FACTORS EFFECT WITH HEAITH BEHAVIOR OF MONK IN TAKHLI DISTRICT, NAKHONSAWAN PROVINCE

Abstract

              The purpose of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to investigate factors affecting the health behavior of monks in Takhli District, Nakhon Sawan Province. A questionnaire was used as research instrument to collect data from the sample of 228 monks who have lived in Takhli District, Nakhon Sawan Province. The content validity of the questionnaire was tested by experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was tested using Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient at 0.918. Data were analyzed by using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation as well as multiple regression analysis to analyze the relationship.
              The sample’s health behavior was at the moderate level ( = 69.69, S.D. = 8.604). The results of Stepwise Multiple Regression Analysis indicated that perceived severity, perceived obstacle, perceived benefit, perceived risk opportunities of monks' health behaviors and monk’s obtained Dharma education could jointly predict health behaviors of monks by 40.2 %. The suggestions of this research included health programs or policies should be organized by health departments or agencies in relevant areas to promote knowledge and provide advice on the correct and appropriate adaptation of health behaviors in the monks' life.