The Study of Implementation Role for Surveillance, Prevention and Control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Communities of Village Health Volunteers in Phrae Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research were to study the process of implementation role for surveillance, prevention and control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in communities of village health volunteers (VHVs) in Phrae Province. The type of research was a descriptive research. The quantitative and the qualitative data were collected from the group of VHVs, public health officers, risk groups and COVID-19 infected groups. The quantitative data were analyzed by inferential statistics and multiple logistic regressions. The qualitative data were analyzed in the aspects of implementation process, success factors, obstacles and suggestions.

The result of the study revealed that 97.6% of VHVs played roles in searching and screening of high risk groups at most level, 96.0% giving vaccination suggestions to people, 95.5% visiting home to follow-up and observe the symptoms, 95.5% recording and reporting on implementation results, and 77.1% of VHVs played the role for surveillance, prevention and control of COVID-19 in communities for following-up the home isolation or community isolation at least level. Factors affecting the statistical significance were VHVs’ responsible roles (p < .001), duration of being VHVs (p < .001), occupation
 (p < .05) and support from the public health officers (p < .05). From group discussions and in-depth interview, it was found that factors which led to the success were VHVs’ duty determination, voluntary mind, intention, sacrifice, support from departments and related network partners. The obstacles were lack of quality equipment and people’s participation. The policy suggestions included providing support to knowledge improvement, operation guidelines and sufficient facilities, information technology system management and administration, and participative operation integration of the network.