Administrative Factors and Preventive Practice towards Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Control among Caregivers in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

This Cross Sectional Survey Study aimed to analyze the administrative resources and process effecting Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) control in child care centers, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Purposefully selected sample district by considering the prevalence of child care centers and the high score of HFMD specific attack rate. The study samples were in 3 districts, total of 101 centers, which categorized into 2 groups of the disease-free in childcare center participation. Interviewing with the guidelines and checklist forms were applied to the chief and care givers of child care centers. The descriptive statistics, Independent t-test and Chi-square test were employed for statistical analysis.

The results found that administrative resources of total child care centers were at a low level (56%) with an average score of 13.9 from 26. Both groups of project participation and non-participation in child care center were at a low level with an average score of 14.2 and 13.6 from 26, respectively. Overall administrative processes were at a moderate level (56%) with an average score of 69.4 from 105. Focusing on two participation groups, were at a moderate level with an average score of 70.9 and 67.5 from 105, respectively. The results of prevention practices were (1) the HFMD knowledge level of child care center chiefs did not differ between two participating groups, an average score of 12.5 and 12.1 out of 15, respectively. In contrast to the group of teachers/caregivers, which differed significantly between two participation groups (p < 0.05), which an average score of 12.9 and 11.8 out of 15, respectively. (2) The disease prevention and control practices differed significantly between two participation groups (p < 0.01), which an average score of 11.5 and 9.0 out of 14, respectively. (3) The outbreak controlling rate of the two participating groups was 71 and 38 percent, respectively. Administrative factors were composed of human factors, planning, organizing, leading and overall administrative process, effected significantly to disease prevention and control practices (p < 0.05).

In conclusion, administrative resources and process are essential factors for the effectiveness of HFMD control in child care centers. The local administrative organization should provide and support administrative resources and processes systematically including by encouraging child care centers to participate in the disease-free project in all areas.