ANNUAL REPORT 2026: SURVEY OF DEMOGRAPHIC DATA AND PREVALENCE OF HEALTH RISK FACTORS IN NAYAO, CHACHOENSAO PROVINCE, THAILAND

Abstract

Background: Rural communities in Thailand face a dual burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and communicable health risks, compounded by limited access to preventive care. Annual community health surveys provide essential evidence for local health planning and targeted interventions. Objectives: To describe the demographic characteristics and prevalence of major health risk factors among residents of Ban Na Yao, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional community health survey was conducted in February 2026 among 1,268 residents of all age groups using standardized electronic questionnaires via REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture), supplemented by anthropometric measurements and laboratory investigations. Age-specific analyses were applied: NCD risk factors, mental health, musculoskeletal disorders, cancer screening, and accidents were assessed among participants aged ≥18 years; intestinal parasitic infections were assessed across all ages. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were estimated using modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimators. Results: Among 947 adults aged ≥18 years, the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus was 33.0%, 23.0%, and 14.9%, respectively; obesity was identified in 43.9% of 849 adults with BMI measurements. No personal income and higher BMI were significantly associated with NCDs after age and sex adjustment. Moderate-to-high stress affected 30.6% of adults, depression 14.3%, and suicidal ideation 5.1%; key social determinants of depression included health-limiting daily activities, urgent unmet basic needs, and loneliness. Adolescent depression (PHQ-A ≥5) was 24.8%. The accident incidence was 14.5 per 100 population; female sex was protective, and severe fatigue was the strongest occupational accident risk factor. Cancer screening coverage remained below national targets across all modalities. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 1.6%, with Strongyloides stercoralis being the predominant species. Conclusion: This community health survey identified a substantial and multifaceted burden of health problems in a rural Thai population. Low income, higher BMI, and social determinants of health, particularly functional limitations, food insecurity, loneliness, and transport barriers, emerged as the most consistently associated factors across health outcomes, underscoring the need for integrated interventions addressing both clinical and structural determinants of health.