Health Survey of Monks Residing in Urban Areas: The Bangkok Noi Model

Wasumadee Ko-amornsup; Arunotai Siriussawakul; Kanuch                Aosangdeeku; Rinrada  Preedachitkul; Varalak  Srinonprasert; Pawit  Somnuke; Weerasak  Muangpaisan; Ponnapa Petchthai; Naris Kitnarong

doi:10.33192/smj.v76i11.269296

Authors

Wasumadee Ko-amornsup Siriraj Health Policy Unit, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Arunotai Siriussawakul Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Kanuch Aosangdeeku Siriraj Health Policy Unit, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Rinrada Preedachitkul Siriraj Health Policy Unit, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Varalak Srinonprasert Siriraj Health Policy Unit, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Pawit Somnuke Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Weerasak Muangpaisan Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Ponnapa Petchthai Siriraj Health Policy Unit, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Naris Kitnarong Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33192/smj.v76i11.269296

Keywords:

Buddhist monks, Health survey, Noncommunicable diseases, Thailand, Urban

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of obesity and identify associated health problems and behaviors among monks residing in Bangkok Noi and its adjacent districts.

Materials and Methods: Employing a cross-sectional design, this research incorporated self-report questionnaires and specialized health checkup programs at a university hospital. Eligible participants were monks aged 20 years or older, living permanently in temples within the Bangkok Noi District and its adjacent districts. Monks in shortterm ordination were excluded. Data collection occurred between February 2022 and July 2023.

Results: Out of 560 monks who participated by completing both the questionnaires and health examinations, the average age was 46.49±16.97 years. Most participants resided in the Taling Chan (35.4%) and Bangkok Noi (31.8%) districts. Significant health issues included non-communicable diseases, with dyslipidemia affecting 57.8% and obesity 44.2% of the cohort. Monks over the age of 50 exhibited a remarkably higher rate of multimorbidity (50.2%) than their younger counterparts (24.2%, p < 0.001, 95% CI 20.71–27.97). Dietary habits revealed that younger monks were more prone to consuming fried, sweet and instant foods (74.5%, p < 0.001, 95% CI 70.67–78.07). Moreover, a significant proportion of younger monks demonstrated proficient e-health literacy (74.2%, p < 0.001, 95% CI 70.37–77.78).

Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of obesity among monks in urban settings. There is a pressing need for tailored preventive interventions that integrate health promotion and lifestyle modifications through Dhamma and Vinaya teachings. The interventions should address the distinct needs of different age groups.

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