Health Status and Life Style of People Living in Western Songkla Lake, Phatthalung Province, Thailand

Abstract

This survey research aimed to explore the lifestyles and health
status of people living in Western Songkla Lake. The participants included
400 people residing in this area. Questionnaires were used to collect the
data. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentage, mean
and standard deviation. The results showed that more than one third of
participants participated in this study complained of waist pain, particularly
on the right part (38.6 percent). About 15 percent of participants were
living with the chronic disease and hypertension was predominant condition
(50 percent). It has been found that both women and men have higher
waist circumference than normal ratio of 68.5 and 32.2 percent respectively.
Serious accident was revealed amongst the participant group (4.5 percent).
Overall, the vast majority of participants in this study presented high
level of healthy lifestyles in terms of nutrition, personal hygiene, avoided
addictive substance/gambling, self-care/health care utilization, safety in
everyday life, environment/utility and stress management/emotion. However,
the exercise reached middle level. These findings suggest that relevant
organizations in the local community should participate more in promoting
their people well-being.