การบริโภคอาหารของสามเณรในโรงเรียนพระปริยัติธรรม อำเภอม่วงสามสิบ จังหวัดอุบลราชธานี

Penmat  Sukhonthachit; Yanitha  Paengprakhon; Chaiyakrit  Yokphonchanachai; Wilawun  Chada; Jaruporn  Duangsri; Nopparat  Songserm

Authors

Penmat Sukhonthachit Lecturer, Faculty of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University
Yanitha Paengprakhon Assistant Professor, Faculty of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University
Chaiyakrit Yokphonchanachai Assistant Professor, Faculty of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University
Wilawun Chada Assistant Professor, Faculty of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University
Jaruporn Duangsri Assistant Professor, Faculty of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University
Nopparat Songserm Associate Professor, Faculty of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University

Keywords:

Dietary behaviors, Nutritional status, Adolescent nutrition, Phrapariyattidhamma school, Buddhist novices

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to describe the dietary intake behaviors of Buddhist novices and to compare their energy and nutrient intake with nutritional status and Thai Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). A total of 114 novices from a Phrapariyattidhamma school in Muang Sam Sip District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, were selected through simple random sampling. Research instruments
included a general information questionnaire, a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and a 24-hour dietary recall interview. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Kruskal-Wallis H test.
The results revealed that novices primarily consumed rice-based foods, with median frequencies of sticky rice and steamed rice consumption of three and four days per week, respectively. Frequent consumption of bread was observed (median five days per week), along with regular intake of fried foods and sweetened beverages (median 4-5 days per week). Comparison of energy and nutrient intake across nutritional statuses showed statistically significant differences between the underweight, normal, and overweight/obese groups (p-value < 0.001). The underweight group received calcium and iron significantly below the criteria (398.71 mg/day and 5.85 mg/day, respectively). Meanwhile, the overweight group had the highest energy intake (median 2,745.83 kcal/day), fat (120.60 g/day), and sugar (166.68 g/day). The average sodium intake was 6,503.29 mg/day and cholesterol was 734.63 mg/day, both exceeding Thai reference standards. These findings indicate imbalanced dietary patterns
among Buddhist novices, characterized by insufficient intake of essential nutrients among those with undernutrition and excessive intake of energy-dense foods among those with overnutrition. The study highlights the importance of culturally tailored, targeted nutritional promotion strategies to promote healthy eating behaviors and long-term well-being among this monastic population.

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