Primary Health Care Journal (Northern Edition)

Editorial

Utit Chitngern — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

cover

Utit Chitngern — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

STUDY THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING THE QUALITY OF LIFE THE ELDERLY IN THE ELDERLY SCHOOL DEN CHAI DISTRICT, PHRAE PROVINCE

Suwitchaya Sritawan, Patcharee Sritawan — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Abstract

Research on the process of developing the life quality of the elderly in the elderly school in Den Chai District, Phrae Province ,The objectives are (1) to study the quality of life of the elderly in Den Chai District (2) to study the curriculum and process of developing the quality of life of the elderly in schools for the elderly in Den Chai District. The population and sample used in this research were 280 people aged 60 years and over who attended the school for the elderly in Den Chai District. The data collection tools were the Elderly Quality of Life Questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Statistics used in data analysis include frequency distribution, Percentage, Mean and Standard deviation.

The results of the study according to objective 1, the life quality of the elderly, found that the overall the life quality of the elderly in Den Chai District was at a moderate level (Mean average 2.50-3.49).The highest average value was the environmental quality of life at a high level (Mean average 3.50-4.49), the mental quality of life at a high level, the physical quality of life at a moderate level ( Mean average 3.50-4.49), and the quality of life in social relationships at a moderate level ( Mean average 2.50-3.49).

The results of the study according to the second objective to study the curriculum and process of developing the life quality of the elderly in the elderly school found that The curriculum used in teaching in the elderly schools in Den Chai District was developed with the participation of network partners and covers both physical and mental health and intelligence. It consists of 3 subject groups: (1) Life lessons 60 % refers to knowledge and skills that are useful for the elderly to apply in their daily lives in order to live happily in society, such as content about living in old age. A forum for exchanging knowledge, health knowledge, and taking care of one's own health in terms of body, mind, and thai massage ,applying religious principles to daily life, meditation, wisdom transmission, rhythmic activities and music. (2) Profession 20% means the approach to promoting knowledge Refers to guidelines for promoting knowledge and vocational skills appropriate for the elderly, such as vocational training to increase income, knowledge of the sufficiency economy, and various handicrafts. (3) Academic subjects 20% means creating knowledge and understanding in various matters that are beneficial to the elderly. Main course content laws and benefits for the elderly, volunteers for life and society, use of communication technology, knowledge about various diseases

Keywords: life quality of the elderly , the elderly school

DIGITAL LITERACY AFFECTING THE WORK PERFORMANCE OF VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS IN MUEANG PATHUM THANI DISTRICT, PATHUM THANI PROVINCE

Phanthakan Yuenyong, Yananthorn Krabthip, Channutcha Boonrat — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Digital literacy, defined as the skills to understand and utilize digital technology, is a fundamental digital competence crucial for effective operational performance, communication, and collaboration. This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the Affecting to the work performance of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in Mueang Pathum Thani District, Pathum Thani Province. The sample consisted of 325 VHVs from Mueang Pathum Thani District, Pathum Thani Province, with the sample size determined using the Krejcie & Morgan formula at a 95% confidence level. The research instrument was a questionnaire comprising sections on demographic background, digital literacy, and operational performance of VHVs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-Square test, Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient, and predictive power analysis through stepwise multiple regression analysis.

The study findings revealed that both the digital literacy ( mean= 3.61, SD = 0.71) and operational performance (mean = 3.63, SD = 0.62) of VHVs were at a high level. Digital literacy, as a whole, showed a high positive correlation with operational performance (r = .651, p < 0.01), indicating statistical significance. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis revealed that the "adaptability to digital change" dimension of digital literacy significantly explained the variance in VHVs' operational performance at the 0.05 level of significance, with an R-square value of 0.454. When examining individual variables, digital literacy concerning adaptability to digital change (β = 0.675, p < 0.01) had a significant positive impact on VHVs' operational performance.

Relevant agencies should prioritize implementing practical training workshops focused on the direct application of digital health technologies in real-world operations. This should be combined with promoting activities that facilitate experience sharing between new and experienced VHVs to foster mutual learning and enhance their adaptation to digital operations effectively.

FACTORS RELATED TO ORAL HEALTH CARE BEHAVIOR OF VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEER IN BANKLANG SUB-DISTRICT, LOMSAK DISTRICT, PHETCHABUN PROVINCE

ภัศรา เรืองน้อย, Tavorn Maton — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Abstract

This study employed a survey research design with the objective of examining the factors associated with oral health care behaviors among village health volunteers (VHVs). The study sample comprised 196 VHVs from Banklang Subdistrict, Lom Sak District, Phetchabun Province. Data were collected using a questionnaire that was validated for content by experts and demonstrated a reliability coefficient of 0.76. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, with the statistical significance level set at 0.05.

