Model development for promoting food consumption behaviors of monks: Monks’ perspectives

Abstract

Inappropriate food consumption behavior is one of the major factors with impact on health status of monks. This qualitative study aimed to examine the perceptions of monks concerning the factors affecting their food consumption behaviors and to develop a model for promoting healthy food consumption behaviors among monks. The key informants included 16 monks from two temples located in Bangkok-Noi District, Bangkok. Data were collected by using a demographic questionnaire and focus group interviews. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and content analysis.

The key informants had a mean age of 40.15 years (SD = 3.71) with high standard body mass index and chronic diseases (37.50%).  Among the informants who had chronic illnesses, hypertension (50.00%), hyperlipidemia (50.00%) and diabetes mellitus (33.33%) were the most frequently encountered. According to the data, the factors affecting food consumption behaviors among monks included correct and applicable knowledge regarding types and appropriate proportions of food servings, Vinaya (discipline) and types and quantities of food included in food offerings to monks.  The ‘M-O-N-K model’ is a model created for promoting healthy food consumption behaviors among monks.  The model emphasizes mindful eating (M), offering healthy food to monks (0), nutritional balance assessment and preservation (N), along with knowledge and media management (K) that would benefit and be appropriate for monks from monks’ perspectives.

 In order to promote healthy food consumption behaviors in monks, health care professionals should apply the M-O-N-K model as an informational base for improvement in health services, which requires cooperation from all stakeholders.