Authors : Nipon Manasathitpong, Somjit Supannatas, Saksit Tridech and Frank-Peter Schelp
Abstract: A pre-survey among the middle-aged adults in Ubon Ratchathani province conducted by the researcher indicated high prevalence of physical inactivity, dietary fat intake and cigarette smoking. These unhealthy behaviors are risk factors of cardiovascular diseases which are leading causes of mortality in the province. This action research aimed to develop a so-called Multi Activity Intervention (MAI) for changing those three unhealthy behaviors among middle-aged adults in rural communities and evaluate its effects and impacts. The MAI consisted of five major activities: participatory learning, home visit, individual counseling, group meeting and incentive giving. Two communities were purposively assigned as an intervention group (n = 198) and a comparison group (n = 200). Participants were middle-aged adults of 40-59 years. Data were collected by using interview questionnaires at baseline, 3 and 6 months after participatory learning. Statistical analyses employed descriptive statistics, χ2-test, independent samples t-test and paired t-test. The results revealed that the MAI relatively increased leisure time-related physical activity (p<0.05) decreased dietary fat intake (p<0.05), increased stage of change scores for physical activity and for dietary fat reduction (p<0.05). It inspired 6 out of 11 smokers quit. It had no impact on general health status, body mass index and waist circumference. However, it relatively reduced mean total cholesterol level (p<0.05) by 5.14% and mean fasting blood sugar level by 4.28%. The MAI is effective and could be applied to other age group for changing unhealthy behaviors.
Nipon Manasathitpong, Somjit Supannatas, Saksit Tridech and Frank-Peter Schelp, 2012. Effects of Multi Activity Intervention on Health Behaviors among Middle-Aged Adults in Rural Communities in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, 9: 161-166.