Development of Health Literacy Promotion Media for the Prevention of Iron-Deficiency Anemia among Women of Reproductive Age in Health Region 3

Abstract

This mixed-methods research aimed to study and develop health literacy promotion media and preventive behavior enhancement tools for iron deficiency anemia among women of reproductive age in Health Region 3, Thailand. The study population consisted of 422,110 women, from which a multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a sample of 404 participants. The media development process was based on expert focus group discussions to co-design media materials, which were then produced and disseminated. Research instruments included a validated questionnaire on knowledge, health literacy and iron deficiency anemia prevention behaviors, a media satisfaction evaluation form, and a focus group discussion record. All tools were verified for quality and piloted prior to use. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentage, standard deviation, t-test statistics, and content analysis. The findings revealed that participants reported a very high level of satisfaction with the media (98.70%). Their knowledge , health literacy and preventive behaviors related to iron deficiency anemia significantly increased at the 0.05 level (p < 0.001). The resulting health literacy promotion media effectively met the needs of the target population and contributed to improved knowledge, health literacy and preventive behavior outcomes. Therefore, the developed media can be efficiently utilized by local agencies and health network partners within Health Region 3 to support women of reproductive age in preventing iron deficiency anemia.