Primary Health Care Journal (Northern Edition)

Editorial

2025-12-12T14:14:25+07:00

Editorial Board

2025-12-09T15:06:22+07:00

REDUCING WAITING TIME IN OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENTS OF PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL USING THE DOUBLE DIAMOND DIAGRAM FRAMEWORK: A HYPOTHETICAL CASE OF A SYSTEMATIC PROPOSAL

2025-09-23T09:53:54+07:00

Waiting time for services of outpatient department (OPD) in psychiatric hospitals is a key factor affecting service quality and patient satisfaction. This article aims to propose a reduction of OPD waiting time in psychiatric hospitals based on a hypothetical case using a double diamond diagram, which is a design thinking process diagram divided into four steps: Discover, Define, Develop and Deliver. This diagram will be applied to demonstrate the problem-solving process through a hypothetical case demonstrating the potential for reducing OPD time in a psychiatric hospital, which reduced the average waiting time from 280 minutes to 105 minutes (62.5% reduction). This article therefore highlights the possibility of effectively reducing waiting time using a client-centered systems design approach.

2025-12-09T15:21:12+07:00

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2025-12-09T15:04:09+07:00

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ON HEALTH BEHAVIORS AND BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL OF UNCONTROLLED TYPE2 DIABETIC PATIENTS AT PHU NAM YOD SUB-DISTRICT, WICHIAN BURI DISTRICT, PHETCHABUN PROVINCE

2025-07-22T14:45:59+07:00

This quasi-experimental study utilized a two-group pretest-posttest design to evaluate the effectiveness of a self -management program on health behaviors, among patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. This quasi-experimental study utilized a twogroup pretest-posttest design to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-management program on health behaviors among patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes developed by the researcher based on the self-management concept of Kanfer & Gaelick-Buys. Sixty participants were equally assigned to either the experimental or control group, matched by gender, age, and baseline blood glucose levels. The experimental group engaged in an 8-week self-management program, while the control group received routine nursing care. The research instruments were the health behaviors questionnaires and the self-management program which were developed by the researcher and approved by five experts with item-objective congruence (IOC) values ranging from 0.67 to 1.00 and a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.80 Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and independent t-tests.

The findings demonstrated significant improvements in the experimental group’s health behaviors, DTX, and HbA1c levels following the intervention (p-value<.001). Moreover, post-intervention comparisons revealed that the experimental group outperformed the control group on all outcome measures (p-value<.001). These results indicate that structured self-management programs are effective in enhancing health behaviors and glycemic control, and are recommended for ongoing implementation to support long-term health outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FALL PREVENTION BEHAVIOR IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN MAE NA RUEA SUB-DISTRICT, MUEANG PHAYAO DISTRICT, PHAYAO PROVINCE

2025-09-02T09:33:09+07:00

This action research aimed to develop a community-based care model for diabetes patients by Village Health Volunteers (VHVs). The study involved 70 participants, including VHVs and diabetes patients, selected through purposive sampling. The study followed the principles of action research. The results showed that, before model development, VHVs served as members of the health team under the leadership of public health officers in caring for diabetes patients. Most patients mainly focused on attending scheduled medical appointments, while self-care behaviors remained limited. After implementing the action research process, VHVs gained more confidence in providing care for diabetes patients, and patients improved their health behaviors. The care model developed through this study had seven key steps: 1) Empowerment training to VHVs, 2) Building strong relationships between VHVs and patients, 3) Identifying problems together, 4) Finding solutions as a team, 5) Conducting Empowerment home visits, 6) Supporting patient self-care, and 7) Following up regularly. As a result, VHVs gained their knowledge and confidence in patient care. Importantly, 85% of patients were able to achieved their self-care, and 87% expressed a high level of satisfaction with the model. These findings highlight that empowering VHVs serves as an effective strategy to strengthen the continuity of diabetes care within the community.

DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY-BASED CARE MODEL FOR DIABETES PATIENTS BY VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS

2025-09-24T14:34:00+07:00

The results showed that, before model development, VHVs served as members of the health team under the leadership of public health officers in caring for diabetes patients. Most patients mainly focused on attending scheduled medical appointments, while self-care behaviors remained limited. After implementing the action research process, VHVs gained more confidence in providing care for diabetes patients, and patients improved their health behaviors. The care model developed through this study had seven key steps: 1) Empowerment training to VHVs, 2) Building strong relationships between VHVs and patients, 3) Identifying problems together, 4) Finding solutions as a team, 5) Conducting Empowerment home visits, 6) Supporting patient self-care, and 7) Following up regularly. As a result, VHVs gained their knowledge and confidence in patient care. Importantly, 85% of patients were able to achieved their self-care, and 87% expressed a high level of satisfaction with the model. These findings highlight that empowering VHVs serves as an effective strategy to strengthen the continuity of diabetes care within the community.

CANCER PATIENTS' EXPERIENCES AND ATTITUDES TOWARD PAPAYA LEAF DECOCTION: A MIXED METHODS RESEARCH

2025-10-14T09:57:16+07:00

This mixed-methods research aimed to investigate the experiences and attitudes of cancer patients toward the use of papaya (Carica papaya L.) leaf decoction for health care. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research designs. Participants were individuals with a history of cancer who had prior experience using papaya leaf decoction as part of their self-care practices. Purposive sampling was used to recruit eligible participants. Data collection was conducted from January to March 2024, following approval from the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Thai Traditional and Integrative Medicine Hospital (Approval No. T001/67_EXP). Semi-structured in-depth interviews were employed as the primary data collection method. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis to describe participants’ experiences and attitudes regarding the use of papaya leaf decoction in health care.

Among the 18 participants, most were breast cancer patients (38.89%) who had completed conventional medical treatment but wished to complement their care with papaya leaf decoction. Typically, the decoction was prepared by boiling papaya leaves and consuming approximately one coffee cup per dose, two to three times daily. Based on self-assessments, most participants (n=10) reported general improvements in their overall condition, including increased appetite, better sleep, and weight gain. However, some reported adverse effects such as increased bowel movements, abdominal discomfort, and nausea. A few participants were unable to clearly assess the effects of the decoction on their condition.

This study demonstrates the diverse individual experiences of patients using papaya leaf decoction, with variations observed in the outcomes reported. However, further systematic clinical investigations are warranted to comprehensively evaluate its efficacy and safety in cancer patients.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF TUBERCULOSIS SURVEILLANCE, PREVENTION AND CONTROL AMONG VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS IN SAWANKHALOK DISTRICT, SUKHOTHAI PROVINCE

2025-10-15T10:08:02+07:00

This descriptive research aimed to examine the factors affecting the performance of tuberculosis surveillance, prevention and control among village health volunteers (VHVs) in Sawankhalok District, Sukhothai Province. The sample consisted of 720 VHVs selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that social support and work motivation were at a high level, which corresponded with the high performance of VHVs in tuberculosis surveillance, prevention, and control. The factors found to significantly influence performance included job security, value assessment, career advancement opportunity, associate degree or higher vocational certificate, and working conditions. Together, these five variables significantly predicted 18.7% of the variance in performance at the 0.05 level of significance. These findings suggest that relevant agencies should recognize the value of VHVs’ contributions, promote job security and career advancement opportunities, and continuously enhance the working conditions for tuberculosis surveillance, prevention, and control.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH PERFORMANCE OF VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS IN WANG THONG DISTRICT, PHITSANULOK PROVINCE

2025-10-15T09:57:16+07:00

This descriptive research aimed to study the factors affecting the community mental health performance of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok Province. The sample consisted of 330 VHVs selected by systematic random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results indicated that VHVs’ mental health literacy, participation, and community mental health performance were at a moderate level, while their social support and work motivation were at a high level. Factors affecting VHVs’ community mental health performance included work motivation, mental health literacy, training for VHVs specializing in community mental health, and participation. These four predictors together significantly explained 33.0% of the variance in community mental health performance at the 0.05 significance level. The findings suggest that relevant agencies should enhance VHVs’ work motivation, improve mental health literacy, expand specialized training in community mental health to cover the target population, and strengthen participation between VHVs and related network partners.

