Factors Associated with Smoking Behavior among Buddhist Monks in Lampang Province

Abstract

This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors associated with smoking behavior among Buddhist monks who had been ordained for at least 1 year in Lampang province. Data were collected using questionnaires from 328 monks and analyzed by descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The results revealed that the average age of respondents was 48.4 years, with the average ordination duration was 18.6 years. Of the respondents, 21.3% had completed primary education, while the majority had completed higher monastic education and were serving as resident monks. The prevalence of smoking was 44.8% (147 monks), with 14.3% of monks exhibiting high nicotine dependence. Factors significantly associated with smoking behavior included ordination duration of 20-30 years (AOR = 4.86, 95% CI = 1.56-15.10), lower educational attainment, particularly lower secondary education (AOR = 26.50, 95% CI = 3.62-193.73), moderate attitude towards smoking (AOR = 6.02, 95% CI = 2.92-12.38),

moderate awareness of the National Health Charter for Monks (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI = 1.32-8.99), and moderate external support (AOR = 7.36, 95% CI = 2.74-19.75). However, protective factors against smoking included holding a clerical position at the sub-district level or higher (AOR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01-0.76) and moderate awareness of tobacco control laws (AOR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.05-0.36). Therefore, collaboration among public health agencies, the monastic community, and local organizations is essential to promote smoking reduction through education about smoking hazards and attitude modification. Additionally, health promotion and smoking prevention measures should be developed to suit the specific context of Buddhist monks.