Health literacy and health-promoting behaviors in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases among people in Samut Songkhram province

This study aimed to assess (1) the level of health literacy for preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adults in Samut Songkhram Province, (2) their health-promoting behaviors for NCD prevention, and (3) the relationship between personal factors, health literacy, and health-promoting behaviors. A total of 400 participants aged 20–59 years were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire consisting of demographic information, health literacy measured by the HLS-EU-16, and health-promoting behaviors assessed by the HPLP-II. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were performed. The findings showed that participants had good health literacy (mean = 3.13, SD = 0.45) and moderate-to-good health-promoting behaviors (mean = 2.60, SD = 0.50). A moderate positive correlation was observed between health literacy and health-promoting behaviors (r = 0.504, p < 0.001). Higher education and income were significantly associated with better health literacy and behaviors (p < 0.05), while employment status and self-rated health compared to the previous year were negatively associated with health-promoting behaviors. These results highlight the importance of improving health literacy to support sustainable health behaviors and reduce the risk of NCDs. Interventions such as workplace wellness programs, digital health tools, and school-based education, along with efforts to reduce socioeconomic disparities, are recommended to promote equitable health outcomes.