The Effects of “Kham Cha-i ROO RAB PRAB PLIEN” Program on Health Literacy and Prevention Behaviors of Liver Fluke of People Risk in Kham Cha-i District, Mukdahan Province.

Abstract

Liver fluke disease is a significant public health issue in Thailand and neighboring countries. The northeastern region of Thailand has the highest prevalence rate, with over 6 million people affected, accounting for one-third of the country's population. The mortality rate is 24.8 per 100,000 people, predominantly occurring among the working-age population between 40 and 60 years old. This disease is considered severe and leads to substantial economic, social, and quality of life losses within the community. This quasi-experimental research aimed to evaluate the effects of the "Kham Cha-i ROO RAB PRAB PLIEN " program on health literacy and liver fluke prevention behaviors among at-risk populations in Kham cha-i District, Mukdahan Province. Data were collected using questionnaires from a sample of 96 people, divided into an experimental group of 48 participants and a comparison group of 48 participants. The experimental group participated in activities according to the "Kham Cha-i ROO RAB PRAB PLIEN " program of the Department of Health for a total of 12 weeks. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and compared differences using Paired Sample t-test and independent t-test at a significance level of 0.05.      The study results indicated that after the intervention, the experimental group showed significantly higher health literacy and liver fluke prevention behaviors than the comparison group P<0.001 (Mean diff=17.70, 95%CI=12.66, 22.74) และ P<0.001 (Mean diff=12.64, 95%CI=10.30, 14.98), respectively. And the experimental group had stool examination results that did not find Liver Fluke eggs. Therefore, developing knowledge Skills and building one's own ability to act to prevent liver fluke disease among people at risk. It was found that when people at risk have health knowledge in preventing Liver Fluke disease. and one's own ability to practice good behavior to prevent Liver Fluke disease This will affect appropriate Liver Fluke disease prevention behavior as a result.