Factors Influencing Food Consumption Behaviors among the Working-Age Paka-Kyaw Ethnic Group in Mae Yuam Subdistrict, Mae Sariang District, Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand
Keywords:
Knowledge, Beliefs, Social Support, Food Consumption, Paka-KyawAbstract
The Paka-Kyaw ethnic group possesses a unique culture and traditions, with traditional dietary habits centered on natural ingredients and rotational farming rather than urban commercial consumption. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine food consumption behavior levels and to determine the factors influencing these behaviors among the working-age Paka-Kyaw ethnic group. A sample of 400 participants was selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires assessing knowledge, beliefs, social support, and food consumption behavior. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regression. The results revealed that most participants had a high level of beliefs regarding food consumption (54.75%) and a high level of appropriate food consumption behaviors (41.00%). Food consumption knowledge and social support were significant factors influencing food consumption behaviors (p < 0.001). Therefore, a proactive information support system should be established by enhancing the capacity of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) to act as primary communicators through bilingual media innovations. This approach could bridge the information gap and increase accessibility to food consumption knowledge in remote areas.
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