Factors Associated with Self-Care Behaviors in the Preventive of Non-Communicable Diseases Among Security Guards at a University in Northern Thailand

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and self-care behaviors regarding the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among security guards and to identify factors associated with these self-care behaviors at a university in Northern Thailand. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from 120 security guards aged 15–59, selected through simple random sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Chi-square tests and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were applied to examine associations and correlations. The findings revealed that most security guards had a moderate level of knowledge about NCD prevention (45.8%). Similarly, attitudes toward NCD prevention were predominantly moderate (63.3%), and the majority demonstrated moderate self-care behaviors in NCD prevention (71.7%). Factors such as gender (𝑥² = 5.410, df = 1, p = 0.020), marital status (𝑥² = 4.628, df = 1, p = 0.031), smoking (𝑥² = 5.122, df = 1, p = 0.024), alcohol consumption (𝑥² = 7.051, df = 1, p = 0.008), and energy drink consumption (𝑥² = 5.094, df = 1, p = 0.024) were significantly associated with self-care behaviors in NCD prevention. Furthermore, knowledge and attitude scores were positively correlated with self-care behavior scores, with statistical significance (r_s = 0.559, p < 0.001; r_s = 0.403, p < 0.001, respectively).

These findings suggest training programs should be introduced to improve knowledge and awareness of NCD prevention measures. These programs should focus on dietary control and reducing risk factors, such as smoking cessation, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding energy drinks. Regular annual health check-ups should also be encouraged to support effective NCD prevention.