The results revealed that the majority of VHVs possessed a moderate level of knowledge regarding oral health care (50.50%), a moderate level of attitude toward oral health care (58.70%), and a moderate level of oral health care behavior (65.30%). Factors found to be significantly associated with oral health care behavior included age (r = 0.167, p-value = 0.020) and knowledge regarding oral health care (r = 0.206, p-value = 0.004).

Therefore, it is recommended that public health personnel continuously enhance VHVs’ knowledge of oral health care. Improving their knowledge may contribute to the adoption of more appropriate oral health care behaviors.

Keywords: Oral health care behaviors, Knowledge, Attitudes, Village Health Volunteers

ANTENATAL CARE SITUATION AND FACTORS INFLUENCING SELF-CARE BEHAVIORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING PRIMARY CARE UNITS IN MAKHA, MUEANG DISTRICT, NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE

Pattaraporn Nonthakornchayangkul, Poonarin Seekud, Chalinee Manaying — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Abstract

This mixed-methods research aimed to explore the situation, problems, obstacles, and factors influencing self-care behaviors among pregnant women receiving services at primary health care units. Key informants included 12 antenatal care (ANC) service providers. The sample group consisted of 91 pregnant women selected through simple random sampling. Data collection tools included pregnancy record forms, interview guidelines, and questionnaires. The content validity of the instruments was assessed by experts, and the reliability coefficients of the reliability for questionnaires ranged from 0.77 to 0.88. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and inductive summarization, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics, including Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis using the stepwise regression method.

Findings revealed that the average age of first-time pregnant women was 25.68 years. Most were in non-registered partnerships (60.8%) and used the universal healthcare scheme (78.5%). About 64.0% received antenatal care (ANC) before 12 weeks of gestation, with a mean gestational age of 11.8 weeks. However, 62.0% did not complete the recommended five ANC visits. Laboratory results showed 98.7% had no infections (HBsAg, VDRL, HIV), and 90.0% had normal hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, while 1.3% were thalassemia carriers. The ANC services were implemented in accordance with national standards and supported by village health volunteers. However, the system faced limitations in infrastructure, equipment, and specialized personnel. Two key factors significantly predicting self-care behaviors (p < 0.05) were accessibility to antenatal care services and policies promoting maternal health, together accounting for 50.6% of the variance (R² = 0.506).

Conclusion: Although early ANC initiation met national standards, the rate of incomplete ANC visits was high. Strengthening health infrastructure, providing targeted training for personnel, and enhancing policy implementation could improve service quality and maternal self-care behavior.

Keywords: Prenatal care, Self-care behavior, Primary health care system, Health services accessibility, Maternal health services

FACTORS RELATED TO ORAL HEALTH CARE BEHAVIORS OF PEOPLE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS IN TACHANG SUB-DISTRICT HEALTH PROMOTING HOSPITAL, TANDIAO SUB-DISTRICT, LOMSAK DISTRICT, PHETCHABUN PROVINCE

นพวรรณ แก้วแดง, Tavorn Maton — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Abstract

This study was a descriptive cross-sectional research which applied the PRECEDE Framework theory to examine personal information, predisposing factors, enabling factors, reinforcing factors, and oral health care behaviors among patients with type 2 diabetes. It also investigated the relationships between personal information, predisposing factors, enabling factors, reinforcing factors, and oral health care behaviors of type 2 diabetes patients at Tachang Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Tandiao Sub-district, Lomsak District, Phetchabun Province. The sample comprised 102 participants. The research instrument was a questionnaire, which had a content validity index (IOC) of 0.96. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including Chi-square and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, with a significance level set at 0.05.

The findings indicated that most respondents were female (70.60%), aged 60 years and over (52.90%), had a family income of 10,001–20,000 baht (51.96%), and had completed primary education (36.27%). The average duration of having diabetes was 8.24 years. For predisposing factors, most had a low level of knowledge ( = 7.75, S.D. = 7.755) and a moderate level of attitude ( = 2.08, S.D. = 0.299). Regarding enabling factors, access to dental care services was at a moderate level ( = 1.96, S.D. = 0.420). For reinforcing factors, support from others was at a high level ( = 2.35, S.D. = 0.523), whereas access to information was at a low level ( = 2.09, S.D. = 0.585). The factors that showed significant associations with oral health care behaviors among patients with type 2 diabetes at the 0.05 significance level were educational level ( ²= 5.549), family income (r = 0.293), knowledge regarding oral health care (r = 0.247), attitudes towards oral health care (r = 0.346), received support (r = 0.524), and receipt of information (r = 0.575).

