EFFECTS OF THE HEALTH BELIEF MODEL APPLICATION PROGRAM TO ENCOURANGE CONSUMPTION BEHAVIOR OF ORGANIC VEGETABLES AND FRUITS AMONG FAMILY HEALTH LEADERS IN KHAO SUAN KWANG DISTRICT, KHON KAEN PROVINCE
Keywords:
Family health leaders, Health belief model, Social support, Health behavior, Consumption of pesticide-free vegetables and fruitsAbstract
Exposure to pesticides from consuming vegetables and fruits with pesticide residues has long-term health impacts. This quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effects of a program applying the Health Belief Model to promote the consumption behavior of pesticide-free vegetables and fruits. The sample consisted of 72 family health leaders, divided into an experimental group of 36 participants who attended a 12-week program, and a Comparison group of 36 participants who continued their normal daily routines. Data were collected using questionnaires and blood cholinesterase enzyme level tests. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including the paired t-test, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), and the McNemar’s test. The results revealed that after the experiment, the experimental group showed significantly higher mean scores across all HBM perceptions and safe consumption behaviors compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Controlling for pre-test scores, the experimental group exhibited significantly higher scores in perceived severity, benefits, and consumption behaviors than the Comparison group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the proportion of experimental participants with safe cholinesterase levels increased from 16.67% to 88.89%. In conclusion, the HBM-based program effectively modifies safe consumption behaviors and reduces pesticide exposure risks. Public health agencies should expand this model to other communities.
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