Population-focused community-based health literacy model for high-risk people
Preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus through participatory action research in rural Thailand
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15362537 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Arunrat Utaisang (Nakhon Phanom University), Benjayamas Pilayon (Nakhon Phanom University, corresponding author), Thisachon Thanyawarathorn (Nakhon Phanom University), Satjaporn Panomsak (Nakhon Phanom University), Nitikorn Phoosuwan (0000-0001-6372-9921, Thammasat University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 26 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-03 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | BMC Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1471-2458 • E-ISSN: 1471-2458 |
| Publisher | BioMed Central (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1186/s12889-026-26828-0 |
| PMID | 41776514 |
| OpenAlex | W7133339190 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 21 |
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a significant public health challenge in Thailand, particularly in rural communities. Despite high prevalence rates, evidence-based, culturally appropriate prevention programs for high-risk populations remain limited. This study developed and evaluated a community-based health literacy model for T2DM prevention using participatory action research (PAR). We conducted a four-phase PAR study in a northeast province, Thailand, from April to October 2024. Fifteen high-risk individuals (mean age 54.73 ± 9.22 years, 86.7% female) and 37 healthcare stakeholders participated. The intervention comprised community preparation, model development, 8-week implementation with weekly group activities, and evaluation. We assessed health literacy using a validated questionnaire and measured body composition parameters. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for quantitative outcomes, and content analysis for qualitative data. Health literacy scores improved significantly across all five domains from insufficient levels (mean 38.33–46.25) to good levels (mean 84.17–87.92) (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were observed in body age, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, visceral fat, total body fat, fat percentage, basal metabolic rate, and fasting blood glucose (all p < 0.05). Four key success factors emerged: community capital, healthcare system reform, self-initiated health management, and supportive monitoring without stigmatization. This PAR effectively improved health literacy and clinical outcomes among high-risk individuals. The model demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of leveraging community resources and networks for T2DM prevention in resource-limited settings. Findings support the integration of participatory approaches in primary prevention programs and offer a scalable framework for similar rural communities
Community health · Community-based participatory research · Health care · Health education · Health literacy · Health promotion · Literacy · Participatory action research · Public health · Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus · Diabetes Management and Education · Diabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and Lipoproteins · Health Literacy and Information Accessibility
How to use and assess qualitative research methods
Worldwide trends in diabetes since 1980
Understanding and Responding to Health Literacy as a Social Determinant of Health
Health literacy as a public health goal
Health literacy and public health
The effect of community-based programs on diabetes prevention in low- and middle-income countries
Knowledge on diabetes and its related factors among the people with type 2 diabetes in Thailand
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |