PREDICTORS OF FOOD CONSUMPTION BEHAVIORS AMONG PATIENTS WITH NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN INDIGENOUS AND ETHNIC COMMUNITIES, PHAYAO PROVINCE

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the predictors of food consumption behaviors among patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in indigenous and ethnic communities in Phayao Province. The sample consisted of 384 patients with NCDs from indigenous and ethnic communities in Phayao Province. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression analysis. The results revealed that ethnic groups had a higher proportion of inappropriate food consumption behaviors than indigenous communities (69.50% and 46.09%, respectively). The predictors of inappropriate food consumption behaviors among patients with NCDs in indigenous and ethnic communities included being female (AOR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.31–3.40, p = 0.002), being older than 60 years (AOR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.35–0.92, p = 0.021) belonging to an ethnic community (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI = 1.42–3.60, p = 0.001) having a positive attitude toward food consumption (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.23–0.59, p < 0.001) and receiving adequate enabling factors (AOR = 0.31; 95% CI = 0.11–0.89, p = 0.030). These five variables jointly explained 18.6% of food consumption behaviors and demonstrated a predictive accuracy of 54.7%. Therefore, healthcare service providers should develop culturally appropriate nutrition promotion programs for ethnic communities, focusing on improving attitudes, strengthening supportive factors from families and communities, and considering cultural and environmental influences to enhance the effectiveness of food consumption behavior modification.