Development of Symbols for Appropriate Almsgiving in the Monks with Chronic Non-communicable Diseases

Abstract

Objective: To develop symbols for appropriate almsgiving in the monks with chronic non-communicable diseases (SAAM-NCD) and study the opinions of people in Nong Chang District, Uthai Thani Province towards the symbol. Method: The study consisted of focus group discussion among stakeholders and survey research to study opinions on SAAM-NCD. Subjects were 436 people aged 15 years and over living in Nong Chang district, Uthai Thani. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires developed by the researcher. Results: Average age of subject was 49.39 ± 16.08 years old. 64.68% were female and 48.39% reported working in agriculture. Subjects agreed with the development of SAAM-NCD (average score = 4.03 ± 0.86 from the full score of 5). Symbol on health promotion for monks was the one with the highest proportion of subjects recognizing the importance of reducing sweet, salty and oily food for the monks (84.86%). The symbols motivated subjects to have more concern on health of monks and choose suitable foods for almsgivings (52.29% and 40.37%, respectively). Educational level, income, and occupation of the subjects were significantly related to the opinions on symbolic development (P <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Symbol on health promotion for monks is the symbol appropriate to guide people to choose appropriate food for almsgivings to promote health and control chronic non-communicable diseases in monks.