Contest of Society and food habit in village of Botulism, Phayoa Province

Abstract

               The research’s main objective is to study social context, community overview, way of living and consumption behavior of the inhabitants who live in Moo Ban Salang, Baan Srihaikam, Tambon Chiang Rang, Ging Amphur Phoo Zang, Phayao. The focus group of this study is a group of those people who consumed BARKING DEER and experienced an contagious disease called “Botulism”. This quantitative research conducted during 4th -5th July 2006 by means of group interview comprised of 12 interviewees per group for a total of 100 samples. Sample groups ranged from age 15 years old and up. The results of the study are derived from observation and in-depth analysis through both quantitative and qualitative methods, and represented in percentage form. The geographic study found that the villages are located in a plains and mountain area. The residents are originally Lanna natives. The settlement, which usually stays in the intimate residential area, plays an vital role in consumption behavior. Their social condition, religion, beliefs, culture and traditions are not different from those of typical northern local people. Source of food is generally from fresh markets in the villages and sometimes from self harvest and hunting. Consumption behavior is basic and not too detailed. The main ingredient is traditional vegetables; used for boiling and making soup. Nam Poo, a sauce of shrimp paste, is used as an essential seasoning in every single house. A well-liked dish is “Laab” or raw minced meat which could be made from pork, buffalo meat or fish. Besides, raw meat food called “Sah” which is made from buffalo meat and fish, is another favorite dish as well.This quantitative study has found that barking deer meat can bring about Botulism. The Population is only aware that meat may be infected with parasites. But they do not know about Botulism. 85% of the residences have consumed raw food, especially Laab and Sah. The major factor that influences this eating behavior is parental behavior (39%). The frequency rate of eating raw food is once per month. Their favorite meat is pork, beef and fish which account for 51.0, 43.0 and 6.0% respectively. Other kind of meat from wild animals are rarely cooked and eaten. The attitude of people to eating raw food has hardly changed over time because they believe that it is one of their traditions which continues from generation to generation. To change their eating behavior might take time and will require need intense support from official agents by active and effective communication. Social rules and regulations to penalize those who consume raw food is difficult in enact. Besides, the procedure to control Botulism must proceed horizontally throughout districts and provinces. In other words, laws seem to be the most effective regime to successfully change inappropriate eating behavior as well as to control digestive communicable diseases.The results of this study represent social fundamentals and suggestions gathered from community chiefs which are beneficial to the government’s future plan to effectively control infectious diseases in rural areas. Furthermore, they can be adapted to academically Improve culture and society in the future.