Factors Affecting Aerobic Dance Exercise among Village Health Volunteers, Muang Phichit, Phichit Province

Abstract

The current population of Thailand exercises very little when compared with populations in other countries. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine factors affecting aerobic dance exercise among village health volunteers in Muang Phichit, Phichit Province. The concept PRECEDE - PROCEED Model in Phase 4 of the Greenand Kreuter. was applied. A total of 360 village health volunteers were recruited using stratified random sampling method based on population proportion. They were interviewed using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis. The results showed that most participants were female (75.8%), did and did not exercise with aerobic dance (41.4 and 58.6%, respectively). They exhibited very high levels of knowledge, attitude and health perception concerning aerobic dance exercise (85.8, 88.6 and 50.0%, respectively). They were supported for exercising with aerobic dance about location, material, information and policy at 71.1%. Further, they were supported by family members, community members and public health officers at 55.3%. Moreover, the factors affecting aerobic dance exercise included knowledge about aerobic dance exercise (adjusted OR 1.192) and family support (adjusted OR 1.181) with 95% significance, and Pvalue 0.049 and 0.028, respectively. Exercise groups or clubs should be set up in communities by relevant agencies. Also, village health volunteers should be encouraged to improve their knowledge regarding exercising properly using prescribed activities and to serve as role models for villagers. Additionally, family members should provide support. This constitutes a basic factor contributing to the forging of good relationship, by encouraging, providing time, or joining in the exercise.