Health literacy and health behaviors 3E 2S of Medical Profession

BACKGROUND: Health literacy (HL) and health behaviors (HB) include skills needed to make appropriate health decisions and successfully navigate the health care system. However, the survey of HL and health behaviors of medical professionals is limited. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of HL and health behaviors 3E 2S of the medical profession, Rajavithi hospital, and their association. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-eight medical doctors were recruited and completed three parts of a self-administered questionnaire: demographics, HL, and health behavior 3E 2S scale of Thai adults (2018-revised edition). This HL questionnaire has six components with scoring criteria, and interpretation is designed by the Health Education Section, Health Service Support Department, and Ministry of Public Health. Pearson correlation coefficient was performed. The ethics committee Rajavithi Hospital approved this study. RESULTS: Of 288 medical doctors, 59% were female, and the mean age was 30.11±5.77 years. Most had overall HL at good and upper level 54.7%: cognitive skills 70.8%, access to health information 76.7%, health decision making 61.3%, media literacy 66%, and self-management 55.9%. A moderate level of health communication was 35.4%. Most subjects had a poor level of health behavior at 60.8%. HL was positively associated with health behavior (r = 0.483, p < 0.001). Single status significantly related to HL (p = 0.002) and HB (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Health literacy was at a good level. Health communication requires improvement. Health behaviors 3E 2S were poor. The organization should formulate a policy. A role model and health program should be proposed to develop health literacy skills best suited for the target group. KEY MESSAGES: • Health literacy can help us prevent health problems, protect our health, and better manage health problems when they arise. • Improved health literacy skills are something that anyone can benefit from, especially if you are dealing with a chronic condition or illness.