Health Literacy Situation of Monks in Thai Society
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Abstract
The situation of monks’ health literacy in Thai society requires awareness on the development of the body of knowledge related to health issues and the development of Sangha activity to promote physical activities that are correct according to the Dhamma-Vinaya. The research article consists of the following objectives: 1) to explore the situation of monks’ health literacy in Thai society; 2) to analyze factors related to the health management of monks in Thai society; and 3) to present a model for enhancing the health literacy in Thai Sangha. The study applied mixed-methods research where the mixed data were collected from a sample group consisting of 719 monks in the areas of 8 provinces. A questionnaire and an in-depth interview were used to collect data. The obtained data were analyzed by way of descriptive statistics and content analysis. From the study, the following results are found: 1) From studying the situation of monks’ health literacy in Thai society, it is found that more than 65% of a sample group are of overnutrition. When using a Thai Health Literacy Assessment Instrument: Nutrition label (THLA-N), it is found that only 21.2% of a sample group have sufficient health literacy 2) Factors related to the health management of monks in Thai society comprise personal factors, environmental factors, and factors on policy. 3) A model for enhancing the health literacy in of monks in Thai society requires the integration from the Sangha, schools, and public health organizations to develop joint activities.
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