Factors associated with desirable health behaviors among working-age population in Tak Province
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Enhancing health literacy and promoting desirable health behaviors among the population represents a sustainable public health strategy to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
OBJECTIVE: To examine health behaviors and factors associated with desirable health behaviors among the working-age population in Tak Province.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1,031 working-age individuals aged 15–59 years in
Tak Province, selected using a multistage random sampling technique. Data were collected using
a questionnaire between January and March 2024. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression.
RESULTS: Factors associated with desirable health behaviors among the working-age population in Tak Province were body mass index, waist circumference, smoking behavior, sexual activity, and health literacy. Together, these variables explained 16% of the variance in desirable health behaviors (Nagelkerke R² = 0.160), with an overall prediction accuracy rate of 70.1% (Percentage correct = 70.1%).
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The working-age population consisted of 440 individuals (42.7%) with moderate health literacy and 342 individuals (33.2%) who exhibited desirable health behaviors. Body mass index, waist circumference, smoking behavior, sexual activity, and health literacy were associated with desirable health behaviors among participants. Therefore, relevant agencies should utilize the study findings to develop health promotion programs for the working-age population, focusing on weight control, waist circumference reduction, smoking reduction, and enhancing health literacy to promote desirable health behaviors.
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