2007-12-31-世界卫生组织-2008_GSHS_Country_Report_Thailand_74页_326kb

Summary: Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) in Thailand 2008

Executive Summary

The GSHS in Thailand 2008 aimed to assess the health behaviors and protective factors of students aged 13-15. Conducted with a representative two-stage cluster sampling design (30 schools, 2,767 respondents), the survey revealed high prevalence rates of risky behaviors including alcohol and tobacco use, violence, unintentional injuries, and inadequate dietary habits. Key results highlight significant gender differences, varying only in magnitude between male and female students.

Key Results

Alcohol Use

• 76.5% of students drank alcohol for the first time before age 14.
• 14.8% engaged in current alcohol use.
• Over 30% sourced alcohol from stores/street vendors despite 57% of sellers declining sales due to age (legal minimum 18).
• 9.7% experienced negative consequences (missed school, fights, etc.) from drinking.

Overweight & Nutrition

• 10.0% were at risk of becoming overweight.
• 4.4% were classified as overweight.
• High consumption of salty, high-fat, and soft drinks (e.g., 32.1% drank soft drinks daily).

Mental Health

• 7.9% felt lonely frequently.
• 16.6% showed depressive symptoms, missing usual activities for at least two weeks.
• Lower than average awareness of HIV prevention methods; only 63.8% believed condoms prevent HIV.

Physical Activity

• Insufficient daily activity (80.2% met less than recommended 60 minutes).
• High percentages spent sedentary time (37.6% exceeded 3 hours/day).

Tobacco Use

• 8.2% smoked cigarettes (significantly more common among males).
• High average age of first smoking (13 years) and difficulties in stopping despite advice.

Sexual Behaviors

• Lower prevalence of intercourse (11% past 12 months).
• Inaccurate belief that a healthy appearance indicates HIV susceptibility (46.8%).
• Inconsistent condom use (38%, male-only data).

Violence & Injury

• High rates of physical assault (33.3%), fights (33.3%), and serious injuries (46.7%).
• Significant risk factors included peer bullying, road travel with intoxicated drivers, and lack of injury prevention education.

Recommendations

1. National Policy Integration - Present results to policymakers for evidence-based initiatives.
2. Promote Health Schools - Advocate Health Promoting School projects; particularly gold/diamond levels.
3. Strengthen Home-School Links - Implement Parent School programs.
4. Enhance Physical Activity - Support sporting activities via community/school provisions.
5. Improve School Environment - Provide clean water and sanitation facilities.
6. Reinforce Laws - Enforce age restrictions on alcohol/tobacco sales and advertising.
7. Media Campaigns - Educate media-aware youth on risk behaviors.
8. School Food Policy - Control sale of unhealthy food items, promote fruit/vegetable intake.
9. Condom Availability - Promote widespread access for HIV/STI prevention.
10. Future Research - Conduct regional/subgroup analyses.

Conclusion

The survey underscores critical health challenges among Thai youth, necessitating multifaceted interventions including policy changes, educational programs, multi-sectoral collaboration, and environmental controls to foster healthier habits.