Health Literacy and Factors Associated with Dengue Fever Prevention Behaviors Among Lower Secondary School Students in Srirattana District, Sisaket Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to examine health literacy and factors associated with dengue fever prevention behaviors among lower secondary school students in Srirattana District, Sisaket Province. A total of 340 students were selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of three sections: general information, dengue fever health literacy, and dengue fever prevention behaviors. Preliminary associations were examined using univariable logistic regression, followed by multivariable logistic regression analysis.

The findings showed that 60.60% of the participants were female, with a mean age of 15 years (S.D. = 0.80). Most participants (82.60%) had never experienced dengue fever. One-fourth (25.0%) demonstrated a good level of dengue fever prevention behaviors, while 58.50% had an adequate level of dengue fever health literacy. Factors significantly associated with dengue fever prevention behaviors included having previously received information about dengue fever (AOR= 1.93, 95% CI: 1.15-3.24, p-value = 0.01), having previously participated in training or activities related to dengue fever prevention and control (AOR=3.41, 95% CI: 1.95-5.97, p-value < 0.01), and dengue fever health literacy (AOR=3.32, 95% CI: 2.02-5.44, p-value < 0.01). Therefore, schools and public health agencies should collaborate to promote health literacy, with an emphasis on accessing, understanding, and applying health information to prevent dengue fever in daily life. They should also increase access to accurate and continuous health information through multiple communication channels and provide training and practical activities that actively engage students in eliminating mosquito breeding sites and protecting themselves from mosquito bites.