HEALTH LITERACY, FAMILY FUNCTIONING, AND PUBLIC CONSCIOUSNESS ON NEW NORMAL BEHAVIORS IN CORONAVIRUS 2019 PREVENTION AMONG SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN’S FAMILIES IN MUEANG DISTRICT, CHONBURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey research aimed to investigate the relationship between personal background, health literacy, family functioning, and public consciousness on new normal behaviors in Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) prevention among school aged children’s families. Participants were 156 guardians of 6-12 years old school aged children living in Mueang district, Chonburi province and were recruited in this study by cluster random sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics including Pearson product-moment correlation and Chi-square test.

The findings indicated that 91.70% of the guardians had new normal behaviors in COVID-19 prevention in high level. Educational level of the guardians was associated with new normal behavior with statistically significant at p<.05 (Cramer’s V = .29, p =.04). Health literacy comprising accessing health information  (r = .03, p<.00), comprehension (r = .28, p<.00), exchanging information (r = .36, p<.00), decision making skill (r = .53, p<.00), self-management skill (r = .46, p<.00), and word of mouth communication (r = .56, p<.00) significantly related to new normal behavior. Furthermore, family functioning (r = .31, p<.00) and public consciousness (r = .61, p<.00) correlated with new normal behavior with statistically significant at p<.05.

Results of this study were valuable for public health personnel and relevant organizations to apply as a promotional guideline of new normal behavior in COVID-19 prevention for school aged children’s’ families, particularly in high pandemic areas.