- Causal Model of Herb Use Behavior Among Working-age Adults in Thailand
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Pitchada Prasittichok, Patcharee Duangchan, Sattawat Prapasiri, Ungsinun Intarakamhang
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J Prev Med Public Health. 2024;57(4):399-406. Published online June 21, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.554
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 Abstract
Summary
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- Objectives
This study developed a causal relationship model of herb use from observational data and analyzed the direct and indirect effects of herb use on health according to the model.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 400 participants aged 26-59 years, selected through multistage random sampling. The instruments used for data collection included demographic information, herb use, health literacy (HL), perceived social support, societal values, and attitudes toward herb use. The conceptual model, hypothesized based on prior evidence, was tested using confirmatory factor analysis through structural equation modeling. Path coefficients were estimated using the maximum likelihood method.
Results
The final model utilized empirical data, which showed that perceived social support had the most significant impact on herb use. This was followed by HL, positive attitudes toward herbal remedies, and societal values, with coefficients of 0.31, 0.18, and 0.16, respectively. When analyzing variables that indirectly affected herb use, it was clear that positive attitudes, perceived social support, and societal values significantly influenced herb use through HL, with influence coefficients of 0.08, 0.16, and 0.04, respectively. Together, these variables accounted for 68% of the variance in herb use.
Conclusions
The findings from this study can be utilized to develop and implement strategies that guide the use of herbal products, ultimately aiming to improve human health.
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Summary
Key Message
A causal relationship model of herb use was created from observational data in this research, and the direct and indirect impacts of herb use on health were examined based on the model. The most vital factor influencing the use of herbal remedies is the level of social support perceived by an individual. Significant roles are also played by health literacy, positive attitudes toward herbal remedies, and societal values. Positive outlooks, community backing, and cultural principles indirectly influence the utilization of herbal remedies through health literacy. The research results can help develop approaches to encourage the correct usage of herbal items, ultimately improving public health.
- Multi-group Causal Model of Mental Health Literacy and Helping Behavior Toward People at Risk of Depression Among Thai and Vietnamese Health Science Students
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Anchalee Jansem, Ungsinun Intarakamhang, Charin Suwanwong, Krittipat Chuenphitthayavut, Sudarat Tuntivivat, Khuong Le, Le Thi Mai Lien, Pitchada Prasittichok
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Received August 15, 2024 Accepted December 13, 2024 Published online January 13, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.24.449
[Accepted]
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Abstract
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- Objectives
Depression affects 23.3% of Thai and 15.2% of Vietnamese health science students, rates that exceed the global average of 4.4%. This study compared the causal models of mental health literacy and helping behavior toward individuals at risk of depression between these 2 groups.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to October 2023 and included 422 students from Thailand and Vietnam, who were studying medicine, nursing, psychology, and physical therapy. Stratified random sampling was used to select 211 students from each country. Data collection was performed using a Likert scale, which showed total-item correlations ranging from 0.24 to 0.83 and Cronbach’s alpha values between 0.74 and 0.86. The data were analyzed using a structural equation model.
Results
The causal models were consistent with the empirical data. The helping behavior of students toward peers at risk of depression was significantly influenced by their mental health literacy (effect size [ES]=0.91). This influence was also mediated indirectly by self-efficacy (ES=0.18), positive attitudes (ES=0.29), and social support (ES=0.77). Collectively, these factors accounted for 83% of the variance in helping behavior. Social support had a more pronounced effect on mental health literacy among Vietnamese students than among their Thai counterparts (ES=0.46 vs. 0.27, p<0.05). Conversely, positive attitudes had a stronger influence among Thai students than among Vietnamese students (ES=0.17 vs. 0.01, p<0.05).
Conclusions
The causal models of helping behavior among Thai and Vietnamese health science students exhibited no significant differences. However, improving mental health literacy is crucial, as it significantly impacts helping behavior.
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