Development of Communicable disease Surveillance Prevention and Control model among Youth Epidemiologist in school of Health Region3

Abstract

The implementation of a research and development (R&D) design was used to study mixed methods. The aim was to identify the implementation of the communicable disease surveillance and prevention model in schools among the Youth Epidemiology Group in Health Region 3, Thailand. The 5 key steps were carried out, which included (1) assessment of the current situation and problem identification, (2) model development, (3) evaluation of model creation, (4) model testing, and (5) evaluation of model implementation. In the study population, there were 4 groups including (1) public health officers from provincial, district, and sub-district levels (15 individuals), (2) the secondary schools under the jurisdiction of the secondary educational service area office and the secondary schools in educational opportunity expansion schools under the jurisdiction of the primary educational service area office, which already had the Youth Epidemiology Group (4 schools), (3) 9 advisory teachers, and (4) 51 students that were part of the Youth Epidemiology Group. Data were collected between December 2023 and September 2024. The qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed and percentages were used. The study findings revealed that schools engaged in policies promoting collaboration across sectors. School administrators included student health monitoring as a regular agenda item, and students were encouraged to participate in various groups under the supervision of advisory teachers and public health officers. The primary care nurse teacher was notified about the illnesses. Preventing communicable diseases was emphasized during outbreak seasons. Controlling communicable diseases required protocols that were aligned with COVID-19 control measures. After the model was implemented, the Youth Epidemiology Group took part in active communicable disease surveillance and prevention activities. Despite the absence of a specific project plan. All schools were able to proceed based on the meeting's format. The Youth Epidemiology Group was being recruited to replace those who will graduate. This group conducted communicable disease surveillance activities, recorded illness data, and reported findings to advisory teachers, although some data gaps remained. Disease prevention followed COVID-19 guidelines, with the focus on isolating symptomatic individuals from other classmates. No significant disease outbreaks during the study period. Suggest that establishing an advisory committee would strengthen the model. The model should enhance students fundamental epidemiological knowledge, disease prevention and control. Integrating school activities with community health programs. Continuous monitoring and evaluation by educational authorities will be crucial in sustaining the model's success.