EFFECTS OF A LIFESTYLE MEDICINE–BASED HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM DELIVERED VIA THE LINE APPLICATION ON KNOWLEDGE AND HEALTH BEHAVIORS FOR THE PREVENTION OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AMONG AT-RISK BUDDHIST NOVICES AND MONKS.

Abstract

      This quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest study aimed to examine the effects of a Lifestyle Medicine–based health education program delivered through the LINE application on knowledge and health behaviors for the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and to assess participants’ satisfaction with the educational media. The sample consisted of 40 at-risk Buddhist novices and monks recruited by convenience sampling. Research instruments included a 24-item knowledge test, a Lifestyle Medicine health behavior assessment, and a satisfaction questionnaire. Content validity was reviewed by three experts. The knowledge test demonstrated a KR-20 reliability coefficient of 0.90, while the satisfaction questionnaire demonstrated a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.88. The intervention lasted six weeks and used electronic posters and motion graphics delivered through LINE OpenChat/LINE Official Account, covering the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, the Shapiro–Wilk test, and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test.

      Knowledge scores increased from 18.73 ± 5.32 to 20.33 ± 4.08, with a statistically significant difference (Z = −4.43, p < .001; r = 0.70). Health behavior scores increased from 32.93 ± 7.30 to 36.25 ± 5.26 (Z = −4.38, p < .001; r = 0.69). Overall satisfaction was high (Mean = 4.04).