Factors Affecting Diabetes Risk Among Rubber Plantation Farmers in Srisumran Subdistrict, Phon Charoen District, Buengkan Province.

Abstract

           This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate factors associated with diabetes risk among rubber farmers in Sri Sumran Subdistrict, Phon Charoen District, Bueng Kan Province. The sample consisted of 477 rubber farmers aged 35 years and older, selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire composed of four parts: general information, predisposing factors (personal health behaviors), enabling factors (access to health services), and reinforcing factors (family support and access to health information). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. The findings revealed that the predisposing factors—namely smoking (72.54%), use of chemical pesticides (55.30%), and alcohol consumption (49.30%)—were at high levels. Behaviors related to diet (78.40%), exercise (62.90%), and sleep (53.70%) were at moderate levels, while stress levels were mostly low (92.24%). Enabling factors related to access to health services were reported to be high (71.70%). Reinforcing factors, including family support (55.60%) and access to health information (59.10%), were also at high levels. Among all factors, smoking was significantly associated with diabetes risk ( p =0.048 ).            Therefore, it is recommended to promote the establishment of proactive smoking cessation counseling clinics with a follow-up system, along with public education campaigns on the dangers of smoking. Health behaviors should also be promoted through integrated collaboration with relevant stakeholders and community networks.