Therefore, it is recommended that educational programs will be organized to enhance knowledge and improve attitudes towards oral health care among diabetic patients, in order to prevent potential oral health risks in the future.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes patients, Oral health care behavior, PRECEDE Framework

FACTORS RELATED TO SELF-CARE BEHAVIOR OF PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION AT THA CHANG SUBDISTRICT HEALTH PROMOTING HOSPITAL, TAN DIAO SUBDISTRICT, LOM SAK DISTRICT, PHETCHABUN PROVINCE

ยุวัฒน์ฉัตร ยาโต, Tavorn Maton — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Abstract

This study is a descriptive study that applies the KAP Model theory to investigate personal factors, knowledge, attitudes, and self-care behaviors of patients with hypertension. It also examines factors related to self-care behaviors of hypertensive patients at Tha Chang Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Tan Diao Subdistrict, Lom Sak District, Phetchabun Province. Resulting in a sample of 166 participants. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Inferential statistics were used to test hypotheses, including the Chi-Square test and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient,

with a significance level set at 0.05.

The results showed that the majority of the sample had a high level of knowledge at 39.80% ( =10.40, S.D.=2.678), a high level of attitude at 60.20% ( =2.60, S.D.=0.490), and a moderate level of self-care behavior at 53.60% ( =2.46, S.D.=0.500). Knowledge and attitudes were found to be significantly correlated with self-care behaviors of hypertensive patients at the 0.05 significance level (r = 0.397, P-value < 0.001) and (r = 0.569, P-value < 0.001), respectively. The findings of this study can be used to promote education and modify attitudes in areas where knowledge and attitudes are still incorrect, which will positively impact improved self-care behaviors of hypertensive patients in the future.

Keywords: Self-care behavior, Hypertensive patients, Knowledge attitude practice model

DEVELOPMENT OF BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL MODEL FOR UNCONTROLLED TYPE 2 DIABETES PATIENTS THROUGH CARBOHYDRATE COUNTING BY THE MECHANISMS OF VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS AND NETWORK PARTNERS IN CHIANG MAI PROVINCE

Sakorn Chaiammart, Preecha Chaichanan, Jiraporn Chittrakul — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Abstract

This study was participatory action research. Its objectives were 1) to study the diabetic patient care situation in Chiang Mai Province; 2) to develop a blood sugar control model for uncontrolled type 2 diabetes patients through carbohydrate counting by the mechanisms of village health volunteers (VHVs) and network partners in Chiang Mai Province; and 3) to evaluate the model. The implementation was divided into three phases. Phase 1 involved studying the diabetic patient care situation with a sample of 50 patients. Phase 2 focused on developing the blood sugar control model with a sample of 26 patients for model development and 72 patients who applied the model. Phase 3 evaluated the model with a sample of 79 patients. The tools used included questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussion guides. Data were analyzed using Percentage, Mean, Standard Deviation, Paired t-test, and Repeated-measures ANOVA.

The study found that the current government healthcare system provides diabetic patient care that is fragmented and lacks comprehensiveness. Delays in service delivery are attributed to the large number of patients in the healthcare system. The existing family and community care model for diabetes patients remains insufficiently systematic. To address this gap, a blood sugar control model was developed for type 2 diabetic patients with poor glycemic control using carbohydrate counting. The “4C Model,” comprises the following components: The patient-centered approach, combined with carbohydrate counting, the role of village health volunteers (VHVs) as health coaches, close monitoring at the household level, and the establishment of a community-based care network, led to significant improvements in patients' knowledge and self-care behaviors. HbA1c was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) compared to baseline levels prior to the implementation of the model. Therefore, the model developed in this study has the potential to be scaled up to other areas to enhance the effectiveness of diabetes management.

Keywords: Uncontrolled Type 2Diabetes Patients, Carbohydrate Counting, Village Health Volunteers, Network Partners, Chiang Mai Province

DEVELOPMENT OF SURVEILLANCE, PREVENTION, AND CONTROL PROTOCOLS FOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES ALONG THE THAI-LAOS BORDER THROUGH COMMUNITY LEADERS AND VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS IN NAN PROVINCE

Isaraphap Maruen, Chumphon sutti, Chaen atachai — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Abstract

This participatory action research aimed to study the development of surveillance, prevention and control protocols of communicable diseases among Thai - Laos cross border area by engaging community leaders and village health volunteers in Nan Province. The participants were selected using purposive sampling, including 188 community leaders and village health volunteers, and government officials at border relaxation points. Data was collected using test forms, questionnaires, group conversations, observations and field notes, interviews, and group discussions. The quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and t-test. While the qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis.

