Examining How Education Affects Health Literacy and How it Relates to Behaviors that Promote Health at Health Centers

Abstract

Background:
Health literacy is a key determinant of public health and affects the ability to make informed decisions regarding health behaviors. Low health literacy is associated with poor health outcomes, including delayed diagnoses, noncompliance with medical instructions, and higher healthcare costs. This study focuses on the impact of educational interventions on health literacy and its relationship with health-promoting behaviors among health ambassadors in healthcare networks.
Methods:
This study was used to assess the impact of a self-care education program on health literacy and health-promoting behaviors. A total of 300 health ambassadors were selected from health centers within a healthcare network. Participants completed health literacy and health-promoting behavior questionnaires before and after the intervention. The educational program, based on the "Self-care in Minor Morbidities" guidebook, was delivered through a combination of self-paced and in-person learning. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation.
Results:
The study found a significant improvement in health literacy among participants, with the percentage of individuals exhibiting adequate health literacy increasing from 25.8% to 50% after the intervention. Average health literacy scores improved from 79.22 to 95.49. Additionally, health-promoting behaviors, including responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, and stress management, showed significant improvements. A correlation was found between health literacy and education level, as well as a significant difference in physical activity scores based on gender.
Conclusion:
The study demonstrates that educational interventions can significantly improve health literacy and promote healthier behaviors among health ambassadors. These findings highlight the importance of targeted educational programs in enhancing public health by improving self-care practices and fostering a culture of health awareness within communities.