Integrating Buddhist Teachings with Health Education: The Development and Impact of the Buddhist Instruction Model for Diabetes Risk Prevention in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand

Abstract

This study explores the development and impact of the Buddhist Instruction Model for Diabetes Risk Prevention in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. The model integrates Buddhist teachings, such as the Four Noble Truths, the Four Requisites, and the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, with modern health education to address the growing prevalence of diabetes in the region. A mixed-methods approach was used, involving 364 participants from Phon District, including healthcare professionals, community leaders, and individuals at risk of developing diabetes. The intervention combined mindfulness practices, ethical living, and self-care strategies, resulting in significant improvements in participants' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to diabetes prevention. The study also highlighted the model's cultural relevance, as participants reported a strong alignment between the health education provided and their Buddhist values. The findings suggest that the Buddhist Instruction Model is an effective and culturally sensitive approach to promoting sustainable health behaviors and reducing diabetes risk. Furthermore, the study points to the potential for scaling the model to other regions in Thailand and adapting it to different cultural and religious contexts. It emphasizes the importance of integrating spiritual and ethical dimensions into public health programs to enhance their effectiveness in preventing chronic diseases.