Health Status and Self-health care behavior of Buddhist Monks in Amphur Muang, Ranong

Abstract

          The objective of this descriptive research was to study health status and the self- health care behavior of Buddhist monks. Data was obtained from 67 buddhist monks aged over 35 years old who stayed in Amphur Muang, Ranong Province during 12^th February 2010 to 23^rd June 2010. The instruments for this study were questionnaires which assessed many aspects of personal, perception of health status and self — health care behavior. Laboratory test for blood components, urine analysis and chest X-ray were instruments in health status assessment of the subjects. Data analysis included frequency, percentage mean, standard deviation and Pearson's correlation. The level of significant was set at 0.01.

               The results showed that 55.9 percent of buddhist monks had a normal body mass index and 22.1 percent were overweight. 55.2 percent had normal blood pressure and 7.5 percent had high blood pressure. Lipid profile showed that 79.1 percent had hypercholesterolemia, 17.9 percent had excessive triglyceride and normal fasting blood sugar showed that 98.5 percent of buddhist monks had a normal chest x-ray. Buddhist monks were at the intermediate level on the aspect of health perception ( =0.63). The self —health care behavior was at the intermediate level ( =3.46 ). Perception of health status show positive relationships with the self—health care behavior (r = 0.492, p < 0.01).

               It was suggested that promoting self—health care behavior in Buddhist monks is important to get a good life quality. Furthermore, further study should be a quality research for model of promoting self—health care behavior in Buddhist monks.