The Leader of Monks and Health Management of the Monk in Phichit Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the problems of health management for monks in Phichit Province, 2) study the factors affecting the effectiveness of health management for monks, and 3) study guidelines for developing health management according to the Monks' Health Charter by senior monks in Phichit Province. A mixed methods research approach was used. Quantitative research collected data from a sample of 252 monks using questionnaires. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Qualitative research used in-depth interviews with 8 key informants and analyzed the data using content analysis. 
The research findings revealed that:
1. Problems in health management for monks in Phichit Province are evident in several areas, including physical health care, inadequate consumption of food (lacking the five food groups), irregular exercise, insufficient rest, stress management, risky behaviors, insufficient consumption of clean water, relationship building, allocation of rest time, and infrequent health check-ups and medical consultations.
2. Factors affecting the effectiveness of health management for monks were found to be related to four aspects of health management: physical exercise, nutrition, health responsibility, and hygiene. The factors can collectively explain the effectiveness at a very high level (Adjusted R² = 0.996) with statistical significance. Budgetary factors have the greatest influence, followed by equipment, facilities, personnel, and organizational structure.
3. Regarding development guidelines, the Health Charter for Monks was found to be an important framework for setting standards of living and caring for the physical and mental health of monks. It promotes the participation of the monastic community, the community, and the government in supporting health services, coupled with the development of the mind, the practice of Dharma, and the systematic prevention of health problems, in order to ensure the good and sustainable well-being of monks.