Abstract
Background: Health Literacy (HL) is a crucial skill for individuals to access, understand, and use
health information to make appropriate health decisions, which is essential for improving
population health outcomes.
Objectives: This study aimed to 1) assess the current HL situation among Thai people aged 15
and above, 2) analyze factors influencing HL to identify at -risk population groups,
and 3) raise awareness among relevant stakeholders on the influence of health literacy on the
effectiveness of the implementation of public health interventions.
Methods: Data from the 2nd National Health Literacy Survey of Thai Population Aged 15 Years
and Above (2023) was used, along with literature review and expert consultations. The survey
employed a three-stage stratified sampling method, with a sample size of 17,780 respondents.
The HLS-TH-Q17 questionnaire was used as the survey instrument. Descriptive and analytical
statistics were utilized for data analysis. A stakeholder meeting was organized to raise
awareness among relevant stakeholders and simulate the use of the survey findings for
planning and improving health promotion and prevention interventions.
Results: 80.9% of Thai people aged 15 and above had adequate HL, with significant variations
across health regions (59.4% to 96.8%). "Pharmaceutical and health products," "Emergency
care," and "Oral health" were the lowest-scoring health system topics (2.95 – 2.99 points of 4
points). "Using information for decision-making" was the lowest-scoring HL skill (3.03 points).
At-risk groups for inadequate HL included those with limited access to information, low
income, no formal education, poor self-reported health status, chronic diseases,
unemployment, and the elderly. Awareness was raised among 88 representatives from the
department of health, ministry of public health, provincial health offices, the ministry of social
development and human security, the ministry of labour, the ministry of education, and the
ministry of digital economy and society. 13 policy briefs were produced to improve health
literacy in relevant settings. Elderly people were the most mentioned targets for health literacy
improvements focusing on the ability to access reliable health information through health
volunteers.
Conclusion: in 2023, 80.9 percent of aged 15 years and above Thai population had adequate
health literacy. Demographic, socio-economic, and health related factors were associated with
health literacy. Stakeholder meetings could help raise awareness and the use of the survey
findings for developing area – specific policies.
Recommendations: 1) Focus on those with risk factors when developing policies and
interventions to improve health literacy through multidisciplinary approaches, 2) improve
simplicity and understandability of existing health information, 3) enhance collaborations
among relevant stakeholders, 4) improve knowledge and skills needed for use of health
related products and medicine, emergency services, and oral health services, 5) develop
population at risk specific programs to improve health literacy.
