Health Risk Behaviors of People in Nakwichai Community Muang Maha Sarakham Municipality

Abstract

The objectives of this study were (i) to determine percentage of population with health risk behavior in Nakwichai Community, Muang Maha Sarakham Municipality; (ii) to compare health risk behavior in different gender, age group, marital status, educational level, and occupation; (iii) to determine relationship of alcohol drinking, smoking, and eating of uncooked food. The study was analytical research using data from database of Nakwichai population in year 2003. Total of 2,374 adults with age 15 and older were included in the study. Chi-square test and correlation coefficient were used in the analysis. One-fourth (25.4%) of the population consumed alcohol beverage, 16.5% ate uncooked food, and 14.2% smoked cigarette. Men were more likely to have all of three health risk behaviors than in women. Those who are in age between 30-39 years old were more likely to drink alcohol than other age groups. 40-49 year persons were more likely to smoke and eat uncooked food than other age groups. Married persons were more likely to drink alcohol and smoke than other groups, while the divorced person took more uncooked food than others. Uneducated persons smoke more cigarette than other groups. Agricultural persons were more likely to drink alcohol and smoke than other groups. Government officers eat more uncooked food than other groups. All of these health risk behaviors had positive relationship. In order to design an intervention, researchers should concern on the specific risk group and the intervention should mention related risk behaviors. In addition, a continuing survey to determine behavior changes is also recommended.