Charnchai Poowong. People practicing according to public health Act, B.E. 2535 in Amphur Ra Ngae, Narathiwat Province, Thailand . Master's Degree(Medical and Public Health Law Administration). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2006.
People practicing according to public health Act, B.E. 2535 in Amphur Ra Ngae, Narathiwat Province, Thailand
Abstract:
The objective of this research is to measure the level of people’s
knowledge, opinion and practice according to the Public Health Act, B.E. 2535. The
data were collected by interview. The samples were 245 the heads of households or
their representatives. Chi-square test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation
Coefficient were used in the statistical analysis.
It was found that number of female samples was slightly higher than
male. The mean age was 33.89 years old. 69.0 Percent were representatives of the
heads of the households. 36.7 Percent were between 25 and 34 years old. 60.4
Percent were couples. 23.7 Percent had a bachelor degree, the same number had high
school education. 58.0 Percent were employees. The median income per household
was 7,000 Baht. 82.4 Percent were Muslim. 60.8 Percent were in the municipal area.
It was found that 64.1 percent did not know the existence of the Public Health Act,
B.E. 2535. Of the remainder 77.2 percent received information about the Public
Health Act, B.E. 2535. 35.3 Percent of them received information from television.
56.3 Percent received information from the local public relation in accordance with
the Public Health Act, B.E. 2535. Concerning knowledge about the Public Health
Act, B.E. 2535 it was found that 55.1 percent of the people had knowledge in the
middle level. Concerning opinion about the Public Health Act, B.E. 2535 of people,
it was found that 81.2 percent of people had opinion in the middle level. On the level
of people’s practice according to the Public Health Act, B.E. 2535, it was found that
49.8 percent were in the middle level. On statistical correlation it was found that, the
variables that were significantly correlated were marital status, education level,
occupation, religion, age, income per household, knowledge about the Public Health
Act, B.E. 2535 and opinion about the Public Health Act, B.E. 2535.
The study suggests in Amphur Ra ngae most of the people who observed
Islam religion had 6 principles of behavior. The cleanliness is main principle, which
was agreeable with the objective of the Public Health Act, B.E. 2535. However, it
was found that 64.1 percent of the people did not know about this Act. An increase
in communication and public relations to make people realize practice according to
the law, which is in line with the religious faith, could motivate the increase of
practice according to the law.