Development of Health Care System for Stroke Risk Group in the community at Ban Pru Jud Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Bang Di Subdistrict, Huai Yot District, Trang Province

Abstract

Stroke is a major cause of illness and mortality among the Thai population. This participatory action research aims to study the current situation, problems, and needs in caring and to develop a health care system for the stroke risk group in the community. The study was conducted in three phases. Phase one: involved studying the situation, problems, and needs. Qualitative data were obtained from eight community personnel and stakeholders, while quantitative data were collected from thirty-five people from the stroke risk population. Data collection methods included focus group discussions and   in-depth interviews. Phase two: developing a community health care system for stroke risk groups through brainstorming sessions with stakeholders and validating the system’s appropriateness with experts. Phase three: evaluated the effectiveness of the developed system among thirty-five purposively selected individuals with moderate or higher risk levels based on the Thai CV Risk Score. Data were collected using questionnaires assessing knowledge, beliefs, and practices for stroke risk control, as well as a satisfaction survey. Data analysis employed content analysis, descriptive statistics (percentage and mean), and comparative statistics (Paired t-test).

Results: The issue concerning health care for individuals at risk of stroke within the community is that these individuals often lack awareness of their risk levels and tend to manage their risks and abnormal symptoms based on personal experiences. The establishment of a community-based participatory health care system for stroke risk groups comprises four primary components: 1) a well-defined referral process, 2) dissemination of information and knowledge regarding risk management, 3) effective risk communication, and 4) continuous follow-up care. The implementation of this health care system has been shown to enhance knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors among those at risk of stroke, fostering a collaborative model between the community and the health care system. An evaluation of the model's effectiveness revealed that, following its implementation, the sample group exhibited significantly higher average scores in knowledge, beliefs, and practices aimed at reducing stroke risk, as well as increased satisfaction, with statistical significance (p < 0.01). It is recommended that health care for stroke risk groups within the community be systematically managed, incorporating integrated community participation and ongoing monitoring of at-risk groups.