JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Protected areas are meant to preserve biodiversity and natural resources. Their ecosystem characteristics can affect local health literacy. Communities around protected areas often have restricted economic opportunities, leading to socioeconomic inequities. Economic constraints can limit access to healthcare, education, and health information, exacerbating health literacy.

Objective:

This study protocol examines the impact of the ecosystem on health literacy among rural communities in Protected Areas.

Methods:

This study comprises five phases. The first is using a systematic review to identify the issue of health literacy in the protected areas. Second, we will collect data from stakeholders in a protected area of Pahang National Park and analyze the results using NetMap analysis. Third, a survey will be conducted among the adult community in Pahang National Park related to health literacy, socioeconomic status, health expenditure, and quality of life. Fourth, from the result, we will determine some suitable intervention programs to improve health literacy through a focus group discussion. Lastly, the costing analysis will be conducted to analyze which intervention program is most cost-effective.

Results:

Recruitment commenced on October 1, 2022. We estimate the follow-up period to end on December 31, 2023.

Conclusions:

This is one of the first studies to explore health literacy among rural communities in protected areas and will provide the first insights into the overall level of health literacy, potential determinants, and a suitable intervention program with expected cost analysis. The result can be utilized to promote health literacy in other protected areas and populations.