HEALTH KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-CARE BEHAVIORS FOR OBESITY PREVENTION AMONG THAI GRADE 6 STUDENTS
Keywords:
childhood obesity, health knowledge, self-care behaviors, health literacyAbstract
Childhood obesity remains a significant public health concern in Thailand. This cross-sectional study examined health knowledge and self-care behaviors related to obesity prevention among 150 Grade 6 students at Wat Bangplee Yai School, Samut Prakan Province. A structured questionnaire assessed three domains: health knowledge, self-care behaviors, and perceived barriers. Students demonstrated high knowledge of balanced nutrition (mean score 78%) and physical activity (74%) but low knowledge of obesity-related health risks (42%). Behavioral adherence was limited, with only 48% meeting recommended physical activity levels and 71% consuming sugar-sweetened beverages at least three times per week. Inferential analyses showed weak but significant correlations between knowledge and behaviors, including between nutrition knowledge and healthy eating (r = 0.24, p = 0.006) and between physical activity knowledge and exercise frequency (r = 0.29, p = 0.002). Knowledge of obesity risks was not associated with sugary beverage consumption (r = –0.11, p = 0.18). Chi-square analyses revealed significant associations between household income and access to healthy foods (χ2 = 9.74, p = 0.021) and between excessive screen time and failure to meet physical activity recommendations (χ2 = 12.31, p = 0.004). The study highlights a clear knowledge–behavior gap and underscores the influence of socioeconomic and environmental constraints on children’s health practices. Multilevel interventions involving schools, families, and communities are essential to support sustainable obesity-preventive behaviors among Thai children.
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