EFFECT OF A HEALTH LITERACY PROGRAM USING THE “HINSAMWAN MODEL” ON HEALTH PROMOTING BEHAVIORS AMONG BUDDHIST MONKS

Authors

  • Wattajuk Charoenchai Health Behavior and Health Promotion Program, Faculty of Public Health Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
  • Natnapa Heebkaew Patchasuwan Health Behavior and Health Promotion Program, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
  • Pannee Banchonhattakit Faculty of Public Health, Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage, Pathum Thani 13180, Thailand

Keywords:

Health literacy, Health behaviors, Behavior modification, Self-efficacy, Buddhist monks

Abstract

Buddhist monks, as spiritual leaders, play significant roles in religion, society, and public health. Currently, monks are facing health challenges, particularly non-communicable diseases stemming from undesirable health behaviors. This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effects of a health literacy program designed to promote desirable health behaviors among Buddhist monks. The sample comprised 70 monks, divided into an experimental group (n=35) and a comparison group (n=35). The experimental group participated in the 12-week “HINSAMWAN Model” health literacy program. Data were collected using questionnaires and health assessments before and after the intervention, and analyzed using Paired t-test and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) with a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that after the intervention, the experimental group had significantly higher mean health literacy scores than the comparison group across all six dimensions: accessing information (X̅diff = 9.99), understanding (X̅diff = 4.61), interaction (X̅diff = 6.43), decision-making (X̅diff = 8.69), behavioral change (X̅diff = 8.46), and advocacy (X̅diff = 12.67). Furthermore, the monks' desirable health behaviors improved significantly (X̅diff = 3.00, 95% CI: 2.38 to 3.62). Health outcomes also showed significant improvements, with reductions in Body Mass Index (X̅diff = 1.11), waist circumference (X̅diff = 2.11), blood glucose levels (X̅diff = 9.03), and cardiovascular disease risk (X̅diff = 1.24). Therefore, compared to the comparison group, the program was effective in promoting health literacy and desirable health behaviors among Buddhist monks.

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Published

2025-11-15

How to Cite

เจริญชัย ว., หีบแก้ว ปัดชาสุวรรณ์ น., & บัญชรหัตถกิจ พ. (2025). EFFECT OF A HEALTH LITERACY PROGRAM USING THE “HINSAMWAN MODEL” ON HEALTH PROMOTING BEHAVIORS AMONG BUDDHIST MONKS. Primary Health Care Journal (Northeastern Edition), 40(3), e16575. Retrieved from https://thaidj.org/index.php/pjne/article/view/16575

Issue

Vol. 40 No. 3 (2025): Primary Health Care Journal (Northeastern Edition) Vol.40 No.3 (September - December)

Section

Original Article (นิพนธ์ต้นฉบับ)

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