Health Literacy to Prevent Obesity in High School Students, Phatthalung Province, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity are global health concerns. Preventing these conditions—
especially among at-risk populations—is more effective and cost-efficient than treatment. One promising approach is
enhancing health literacy, which can lead to improved health outcomes. The objectives of this study were to examine the
current situation and explore the associations between various factors and health literacy in relation to obesity prevention.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among high school students in southern Thailand. A total of 572 students                from four schools participated, using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were employed to
summarize sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and health literacy related to obesity prevention. Logistic
regression analysis was used to examine the associations between these variables.
Results: The majority of participants were female (73.3%) and most were aged 17 years (37.2%). Most students demonstrated
a moderate level of health literacy regarding obesity prevention (65.4%), while 31.5% had a low level and only 3.1% achieved
a high level. Significant associations were found between health literacy levels and several variables, including parental
education, parental occupation, BMI-for-age, stress management behavior, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption,
alcohol use, and internet usage.
Conclusion: Health literacy interventions should be adapted to students’ real-life contexts and actively involve families and
communities, particularly in rural areas.