ผลการพัฒนาความรู้และพฤติกรรมการบริโภคผลิตภัณฑ์สุขภาพของผู้บริโภคในอำเภอชายแดน จังหวัดอุบลราชธานี

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the consumer behavior regarding health product consumption and assess knowledge and behavior changes related to health product consumption among consumers in Border Areas Districts, Ubon Ratchathani Province. A quasi-experimental research design was employed, involving the examination of behavior and assessment of knowledge concerning health product consumption among a target group of 326 participants from July to September 2022. The study process included: 1) training to enhance the capacity of the consumer protection network for health products in the Border Areas Districts, Ubon Ratchathani Province 2) pre-and post-training knowledge assessments 3) on-site visits to assess knowledge and safe behavior related to health product consumption (food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics) among consumers. The questionnaire divided into three parts; 1.Characteristic of respondents 2. Knowledge assessment regarding safe consumption of food, pharmaceutical products, and cosmetics, and 3. Behavior related to safe consumption of food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Data were collected through quantitative and qualitative research methods, including interviews with business owners, shops, and target groups in the Chaidan District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. Statistical analysis included frequency, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The McNemar test was used to compare knowledge levels, and a paired t-test was used to compare behavior scores.

          The study found that in Ubon Ratchathani Province, knowledge about the consumption of health products (food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics) significantly increased after training, with an average score of 14.48 +1.36 compared to the pre-training score of 11.32 +2.36 (out of a maximum score of 15) (P<0.001). Behavior related to health product consumption also significantly improved after training, with an average score of 53.89 +7.00 compared to the pre-training score of 47.29 +8.23 (out of a maximum score of 60) (P<0.001). Interviews with shop owners revealed that training programs, knowledge dissemination through various channels, community exploration and assessment of health product consumption behavior, and the development of monitoring and warning systems in communities could help shops and retailers select appropriate food products for sale, avoid prohibited cosmetics, and refrain from selling prohibited pharmaceuticals. Training, community exploration, and assessment of health product consumption behavior can enhance knowledge and consumer behavior related to health product consumption among consumers in Chaidan District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. Moreover, they can address issues directly, and with improved knowledge and understanding, shop owners are more likely to cooperate in practicing correct behaviors.