| Abstract: |
This research examined health and self-care practices of industrial workers in Thailand. Thailand's industrialization, coupled with increased social, behavioral and chronic health problems make the reliance on self-care an effective form of health maintenance. The biocultural synthesis approach was employed to center individuals as active agents who adjust their health practices within a determinate historical and cultural context. Two hundred and five industrial workers were interviewed and their body weight and height were taken to evaluate the body mass index (BMI). Ninety-five open-ended self-administered questionnaires on self-care and health concepts, thirty case studies, and six focus group discussion were also analyzed. Self-care practices were defined by this group of industrial workers as practices and principles that guide behaviors for their own health and for family members. Self-care in the presence of health was seen as a means to maintain, monitor, and promote health, and to prevent illness or accidents. Self-care in the presence of illness was seen as a means to eliminate illness, to evaluate illness, and to seek help. Self-care included practices in their daily life at home and the workplace. The industrial workers took care of themselves by: maintaining daily regimens, sleeping, and dieting
having physical examinations
applying strategies for health promotion, disease prevention and family planning. Risk behaviors (i.e., moderate alcohol consumption and smoking cigarettes) were more common among men. Females utilized self-health examination more than males, however, male industrial workers exercised more frequently. Gender, age, marital status, education, income, type of work, and having young children were found to be associated with self-care practices and health. One-fourth of sample deviated from normal BMI, with females three times more likely to be overweight than males. Mild illnesses were commonly reported as were work-related illnesses. Five categories of health practices were identified: (1) no care, (2) self-care only, (3) self-care and professional care, (4) professional care and self-care complementary with professional care, and (5) self-care, professional care, and self-care complementary with professional advice. Addressing the actual self-care practices and factors affecting industrial workers' health provides crucial information for shaping health policy and reconciling the current debate on health behavioral modification.
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