Development of Prevention Model of Hepatitis B in Khum Ngoen Subdistrict, Mueang District, Yasothon Province

Abstract

Viral hepatitis is a significant public health problem. The Ministry of Public Health has established a policy to eliminate hepatitis B and C viruses to make Thailand free from liver diseases that threaten public health. Yasothon Province has found that the prevalence of viral hepatitis continues to increase. This participatory action research aimed to develop an operational model for hepatitis B prevention in Khum Ngoen Subdistrict, Mueang District, Yasothon Province. The study was conducted among stakeholder groups and residents of Khum Ngern Subdistrict, totaling 2,315 individuals and community members over a period months from June to October 2024. The research comprised four phases: planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The sample group included 25 stakeholders and 71 individuals born before 1992. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, and mean, while inferential statistics included Paired Sample t-test. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

The research developed an operational model for the prevention of hepatitis B in Khum Ngern Subdistrict, consisting of four main activities: 1. screening through questionnaires and fingertip blood testing, 2. establishing a care and referral system,
3. organizing a vaccine access system, and 4. community participation in prevention. After implementation, the mean knowledge scores regarding hepatitis B significantly increased (p<.01). Screening identified 3 cases of hepatitis B infection, representing 4.32 percent.
A community management system for hepatitis prevention was established. The success factor of the implementation was the participation of network partners and the community, resulting in systematic operations and sustainable development, and the potential for expansion to nearby areas.