Demographic Factors and Health Care Behavior of Hypertension Disease in Thailand

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine demographic factors and health care behaviors associated with hypertension disease. A retrospective study was performed to analyze data from the Health and Welfare Survey of the National Statistical Office, Thailand (2007). The sample population consisted of 31,088 individuals. Analysis of the data found that females were 1.48 times more likely to suffer from hypertension disease than males. Aging individuals, 60 years old and older, were more likely to have hypertension disease. People who live in the Northeastern and the Southern regions of Thailand were less likely to have hypertension disease in comparison with individuals who live in Bangkok metropolitan areas. Males exercise more often than females, however, males are not able to reduce or discontinue smoking at a higher level than females. Males’ reduction or discontinuation of alcohol consumption is at a lower level than females. Reduction or discontinuation of alcohol consumption of age group of 25-59 years old also is at a lower level than those 59 years old and older. People who live in the Central region have the lowest level of routine exercise, diet control, and weight reduction when compared to those in Bangkok, Northern, Southern, or Northeastern regions. People who live in the Northern region have the lowest reduction or discontinuation of smoking and consumption of alcohol in comparison with those in Bangkok, Central, Southern, and the Northeastern regions. Further research should consider the contextual differences in each region regarding health education and health promotion, especially exercise for people who live in the Central region, and the reduction or discontinuation of alcohol and smoking for those in the Northern region.