Role of Village Health Volunteers on Acceptance of Basic Vaccines by Thai Muslim Parents in the Three Southern Border Provinces of Thailand

Authors

  • Nayuwal Sudwilai Regional Health Promotion Center 12, Yala, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health
  • Awirut Singkun Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Yala, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute
  • Niratchara Lillahkul Faculty of Nursing, Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University, Pitsanulok Province
  • Uraiwan Sirithammaphan Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Yala, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute

Keywords:

Three Southern Border Provinces, Vaccine Acceptance, Basic Vaccines

Abstract

                 Vaccine hesitancy and refusal is still the predominant problem in the three southern border provinces of Thailand. Despite the availability of immunization services, vaccine hesitancy and refusal remain a pressing public health challenge in the three southern border provinces of Thailand, particularly among Muslim communities. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach to depict role of VHVs on acceptance of basic vaccines in the three southern border provinces of Thailand, through the perspectives by Thai Muslim parents. Fifteen participants were selected through purposive sampling based on the inclusion criteria. In-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted. After data saturation, data were then thematically analyzed using a modified Colaizzi's seven-step method for data analysis. Thematic analysis generated five key themes in relation to explore an important role of VHVs on acceptance of basic vaccines in the three southern border provinces of Thailand, through the perspectives by Thai Muslim parents, comprised: Theme 1: The role of building trust; Theme2: Effective communication; Theme 3: Being a role model; Theme 4: Working with service mind; and Theme 5: Having work ability. The results will be beneficial for strategies or planning related to promoting basic vaccine coverage in children in the Muslim majority regions.  

 

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Published

2025-07-07

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025): May-August 2025

Section

Research Articles

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