The Relationship between Food consumption behavior and Nutritional status among Buddhist Monks, Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

Monks are considered important people in the transmission of Buddhism. But it was still found that the monks had problems health. One of the important reasons is from eating food and having risk behaviors. If Monks are not corrected, they will become a new patient. The aim of this research to investigate food consumption behavior, nutritional status and the relationship between the eating behaviors and nutritional status of these monks. Conduct cross-sectional study were collected using          a questionnaire on food consumption behavior of monks in Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province.                  Data were collected using an online questionnaire regarding the monks' food consumption behaviors. Selected through non-probability and convenience sampling methods, totaling 310 individuals.                   The data general data, food consumption behavior and nutritional status were analyzed descriptively, with Chi-square tests, Fisher's Exact Test and Pearson correlation coefficients.

The results of the study found that the monks' average eating behavior was at a moderate level, with a mean score of 3.43. Regarding nutritional status, the majority were found to have Malnutrition status, with 200 individuals or 64.51%, and Normal nutrition status accounted for 110 individuals or 35.49 %. The analysis of the relationship between general data and eating behaviors, showed that the number of years ordained, secular education level, and Dhamma education level (Pali section) were significantly related to food consumption behavior (p<0.05). The analysis of the relationship between general information and nutritional status found are not significantly related to nutritional status. And, food consumption behavior are not significantly related to nutritional status of monks in Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province.