Community Empowerment in the Management of the Problems on Inappropriate Drugs and Health Products: Case Study of Nonkhun District, Sisaket Province

Abstract

Objective: To study the approach for community empowerment in managing the problems on inappropriate drugs and health products, and to identify key success factors of the consumer protection network in Nonkhun District, Sisaket Province. Method: The study was a qualitative study by concluding the lessons learned and conducing content analysis on the data from document study and in-depth interview with 2 core members of the consumer protection network at the provincial level, 5 from the district level and 9 from sub-district level. Results: In 2008, the network surveyed the availability of drugs and health products at groceries in the District in order to identify the magnitude of problem and link the findings to the data on those with adverse reactions from drugs and health products. Eighteen percent of those with adverse reactions experienced the reactions from taking the products bought in the community. The network used this information in driving the activities both at the leaders and members. The activities began with the projects on “dangerous drug free groceries” in Pho sub-district with a strong network. The network was expanded throughout the District via community meeting with the establishment of rules regarding the problems in the community. In 2011, the network participated in the health planning of District leading to the integration of the activities on health consumer protection of the District and network activities. Community was empowered through learning and sharing activities and the inspection of the problems in the community. In 2013, the network became community information center by linking the activities with the Regional Medical Science Center of at Ubonratchathani and Drug System Monitoring and Development Centre, aiming at curbing the problems at the system level. Key success factors included the appointment of capable core members, availability of environment and instruments that facilitate the functions of network, planning for activities that build upon the previous ones, continuous encouragement of working teams with the horizontal coordination, the recognition of role models. Restrictions in the work of the Network were beliefs and values in drug use, advertising and direct to consumer distribution of health products. Conclusion: Relevant parties should simultaneously integrate community empowerment at all levels including up-stream level (central regulatory agencies), mid-stream (provincial or regional regulatory agencies) and down-stream (district or community) in order to create efficient consumer protection in health.