AWARENESS OF CHRONIC DISEASES IN THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING COMMUNITY OF CHON BURI, THAILAND

Abstract. This study investigated the contributing behaviors to chronic diseases in rapidly de-veloping communities. An exploratory cross-sectional design and focus group discussions were employed for data collection from March, 2003- April, 2005. Five representative com-munities located in the rapidly growing industrial region of Chon Buri, Thailand were included. Four hundred twenty-two respondents stratified into various community groups were inter-viewed. The interview data were analyzed and followed-up by focus group discussions in each community with representative community members. The findings indicate diabetes and hy-pertension were frequent complaints. Older age groups more often reported chronic disease. Most people, especially those who had no chronic diseases (66.2%), were unconcerned about eating healthy food. These people were little concerned about annual routine health checkups and self-care. Most people had hurried lifestyles with limited time, were stressed, were uncon-cerned about health or quality of life, and had little information regarding chronic diseases. Dietary habits, age groups, and annual routine health checkups were significantly related to self-reported chronic diseases (p=0.005, 0.002, and 0.002, respectively). Based on our find-ings, we recommend the government provide education regarding a healthy life style to pre-vent chronic diseases. Diet trends should be monitored and appropriate strategies should be developed at the community level. factors contributing to chronic diseases in-cluding demographic characteristics, environ-ment, alcohol drinking, tobacco use, health care accessibility, health promotion and pre-vention practices, the health care system and policies (Hagdrup et al, 1997; Phonrat et al