Predictive Factors of Community Health Impacts from Tourism in Banluang Sub District Municpality, ChomThong District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This mixed-methods study aimed to 1) investigate community health impact from tourism and 2) synthesise recommendations for reducing and preventing community health impacts based on participatory approaches. The sample consisted of 300 households and 40 key informants  in  Banluang Sub District Municipality, ChomThong District, Chiang Mai Province. Data collected by questionnaires and focus groups were executed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, simple linear regression analysis  and content analysis. The findings revealed that community health impact from tourism was at a moderate level (mean = 3.43) .Factors such as length of residence in the community (Beta =.-148  p ≤ 0.001),  social attitudes toward  tourism  (Beta =.482  p ≤ 0.000)  and  economic attitudes toward tourism (Beta = .190  p = 0.000) were statistically significant predictors of community health impacts. Recommendations included reducing and preventing community health impacts through the participation in tourism management, planning to reduce accidents, and waste management.