Lessons learned from the community participation processes of the occupational and mental health promotion

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: The purposes of the research were 1) to study the factors that affected occupational and mental health promotion, and 2) to study the community participation process of occupational and mental health promotion.

Materials and methods: Qualitative research was used to study a project to develop creative community potential by upgrading products, tourism, and the community quality of life in Tambon Saikhueng, Prasang district, Suratthani province. Data collection was conducted between February and April 2022. The twenty-five key informants included social engineers, community leaders, civic leaders, and community members. The research instruments included semi-structured interviews and focus groups.

          Results: The factors that affected the occupational and mental health promotion consisted of 1) leaders who have vision, experience, and cooperate with the network in activities, 2) the community that expressed interest and participated in the activities, 3) the process with the community members participating in problem analysis, planning, activity, receiving benefits, and evaluation, and 4) network and support from university and social engineers as important support in activities. The participation process of the occupational and mental health promotion consisted of 1) finding and analyzing problems, 2) planning and setting goals, 3) carrying out activities, 4) receiving benefits, and 5) evaluating.

          Conclusions: Occupational and mental health promotion required community leaders, community members, local networks, and community participation processes in activities. However, there should be continuity in operations to ensure its success and sustainability.