Community Empowerment to Prevent Non-Communicable Diseases among Thai Buddhist Monks

Abstract

Buddhist monks have been experiencing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. These diseases found to be caused by Buddhist monks’ behaviours where they have inappropriate foods offered and less of physical activities. To improve their health, it significantly requires community awareness.  A concept of Community Empowerment aids to delivery this concern.  To apply the concept, the process of community empowerment are; 1) People development - to contribute a community awareness which aims to prevent NCDs among Buddhist monks 2) Mutual support and cooperate by various groups within the community 3) Identifying problems according to the needs of communities or community organizations 4) Participation of community organizations, and 5) create a community policy or practice guideline.  Additionally knowledge development, transforming attitudes and beliefs, and change their traditional practices are needed. Consequentially it will impact a better health so that they can continue to inherit Buddhism.