FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH LITERACY OF PEOPLE IN MAHA SARAKHAM TOWN MUNICIPALITY, MAHA SARAKHAM PROVINCE

Abstract

This study employed a survey research design aimed at examining the level of environmental health literacy and the factors associated with environmental health literacy among residents in Muang Maha Sarakham Municipality. The study focused on the prevention of health effects resulting from PM2.5 air pollution. The sample consisted of 350 individuals selected through multistage random sampling. Data were collected between November 2024 and May 2025. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics (percentage, mean, standard deviation, maximum, and minimum) as well as inferential statistics, specifically Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The findings indicated that participants demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge regarding PM2.5 (M = 6.92, SD = 0.32), a positive attitude (M = 2.92, SD = 0.23), a high level of perception (M = 2.71, SD = 0.28), and a moderate level of environmental health literacy (M = 2.36, SD = 0.17). The analysis demonstrated that age, income level, knowledge, attitude, and perception were significantly correlated with environmental health literacy (p<0.05). Accordingly, relevant organizations should implement continuous environmental health education and awareness programs to mitigate the risk of respiratory diseases associated with PM2.5 exposure and to improve the overall well-being of the population.