findings from this study can be utilized by relevant agencies to design and enhance digital health literacy enhancement programs for VHVs. These programs should focus on fostering analytical skills and intrinsic motivation through practical application and experiential learning, thereby empowering VHVs to fully utilize digital technology for promoting their own health and the well-being of the communities they serve.