Factors Influencing Lifestyle Medicine Health Behaviors among the Working-Age Population in Don Sai Sub-district, Pak Tho District, Ratchaburi Province

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to assess levels of knowledge, perception, and health behaviors based on lifestyle medicine concepts among participants; and analyze relationships between personal factors, enabling factors, and health behaviors, as well as to identify predictors of health behaviors and explore in-depth experiences and perspectives of relevant stakeholders. Quantitative data were collected from 200 participants using questionnaires on knowledge, perception, and health behaviors based on lifestyle medicine concepts. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and content analysis. Results showed that participants had moderate levels of knowledge and perception regarding health behaviors (51% and 56%, respectively), but overall health behaviors were at a low level (66.5%). Marital status and knowledge showed significant negative correlations with health behaviors (p<0.05). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that perception of health behaviors was the only predictor remaining in the final equation, explaining 25% of the variance in health behaviors (R²=0.250). Qualitative findings indicated that heavy workload, time constraints, and lack of knowledge and skills for behavior modification were major barriers to good health behaviors among working-age community members. Recommendations from this study include integrating collaboration among community hospitals, local authorities, and workplaces to provide health promotion services appropriate to each occupational group context; developing participatory health behavior change programs emphasizing skill development, motivation building, and continuous follow-up care; enhancing capacity of community health leaders to become change agents; and promoting public policies to reduce health inequities and create environments conducive to good health behaviors.