พฤติกรรมการดื่มและความเชื่อต่อประสิทธิภาพของยาดองเหล้าในกลุ่มผู้ดื่ม ผู้ขายดองเหล้า และประชาชนในชุมชนเมืองอำเภอหาดใหญ่ จังหวัดสงขลา

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Yadong is a product made by adding distilled spirits to herbs. The mixture is then left fora period of time so that the alcohol extracts the essence of the herbs. It is a practice that has longbeen a part of the Thai way of life. The objective of this research was to study the drinking behaviorof those who consume this traditional medicinal alcohol, and to conduct a comparison of beliefsin the effects of traditional medicinal alcohol upon physical and mental health from both a socialand family perspective. Finally, perceptions amongst both vendors and local consumers regardingthe economic impact of yadong upon them, as well as an examination of the different types of yadongthat are popular. Target groups in the study included ten yadong vendors, 102 yadong drinkers,and 112 cases from local residents. Data were collected through interviews and focus group discussionsin an urban area in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, from November 2009 until March 2010.The results showed that most vendors had previously been drinkers of yadong for an averageperiod of sixteen years. The drinkers had a mean drinking duration of nine years, and would consume127ml servings of yadong at a time. The main reason for drinking yadong was for a healthy libido.Most of the local residents did not drink alcohol. The family of most yadong drinkers and yadongvendors had a father figure who drank alcohol and yadong. Analysis of a comparison of beliefsconcerning the effects of yadong showed that the physical and mental health as well as the socioeconomicstatus of drinkers, vendors, and local residents were significantly different (p>0.05), while nodifference was found in term of alcohol uptake and religious principle. The most popular types ofyadong included Ma Kratuep Rongong (stromping horse), and Kam LungSaue Klong (power oftiger). This study shows that the consumption of yadong is based on the belief it is effective forthe purposes taken and is an alternative form of alcohol consumption.

Key words: Yadong vendor shop; Yadong; Traditional medicinal alcohol; Vender; Yadong vendorYadong drinkers; Drinking behaviors; Beliefs