Predictive Factors for Obesity Preventive Behaviors Among Risk Working-Age in Metropolitan Area

Abstract

This predictive correlational descriptive research aimed to examine the relationships among predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors, as well as to identify predictors of obesity prevention behaviors among at-risk working-age individuals in Bangkok. The study was based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model. The sample consisted of 323 working-age individuals in Bangkok, aged 20–30 years, with a body mass index (BMI) between 23 and 24.9 kg/m². Participants were selected through stratified random sampling and completed self-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, relative risk, and binary logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. The study found that the factors positively associated with obesity prevention behaviors (p-value < .05) included gender, age, monthly net income, nature of work, perceived barriers to obesity prevention, food purchasing costs, and appraisal support. Predictive factors for obesity prevention behaviors among at-risk working-age individuals in metropolitan area were identified as being female, having a desk-based nature of work, having a high level of perceived barriers to obesity prevention, having low food expenditure, and low levels of appraisal support. These factors collectively accounted for 24.7% of the variance in obesity prevention behaviors (R² = .247). This study offers recommendations for supporting policy development and provides foundational data to relevant agencies. It also informs the organization of targeted activities among at-risk working-age individuals in metropolitan areas to effectively prevent obesity in ways that are contextually appropriate and aligned with their actual needs. The findings provide valuable insights into policy and program development tailored to at-risk working populations in Metropolitan.