Nutritional Status and Food Consumption of Buddhist Monk Health Volunteers, Health Region 5

Abstract

This study aimed to assess nutritional status and food consumption of Buddhist monk health volunteers (BHVs). A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 147 BHVs in December 2019. Body weight, height, and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Food consumption data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire and 2 days 24 hr dietary recall among 38 BHVs. Energy and nutrient intakes were calculated using the Thai NutriSurvey program. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and nonparametric statistics. The results showed that 38.8% of the participants were obese (BMI > 25 kg/m²) and 39.5% had WC > 90 cm. Polished rice was a staple food in 88.4 % of the participants. Top 3 animal protein food sources were lean meat, eggs, and fish (46.9%, 29.9%, and 27.2%). Vegetable and fruit intakes were 1-2 ladles/d and 1-2 portions/d, respectively which were lower than the recommendation by WHO (5 serving/d).  Median daily energy intake was 1456 (P25, P75: 1245, 1655) kcal (70.2% of Thai DRIs 2020).  Carbohydrate intake was 216.1 g/d. Protein intake was 51.5 g/d. Fat intake was 39.6 g/d. Distribution of energy intake from carbohydrate, protein, and fat was 59.4%, 14.1% and 24.5% of total energy intake, respectively.  Sugar intake was 40.8 g/d (11.2% of total energy intake). Energy and nutrient intake of normal participants were not different from those of overweight and obesity participants (BMI ≥ 23 kg/m²). Participants in urban areas received vitamin B2 intake more than participants in rural areas. (P < 0.01). This study provides primarily evidence on dietary intakes of Buddhist monk health volunteers and such data can be used for developing nutrition media and strengthening the efficiency of promoting healthy meal for the BHVs.