The results of this study showed that current knowledge of the community leaders and village health volunteers regarding surveillance, prevention and control protocol for communicable diseases in the community was at a moderate level, their skills and practices in this area were also at a moderate level. The development of surveillance prevention and control protocols of communicable diseases along the Thai - Laos cross border consisted of 4 aspects; 1) Strategic plan preparation for surveillance, prevention and control of communicable diseases along the Thai - Laos cross border. 2) Capacity building of community leaders and village health volunteers for surveillance, prevention and control protocol of communicable diseases. 3) Development of an information system for diseases surveillance, prevention and control along the Thai - Laos cross border, and 4) Strengthening participation with network partners. From the evaluation results, the mean scores of knowledge, skills, practices, and participation in operational surveillance, prevention, and control of communicable diseases were significantly higher after the development compared to before the intervention at the 0.05 level.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF CAPACITY BUILDING TO PREVENTING AND REDUCING THE EFFECTS CANNABIS ABUSE IN ELDERLY CLUBS IN NAN PROVINCE

Isaraphap Maruen, Chumphon sutti, Chachaphat Panich — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Abstract

This participatory action research aimed to develop and evaluate effectiveness of a model for capacity building to preventing and reducing the effects cannabis abuse in elderly clubs in Nan Province. The quantitative sample consisted of 200 elderly club committee members from Santisuk Districts, Thung Chang Districts, Wiang Sa Districts, Pua Districts, and Mueang Nan Districts in Nan Province and the qualitative sample consisted of 20 elderly club members including the chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, and secretaries of elderly clubs in the research area. The research instruments included a questionnaire, group conversation, in-depth interview, observation and field recording. The quantitative data was analyzed using Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and t-test. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. The results of this study revealed that 1) the situation, circumstances, and potential of elderly clubs found that the elderly had a level of knowledge and role in preventing and reducing the effects of cannabis use at moderate, the attitudes are at a high level. Factors affecting cannabis abuse include the presence of a medical cannabis policy, exposure to cannabis news from online media, and a lack of knowledge about cannabis abuse laws and penalties. The impacts include wasted costs, risk of illness caused by the use of substandard cannabis products. The strengths and opportunities for development include the emphasis placed by community leaders and elderly clubs on health promotion and their commitment to protecting their members, 2) a model for capacity building to preventing and reducing the effects cannabis abuse in elderly clubs had 4 components consisted of (1) a strategic plan, (2) capacity building to preventing and reducing the effects cannabis abuse in elderly clubs (3) the participation in community and network, and 4) the campaign to prevent and reduce the effects of cannabis abuse. The model effectiveness was found that the elderly participants had a higher knowledge, attitude, and role in preventing before implementation with statistically significant at 0.05. There are activities organized the campaigns and public relations to reducing the effects cannabis in the community, network partners, and organization, incorporation of the model into the curriculum of an elderly school. The communities and network partners were participatory at the highest level. The satisfaction of the model was high level at 90.10 percent. Suggestions from this research found that: Relevant agencies can use the models obtained from this research for surveillance and preventing in teenagers, working-age groups and others.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY AT WANGPONG HOSPITAL

Suphavadee Tangmueangthong — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This retrospective descriptive study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of financial risk management at Wang Pong Hospital, Phetchabun Province, using financial planning reports (PlanFin) and an accrual-based accounting system during fiscal years 2022–2024. The sample consisted of 45 purposively selected internal financial records. Research instruments included three tools: financial planning reports, Risk Scoring (based on seven financial risk indicators), and Grade Plus (financial management efficiency) criteria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, ratio, proportion, and mean. Results revealed that financial risk levels increased from 0 in 2022 to 1 in both 2023 and 2024, due to declining net profit and net reserves. Grade Plus evaluations resulted in A– in 2022, A in 2023, and B– in 2024, yielding Matrix Grading scores of 0A–, 1A, and 1B–, respectively, indicating growing financial vulnerability. Although risk levels did not further escalate, the hospital failed to meet standards on Operating Margin and Return on Assets (ROA) in 2024. Policy recommendations include increasing revenue through specialized services, aligning expenses with cash flow, and strengthening receivables and trade payable management to enhance the financial stability of community hospitals.

Content

Utit Chitngern — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Editorial Board

Utit Chitngern — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700