Strengthening Rabies Protection Behaviors Among Thai Children
The Role of Health Literacy and Protection Motivation
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21354635 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Mayurin Laorujisawat (0000-0003-0119-5770, Faculty of Public Health Burapha University Chonburi Thailand), Worrawit Nakpan (School of Health Science Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University Nonthaburi Thailand), Araya Prasertchai (School of Health Science Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University Nonthaburi Thailand), Theerawut Thammakun (School of Health Science Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University Nonthaburi Thailand), Vuttajug Punsombut (Educational Development Group, Angthong Provincial Education Office Angthong Thailand), Kowit Suwannahong (0000-0002-3632-6227, Faculty of Public Health Burapha University Chonburi Thailand, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 95 |
| Issue | 11 |
| Pages | 933-943 |
| Publication date | 2025-11-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of School Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0022-4391 • E-ISSN: 1746-1561 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/josh.70059 |
| PMID | 40785407 |
| OpenAlex | W4413102284 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 34 |
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
The development of thought
Prediction and Intervention in Health‐Related Behavior
Health Education as Social Policy
Health literacy as a learning outcome in schools
Self-Efficacy
Health literacy as a public health goal
G*Power 3
A Protection Motivation Theory of Fear Appeals and Attitude Change1
Critical health literacy
Protection motivation and self-efficacy
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |