Strengthening the Network to Reduce Risk Factors for Alcohol and Cigarettes According to Buddhism in Nakhon Sawan Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to strengthen the network to reduce the risk factors for alcohol and cigarettes; and 2) to develop the activities to reduce the risk factors for alcohol and cigarettes according to Buddhism in Nakhon Sawan Province. The study was participative action research consisting of: step 1 was to study and analyze the needs of the target area; step 2 was to drive activities and the third step was to observe, monitor and evaluate the activities driving In the area of Nong Kraduk Nuea - Don Yao community, Nong Nom Wua Sub-district, Lat Yao District, Nakhon Sawan Province and Buengboraphet Wittaya School, Phra Non Sub-district, Mueang District, Nakhon Sawan Province. Descriptive content analysis was used. The results showed that 1) Strengthening the network to reduce the risk factors for alcohol and cigarettes according to Buddhism in Nakhon Sawan Province consisted of driving activities, a total of 4 activities with a total of 63 network partners. As a result, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed and there was a concrete strengthening and building of networks at the provincial and local level. 2) Activities to reduce risk factors for alcohol and cigarettes according to Buddhism in Nakhon Sawan Province consisted of driving activities, a total of 13 activities, in 3 groups as follows: 2.1) In the aspect of developing model villages/communities (Ban Nong Kraduk Nuea - Don Yao), the result was the participation in the project of 360 households, representing 100%. The project results were expanded to nearby communities of 40 households and developed into a virtuous community being free from alcohol, cigarettes, and reducing and quitting alcohol and cigarettes; 2.2) in implementing the activities of the 5 precepts school at Bueng Boraphet Wittaya School, it found that in participating the project, there were 59 youth leaders, accounted for 100 percent, to campaign for risk factor reduction (alcohol, cigarettes) with additional budget support from network partners in fiscal year 2022; and 2.3) for prevention of new smokers in the novice group of Rattanapanyawitchalai School, Wat Nong Kraduk Nuea, it found that all the novices who participated the project had knowledge, a technique of rejection and creating good friendships with each other.