Healthy Eating Behaviors of Thai Muslims During Ramadan Fasting Month Phang-Nga Province*

Abstract

This survey research was aimed to assess factors related to eating behaviors of Thai Muslims
during the Ramadan fasting month in Phang-Nga Province. The PRECEDE Framework was applied for
developing the research conceptual framework. The study samples were 151 Thai Muslims aged 21-60
years. The data were collected by using an interview schedule and data analysis was done by
computing frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, Chi-square, and Pearson’s
Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient.
The results showed that 31.1 percent of Thai had a ‘good’ level of eating behavior during the
Ramadan fasting month, while 53.6 and 15.2 percent had a ‘moderate’ and ‘not good’ level of eating
behavior, respectively significant relationships were found between eating behaviors and the
demographic characteristics as regards sex and status in the family (p<0.001). The perceived value of
Ramadan fasting to health was found to have a significantly positive relationship with eating behaviors
(r=0.184,p=0.040). Recommendations are that household leaders should be encouraged to implement
health promotion regard to healthy eating behaviors in household level. Health education programs
should be administered that focus on the perceived value of Ramadan fasting to health aiming to
change eating behaviors.