Factors Influencing Occupational Health and Safety Literacy among Healthcare Workers in a Hospital, Chonburi Province
Keywords:
Health literacy, Occupational health literacy, Occupational health and safety, Healthcare workerAbstract
This study assessed the level of occupational health and safety literacy (OHSL) and its associated factors among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Chonburi Province, Thailand, to inform organizational policy development. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2024 to February 2025 among 409 hospital employees, selected using stratified convenience sampling based on the World Health Organization’s classification of health workforce. Data were collected through an online self-administered questionnaire adapted from a validated OHSL tool comprising six domains: access, comprehension, communication, decision-making, self-management, and media literacy. Data were analyzed using a computer-based statistical software package. The overall OHSL level was moderate, with a mean score of 140.6 (SD = 22.3) out of 180. The highest domain score was in knowledge and understanding, while media literacy scored lowest. Significant predictors of higher OHSL included university education (p = 0.012), supervisors trained in occupational health and safety (p = 0.008), and high perceived organizational support (p < 0.001). Younger age and employment as health associate professionals were also associated with higher domain-specific scores. These findings highlight that organizational factors, particularly leadership engagement, safety policy implementation, and supportive environments, play a greater role in shaping OHSL than individual characteristics. Strengthening institutional support systems, communication channels, and safety training programs may enhance OHSL and reduce occupational risks among healthcare workers in hospital-based safety management systems.
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