Development of the Project on Steroids Screening in Traditional Medicines with Steroids Test Kit : Case Study of Bansuan Subdistrict, Mueang Chonburi District, Chonburi Province

Abstract

Objective: To develop the project on steroids screening in traditional medicines using steroid test kits in Bansuan subdistrict, Mueang Chonburi district, Chonburi province and evaluate the outcomes of the project. Methods: A researcher explained to Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) the importance of steroids testing and provided them knowledge on the dangers of steroids in traditional medicines. Subsequently, group discussion among VHVs on methods for campaign of the project was arranged. Later, the project was implemented for one month from May 1-May 31 in 2016 by testing traditional medicines brought by those in the community using steroids test kit. The project was evaluated in terms of operation costs and number of screened traditional medicines. Results: Approaches for knowledge provision and implementation of the project were the campaign by wired announcement within the community, light signs and fabric banners, and leaflets/flyers distribution to disseminate knowledge via VHVs. During one month of the project operation, total costs of the project were 19,642.13 baht, 18,393.79 baht of which were the government costs (93.6 percent) and 1,248.34 baht of which (6.4 percent) were the costs borne by the public. The project identified 3 samples of traditional medicines with positive results for steroids out of the total of 10 samples. Most accessible channel of communication for those in the community was program campaign and knowledge dissemination to public VHVs. Conclusion: The project on steroids screening in traditional medicines at Bansuan subdistrict, Mueang Chonburi district, Chonburi province should emphasize on education and program promotion via VHVs which was effective in implementing the program. The cost of the project was 1,964.21 baht per one screening of sample.