Health Promotion Behaviors among Elderly Hajj Pilgrims Living in Central Thailand
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background: Background and Objectives: Older Thai Muslims preparing for the Hajj Pilgrimage face specific health risks from age-related chronic illnesses and the physical demands of the pilgrimage. This study aimed to assess health care behaviors, including dietary habits, exercise, medication adherence, and stress management, among older Thai Hajj pilgrims in Central Thailand
Design: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
Methods: The study was conducted among 149 older Thai Hajj pilgrims aged 60–79 years from four provinces in Central Thailand, using finite population and proportionate sampling. Data were collected via a validated questionnaire based on the Walker et al. model. The questionnaire’s reliability was verified (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.91). Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.
Results: Overall health care behaviors were at a moderate level (mean = 63.12, SD = 5.54). Stress management had the highest score (mean = 15.12, SD = 2.32), followed by dietary behavior (mean = 24.06, SD = 3.16), medication adherence (Mean = 7.95, SD = 1.09), and exercise behavior was the lowest (Mean = 15.97, SD = 3.08).
Conclusions: While stress management behaviors were satisfactory, exercise behaviors among older Thai Hajj pilgrims were low. Health promotion strategies should focus on enhancing physical activity and providing culturally appropriate pre-Hajj health education to improve readiness and well-being in this group.
Keywords: Hajj, older Thai pilgrims, health care behaviors, stress management, exercise
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