The Effect of Health Education Program on High School Mastering the Media Advertisement of Dietary Supplement Among Female Students in the Northeastern Thailand

Abstract

Background and Objectives :   The current focus on health has been increased.  Therefore, dietary and weight loss supplements has also been introduced into the current business throughout various public media and advertisement.  The study aims to determine the effect of the health education program containing a modified model of health belief model and media literacy, particularly dietary supplement advertisement among female Mathyom students.

Methods  :  It was a quasi-experimental, pre-posttest, controlled study.  There were 95 volunteers; a study group (46) and control group (49).  Study volunteers received health education program containing a modified health belief model, whereas, those in control group received a usual class tutoring.  Data collection was implemented a questionnaire paper containing knowledge and skills regarding obesity, media advertisement, and dietary supplement.

Results  :  A study group overall had a statistically significantly higher perceptions regarding health, basic knowledge of obesity, dietary supplement, media advertisement, and investigation skills regarding the advertisement and dietary supplement than a control group (p<0.05).  Similarly, when compared the results within a group, the result showed a statistically significant higher scores in knowledge and investigation skills regarding the advertisement and dietary supplement of a study group, compared to a control group.

Conclusion  :   A health education program can positively affect the perceptions regarding health, basic knowledge of obesity, dietary supplement, advertisement, and investigation skills regarding the advertisement and dietary supplement among female high school students.

 Key words    Health belief model, Media literacy, Advertisement, Dietary supplement