Electronic Health Literacy, Health Literacy, and Predictors of Self-Care Behavior Among Risk Groups of Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus in Chang Klang Community, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Southern Thailand

Electronic health literacy, health literacy, and self-care behaviors among at-risk populations for diabetes and hypertension are crucial areas of study. Additionally, there is a lack of concrete research on this issue in the Chang Klang community. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to: 1) explore Electronic Health Literacy, health literacy, and self-care behavior, 2) examine the relationships between Electronic Health Literacy, health literacy, and self-care behavior, and 3) identify predictors of self-care behavior among individuals at risk for diabetes and hypertension in the Chang Klang community, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, southern Thailand. The study was conducted between October and November 2024, using a proportionate stratified sampling method to recruit 472 risk group participants. Data were analyzed using percentages, means, standard deviations, Pearson product-moment correlation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that mean scores for Electronic Health Literacy, self-care behavior, participation in health education activities, and learning from observing health role models were at a moderate level (3.44 ± 0.88, 3.56 ± 0.68, 3.44 ± 0.94, and 3.56 ± 0.71, respectively). Overall health literacy was at a high level (3.77 ± 0.67), with the highest score observed in the dimension of accessing health information and services (3.91 ± 0.76) and the lowest in understanding self-care information (3.67 ± 0.76). A statistically significant positive correlation (p < 0.001) was found between Electronic Health Literacy, health literacy, participation in learning activities, learning from health role models, and self-care behavior. These variables accounted for 40% of the variance in self-care behavior (R² = 0.40). The findings indicated that while risk groups can access health information, they struggle to understand and apply it. Effective communication, role models, and participation in health activities are key to fostering sustainable behavior change.