An intervention to promote health literacy in Bangkok schools: Preventing the risks of legalized cannabis on vulnerable youth

Abstract

Following the legalization of cannabis in Thailand, there has been a rise in usage, especially among adolescents, due to inadequate health literacy and a perceived low risk, highlighting the need for school-based health education programs to reduce harm. These initiatives can alleviate cannabis abuse and promote responsible decision-making, benefiting both individuals and society. This study administered pre- and post-assessments to two groups. Study participants were categorized into experimental and control groups. Health literacy was provided to the experimental group to deter cannabis intake. The control group was provided with informational brochures regarding cannabis. This study focused on lower secondary pupils from ten demonstration schools in Bangkok. The researchers selected schools and then utilized multi-stage sampling to randomly select 7th, 8th, and 9th grades. The G*Power software determined a sample size of 76 individuals (38 in each group) using effect size estimations, a 95% confidence level, and 0.8 testing power, while factoring in a 10% dropout rate. Demographics, health literacy, cannabis knowledge, communication, self-management, media literacy, and decision-making were assessed by questionnaires. The control group received cannabis leaflets, whereas the experimental group attended an intervention program. The results demonstrated that in all health literacy categories related to cannabis prevention, the experimental group showed improvements in communication, self-management, media literacy, decision-making, and information accessibility. The control group showed negligible improvement in these domains. Notwithstanding the legalization of cannabis in 2022, Thai students remain inadequately informed about the substance. The findings demonstrate that health education programs improve health literacy and prevent cannabis use.