A recent research endeavor, featured in BMC Public Health, has delved into the intricate relationship between exposure to health information, media health literacy (MHL), and the dietary habits of Thai youth, particularly their consumption of fruits and vegetables.
According to the findings of this investigation, the role of the internet as a source of health-related information for Thai youth has been a subject of scrutiny. In comparison to their global counterparts, Thai youth were noted to exhibit a disparity in their critical thinking abilities, lagging behind in this crucial aspect.
Furthermore, the researchers observed a noteworthy connection between several factors, including health information exposure, media health literacy (MHL) scores, academic performance as represented by the grade point average (GPA), and the frequency of consuming fruits and vegetables (F&V). Additionally, the study underscored the influential roles of pocket money and individual health statuses in shaping dietary preferences.
The implications of inadequate F&V consumption cannot be ignored, as it contributes to a staggering 1.7 million global fatalities, while simultaneously increasing the risks of severe health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, obesity, and even academic underachievement. Despite Thailand’s commendable efforts to promote the intake of F&V through initiatives like school lunches, a concerning trend has emerged—Thai youth’s consumption of F&V is on the decline, while the consumption of unhealthy foods is on the rise.
Intricacies in socio-economic status, attitudes, and parental influence were highlighted as pivotal factors impacting the consumption of F&V among the younger demographic. Moreover, the study brought to light the considerable role of media health literacy (MHL) in shaping healthy dietary practices. However, the absence of comprehensive data regarding MHL among Thai youth and its direct association with health information exposure and F&V consumption posed a significant gap in understanding.
The researchers undertook a meticulous national cross-sectional study spanning from March to September 2020, which encompassed Thai individuals aged between 10 and 14 years.
Utilizing a multi-stage stratified sampling approach, derived from data provided by the Thailand National Statistical Office, the study initially selected eight provinces, including the bustling capital, Bangkok. This method yielded 100 enumeration areas (EAs), which spanned both urban and rural regions. The application of a systematic approach in the selection process aimed to minimize selection bias, resulting in 25 respondents being selected from each enumeration area. Ultimately, this yielded a response rate of approximately 75%, with 1,871 participants out of the intended 2,500.
To gather the required data, an extensively developed questionnaire was employed. This questionnaire encompassed various aspects, including socio-demographic attributes, media exposure, health information exposure, media health literacy (MHL), and dietary habits—specifically, the consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V).
A section of the questionnaire focused on media health literacy (MHL), employing engaging video clips to highlight healthy and unhealthy dietary practices, subsequently quizzing respondents on their understanding of these concepts.
Central to the study was the frequency of F&V consumption, with the study’s independent variables being exposure to health information and media health literacy (MHL) scores. The data underwent rigorous statistical analysis employing the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22, which encompassed an examination of correlations, multi-collinearity, and regression relationships. Significance was set at a threshold of p<0.05.
The participant demographics of the study, encompassing 1,871 individuals, revealed that males constituted 55.3% of the sample, while females accounted for 44.7%. The average age of the participants was 11.9 years, with a standard deviation of ±1.4, effectively covering the age range of 10 to 14 years.
Notably, a substantial proportion (41.8%) exhibited a grade point average (GPA) falling between 3.00 and 3.50. The study unveiled that 50.5% of participants hailed from rural regions, and intriguingly, nearly 60% possessed a daily pocket money allowance ranging from 20 to 50 baht, approximately equivalent to US$ 0.6 to 1.5.
Differentiating within this group, 37.8% had daily pocket money of less than 20 baht, while a mere 2.9% enjoyed an allowance exceeding 50 baht. A considerable majority of the participants were found to be free from chronic illnesses, and 51.8% were categorized as underweight.
Highlighting the study’s central theme, it was revealed that almost 70% of the youth identified the internet as their primary source of health-related information. Approximately 45% encountered health information through media sources fewer than three times daily, with a substantial 83% dedicating 10 minutes or less to such exposure. On average, the participants accessed 1.8 distinct types of media for health-related information within the preceding week.
The crux of media health literacy (MHL) was assessed through a comprehensive evaluation of four distinct abilities: Perception & Understanding, Analysis, Evaluation, and Intent to Act. The participants, on average, attained an MHL score of 36.8, which ranged from 12 to 54. When it came to their dietary habits, the youth reported consuming vegetables approximately 4.4 days per week and fruits around 3.1 days per week.
The research study succeeded in identifying a tangible correlation between the frequency of health information exposure, media health literacy (MHL) scores, and the consumption of fruits. Participants who displayed higher exposure to health information and boasted better MHL scores were notably inclined to consume fruits more frequently. Intriguingly, the grade point average (GPA) also emerged as a contributing factor to their fruit consumption habits.
Analyzing the frequency of vegetable consumption in relation to various socio-demographic factors and health information exposure, the study reported that those with more extensive media exposure and higher media health literacy (MHL) scores demonstrated more frequent vegetable consumption. Conversely, individuals with greater pocket money allowances and urban residents showcased a reduced intake of vegetables.
Ultimately, the research delved into the nuanced dynamics of Thai youth’s exposure to health information, media health literacy (MHL), and their patterns of consuming fruits and vegetables (F&V). The data unveiled a predominant trend of accessing health information online; however, the media health literacy (MHL) exhibited moderate levels among the youth.
A closer examination of the components constituting media health literacy (MHL) unveiled a deficiency in their analytical capabilities. This trend concurred with the insights gleaned from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), which underscored the comparatively lower literacy levels among Thai students, particularly in areas involving critical analysis and reasoning. This observation raises questions about the prioritization of such skills within the Thai education system, in contrast to educational approaches in countries like Singapore and China, which place a greater emphasis on these skills, potentially contributing to the divergent PISA scores.
An essential revelation stemming from the study was the affirmative connection between exposure to health information and the consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V). This finding resonates with analogous studies conducted across nine European nations. Furthermore, higher media health literacy (MHL) scores were determined to elevate the likelihood of regular F&V intake. However, it remains notable that the overall consumption of F&V among Thai youth falls short of the recommended levels.
Another salient insight emerged in the form of a correlation between a higher grade point average (GPA) and an increased consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V). This correlation mirrored findings from global studies, suggesting that students with heightened cognitive abilities and improved decision-making skills tend to adopt health-conscious habits.
However, urban dwelling and having a greater pocket money allowance were revealed as deterrents to vegetable consumption, as students exhibited a propensity for purchasing unhealthy snacks.
Lastly, health status emerged as a significant factor influencing fruit consumption. Those grappling with chronic health conditions showcased heightened fruit consumption, possibly stemming from an amplified awareness of health concerns and reinforced by familial support.