Development of a Model for Enhancing Rational Drug and Health Product Use Literacy among the Population in Sukhothai Province
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: The problem of irrational drug use remains a persistent issue in several areas of Thailand, particularly in Sukhothai Province. Common practices include purchasing medications from non-standard sources such as grocery stores and online platforms. Additionally, limited health literacy among the population contributes to unsafe drug use and leads to inefficient utilization of public health resources.
OBJECTIVES: To study this situation, develop a model, and evaluate the model for enhancing the rational drug and health product use literacy among the population in Sukhothai Province.
METHODS: This action research study was conducted in three phases: 1) a situational review through stakeholders and local community members, 2) development of a model based on the collected data, incorporating the concepts of self-efficacy and community participation, and 3) evaluation by comparing the health literacy scores of the experimental group with those of the control group, each consisting of 30 participants. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test statistics.
RESULTS: The problems related to the use of drug and health products among the public in Sukhothai Province include the distribution of non-standard medications, misconceptions about medications, and a lack of health literacy. Moreover, the experimental group had an average health literacy score that was significantly higher than that before the experiment and significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: The Model for Enhancing Rational Drug and Health Product Use Literacy can significantly improve health literacy and the essential skills needed for the rational use of medicines and health products. Therefore, it can be used as a guideline for effectively solving drug-related problems and can be adapted for use in other areas.
Thaiclinicaltrials.org number, TCTR20250503002
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