Strengthening Rabies Protection Behaviors Among Thai Children

BACKGROUND: Rabies remains a life-threatening yet preventable disease, particularly among school-aged children in Thailand. Understanding how health literacy (HL) and protection motivation theory (PMT) influence rabies protective behaviors (RPB) is vital for school health interventions. METHODS: Using validated questionnaires, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 1751 Grade 4-6 students in Chonburi Province. HL, PMT constructs, and RPB were measured. Structural equation modeling was used to examine predictive relationships. RESULTS: HL was a strong predictor of RPB (β = 0.439, p < 0.001), especially in accessing, appraising, and applying health information. PMT constructs, particularly response efficacy and self-efficacy, also significantly predicted RPB (β = 0.200, p < 0.001). HL levels were higher among older students, private school attendees, and those with stronger academic performance. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: Integrating HL and PMT frameworks into rabies education curricula may improve behavioral outcomes. Programs should be developmentally appropriate and address disparities across school types and student performance levels. CONCLUSIONS: Strengthening HL and motivational factors through school-based education and multisectoral collaboration is critical to achieving rabies prevention goals and advancing child health equity in endemic settings.

Curriculum · Environmental health · Equity (law) · Family medicine · Health care · Health education · Health literacy · Pedagogy · Political science · Psychological intervention · Public health · Rabies · Health Literacy and Information Accessibility · Injury Epidemiology and Prevention · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Rabies epidemiology and control

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