THE FACTORS PREDICTING CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE PREVENTIVE BEHAVIORS AMONG MONKS IN SISAKET PROVINCE IN THAILAND

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were to examine the factors influencing cardiovascular disease preventive behaviors among monks in Sisaket province in Thailand. The PRECEDE framework was applied as conceptual framework of this study. A total of 224 monks were recruited using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using 8 questionnaires; 1) a demographic data form, 2) knowledge about cardiovascular disease, 3) perceived benefits,             4) perceived barriers, 5) perceived self-efficacy, 6) social support, 7) adequacy of resources, and 8) cardiovascular disease preventive behavior questionnaires. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the questionnaires were .82. Data were analyzed using mean, percent, standard deviation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that the cardiovascular disease prevention behaviors of monks in Sisaket province were at a moderate level ( = 36.02, S.D. = 5.427). Three factors were significant predictors of cardiovascular disease preventive behaviors. They were perceived self-efficacy (β = .490), the temple has annually checkup program provided by a health care department (β = .176) and social support from relatives (β = .128). All of them could explain 28.2 % of the variance in cardiovascular disease preventive behavior among monks in Sisaket province in Thailand. The study recommends that the cardiovascular disease prevention behaviors of monk should be promoted, especially regarding perceived self-efficacy, annually checkup service as well as social support from relatives.