Participatory investigation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Khek Noi Subdistrict Khao Kho District, Phetchabun Province, September 2021

Abstract

On 13^th September 2021, operation team from Office Disease Prevention and Control 2, Phitsanulok province collaborated with local teams to conduct COVID-19 disease investigations to explore the situation and challenge, to provide the recommendations, and to evaluate control measures. A cross-sectional design to describe a descriptive epidemiological study was conducted, applying principles of participatory action research. The methods composed of interviewing patients, active case finding, laboratory testing, vaccine accessibility and attitude, preparation and implementation plan, and evaluation.  Screening was carried out for 1,460 people (8.84%), 22 confirmed cases (17.80%), 101 probable cases (82.10%), 1 death (case fatality rate 0.81). Attack rate ratio among female to male was 1.23:1. The first dose for COVID-19 vaccination in age group 18 years and over was 47.75% and 11.33% for the second dose. The result showed that people did not want to receive the vaccine (38%). The reason for not getting vaccinated was “did not travel out of the village” and “did not dare to vaccinate due to the deaths from social media”. The investigation team created measures for entering and exiting the village, screening by antigen test kits, organizing groups of shops and markets, quarantine high-risk groups who contacted with cases for 14 days. Moreover, the team communicated with Hmong language, promoted the DMHT policy, and monitored sick people until the 20^th October 2021. We followed up on vaccination results (86.71% for the first dose, and 73.03% for the second dose.)