ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PERSONAL FACTORS AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE SANGAHAVATTHU 4 AMONG SERVICE RECIPIENTS AT THREE SUBDISTRICT HEALTH PROMOTING HOSPITALS IN BANG KRUAI DISTRICT, NONTHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

The rapid societal changes caused by global warming, urbanisation, income disparity, and health challenges have emphasised the importance of equitable and compassionate healthcare services. This study examined the relationship between personal factors and knowledge of the Sangahavatthu 4—Buddhist social virtues promoting generosity (Dana), kind speech (Piyavaca), beneficial action (Atthacariya), and equity (Samanattata)—among 421 service recipients at 3 Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals (SHPHs) in Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. A quantitative research design with stratified random sampling was employed, using a validated questionnaire (IOC = 0.79) to assess demographic factors and knowledge levels. Descriptive statistics and correlational analysis revealed that most participants had fair knowledge of the Sangahavatthu 4 (56.8%), while income and frequency of healthcare health service visit were significantly associated with higher knowledge levels         (p < 0.05). Education level showed no statistical correlation with knowledge, suggesting that religious moral principles are accessible across educational backgrounds. The study highlights the need to integrate Sangahavatthu 4 into health promotion, enhance communication strategies for older adults, foster compassionate service delivery through staff capacity building, and strengthen community engagement through religious partnerships. These findings can inform policy and practice to create more humane and culturally sensitive healthcare systems, especially amid ongoing organisational reforms.