Identity and Beliefs in the Mural Paintings of the Ordination Hall at Noen Sung Temple, Khlong Narai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province

Abstract

This research focuses on the study and development of the mat weaving process using health-promoting innovations for elderly female mat weavers in Samed Ngam, Village No. 10. The objectives of the study are: (1) To identify and compile health problems experienced by elderly mat weavers arising from the weaving process using a loom, and (2) To develop health-promoting innovations that help reduce health risks associated with loom-based mat weaving among elderly workers. Data collection in Phase 1 was conducted through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide to reflect health issues related to the mat weaving process. The participants included 20 members of Chanthaburi mat weaving women's group in Samed Ngam, Village No. 10, Mueang District,  Chanthaburi Provinceselected through purposive sampling. In Phase 2, the results from the in-depth interviews were used to design an innovation aimed at mitigating health risks associated with the weaving process. The quality of the developed innovation was assessed through a tripartite participatory approach involving the researchers, innovation users, and prototype developers. Additionally, user satisfaction with the innovation was evaluated. Data were analyzed using basic statistical methods including percentage, mean, and standard deviation.Research findings revealed the following:1. The health problems associated with the reed mat weaving process among the elderly in Samet Ngam, Village No. 10, were primarily caused by the traditional weaving tools used. Specifically, the traditional floor loom used for weaving is low to the ground, requiring weavers to bend forward for extended periods. This posture leads to various chronic health issues such as persistent pain in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, and legs, as well as numbness in the legs caused by prolonged cross-legged sitting. Therefore, improving the mat weaving process to address the health concerns of the elderly requires developing an innovative loom that allows for an upright sitting posture. This new design reduces the need for forward bending and eliminates the necessity of sitting cross-legged for long durations.and2. The developed health-promoting innovation is a reed mat weaving loom designed to reduce health risks associated with the weaving process. The evaluation of the loom's usability yielded a total average quality score of 4.73 out of 5, or 94.6%, which is considered an excellent level. Satisfaction evaluation results showed high levels of user approval: the structural appropriateness scored an average of 4.83, while benefits and operational efficiency scored an average of 4.89. Notably, satisfaction with the loom’s effectiveness in reducing health problems received the highest average score of 5.00, as did the overall perceived benefits. The overall average satisfaction score for the entire questionnaire was 4.88, indicating a very high level of satisfaction with the health-promoting weaving loom.