FACTORS INFLUENCING WEIGHT CONTROL AMONG FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN PETCHBURI PROVINCE

Abstract

Introduction:  Female high school students who have inappropriate weight control behaviors can cause physical, emotional, and social problems.

          Research objectives:  To evaluate the association and predictive factors of weight control behavioral of female high school students.

Research methodology: This study was a descriptive study that included 140 female senior high school students in Phetchaburi Province. The 114 questionnaires were used to collect data after a random multi-stage sampling. The association was tested using Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple stepwise regression.

Results: According to the findings of the study, the participant had a moderate weight control behavior (Mean 57.8, SD = 3.25). Reinforcing  factors included receiving social support in terms of emotions, material things, expenses, and Receive advice and information on diet control. and exercise from family, friends, teachers, public health personnel, and various media can predict body weight control behavior by 7.1 percent.

Conclusion: The reinforcing factor of receiving social support can predict weight control behavior.

Implications: The research results can be used as basic information for health promotion that emphasizes cooperation among students, families, schools, and communities to promote campaign activities to control excessive weight in senior high school students in various forms. Starting with policy that promotes the provision of correct knowledge and the problems of overweight and obesity in children and adolescent.  Media production control and media consumption that causes incorrect eating behavior in adolescent. Empowering students to design and organize nutrition assessment activities to promote, prevent, and solve their own nutritional health problems. Developing motivational skills for teachers, parents, and student groups to work together as social support to strengthen weight control behavior continuously and sustainably. Including the need for serious comprehensive monitoring and evaluation.