Abstract:
Changes in the public’s well-being since the promulgation of the 2nd National Health System Statute is an important starting point for the public’s realization of holistic well-being and awareness of the social determinants of health (SDH). This research aims to 1) study the health capital of monks in Buddhist organizations in Nakhon Nayok and Sa Kaeo provinces for the preparation for the development of health networks, and 2) investigate approaches to health network development of Buddhist organizations in Nakhon Nayok province and Sa Kaeo province. Mixed methodologies were employed in this study with the data collected from the sample groups of monks in Nakhon Nayok and Sa Kaeo (a total of 271 monks), and key informants on health network development of 33 persons. Questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and group discussions were conducted. The data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and content analysis.
The findings revealed the following. Firstly, for the health capital of monks’ health, the sample group of 35.2% had the body mass index at normal levels. They had a good healthcare and food consumption practice and were thus well equipped to develop a health network of Buddhist organizations. Secondly, the health network development of Buddhist organizations in Nakhon Nayok and Sa Kaeo have been driven by the network in 2 ways: 1) the learning network for health development, and 2) the practical network for health development with support from an academic network on the knowledge of well-being and the operation under the community-based resource capital towards holistic good health and well-being.