DEVELOPMENT OF A THAI TRADITIONAL MEDICINE-BASED HEALTH CARE MODEL FOR THE ELDERLY IN LAMPANG PROVINCE

2025-10-22T08:45:32+07:00

This study aimed to develop a Thai traditional medicine-based health care model for older adults in Lampang Province using a four-phase research and development process: (1) studying the components of implementing the Thai traditional medicine-based health care model for older adults in the community through focus group discussions with 13 stakeholders; (2) developing the Thai traditional medicine-based health care model for older adults; (3) conducting a pilot study in a prototype area with 30 volunteers aged 45–59 years, which assessed knowledge, health care behaviors, community acceptance, quality of life, satisfaction, and observed participation behaviors; and (4) evaluating the model’s efficiency and making improvements through interviews with 10 stakeholders using an efficiency assessment form. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired samples t-test, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

The results showed that the implementation process consisted of four components: enhancing knowledge of Thai traditional medicine, knowledge creation and exchange, monitoring and evaluation, and expansion. The developed model involved a one-time training session followed by four follow-up sessions over one month. Evaluation of effectiveness indicated that participants’ scores on knowledge, health care behaviors, quality of life, and community acceptance significantly increased (p-value < .05). Efficiency evaluation revealed a high level of performance; the model requiring low budget, focused on improving health literacy, and incorporated activities into daily life consistent with local lifestyles. The model demonstrated potential for expansion to other age groups through active community participation. However, ensuring continuity through regular follow-up is necessary for sustainability.

DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY-BASED DIABETES CARE MODEL FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES PATIENTS WITH A VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS

2025-11-05T08:43:21+07:00

The objective of this research and development (R&D) study was to develop and evaluate a care model for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients in the community led by Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in Phitsanulok Province. The research was divided into four phases: Situational analysis using focus group discussions (13 participants), surveys with 397 VHVs, and 407 diabetes patients. Design and development of the diabetes patient care program. Program trial with 32 pairs of VHVs and patients, and the establishment of a Line group for operational support. Evaluation of VHVs' health literacy, knowledge, and skills in diabetes care, along with patients' health behaviors and satisfaction with the care model. Results: The developed VHV diabetes care model was implemented through Psychological Empowerment by providing training on knowledge, promoting health literacy, and conducting skill training and Structural Empowerment by delegating roles and responsibilities, supporting digital tools and technology, implementing a buddy system, and establishing a Line group.

These interventions resulted in: VHVs gaining knowledge of diabetes, improved health literacy and communication skills, enhanced self-efficacy, available communication channels, and trust among buddies. Following the model trial, VHVs showed statistically significant improvements in their scores for health literacy, knowledge, and skills (p<.001). Patients demonstrated better health behaviors and a statistically significant reduction in fingertip blood sugar levels (p<.001). Both VHVs and patients expressed very high satisfaction with the program.

Conclusion: The principle of empowerment, specifically through developing health literacy, training patient care skills, implementing a buddy system, and establishing Line groups, should be applied to the community care of diabetes patients by Village Health Volunteers.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE IN SURVEILLANCE, PREVENTION, AND CONTROL OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS IN THE COMMUNITY OF VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS IN PHRAE PROVINCE

2025-11-21T09:12:47+07:00

This descriptive correlational study, employing multiple regression analysis with the enter method, aimed to examine the levels of related factors, performance levels, and factors influencing the performance of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in promoting, monitoring, and preventing pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in communities in Phrae Province. The sample comprised 388 VHVs selected through random sampling. The research instrument was a structured questionnaire assessing factors related to VHVs’ performance in TB prevention and control. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis.

The findings revealed that knowledge regarding pulmonary TB was at a moderate level (Mean = 10.00, S.D. = 1.39), attitudes toward TB at a moderate level (Mean = 27.68, S.D. = 3.49), perceived obstacles at a moderate level (Mean = 24.84, S.D. = 5.19), and need for support at a high level (Mean = 33.34, S.D. = 4.57). Overall performance in promoting, monitoring, and preventing pulmonary TB was at a low level (Mean = 7.42, S.D. = 3.06). Significant correlates of performance included age (r = 0.097), years of service as a VHV (r = 0.115), prior TB-related training experience
(r = 0.116), and need for support (r = 0.246) (p < 0.05). The nine independent variables collectively explained 11.6% of the variance in performance (R² = 0.116). Key influencing factors included TB training experience (B = 0.104), attitudes toward TB (B = –0.041), perceived obstacles (B = –0.083), and need for support (B = 0.232).

The results suggest that enhancing training programs and providing adequate resources for VHVs, along with improving attitudes and addressing identified obstacles, are essential to strengthen community-based TB surveillance and prevention, ensuring sustainability and maximizing effectiveness.