Opisthorchiasis Prevention and Control Model in High Prevalence Area by Primary Health Care Networks and Local Administrative Organizations.

Abstract

          The objective of this action research was to develop Opisthorchiasis prevention and control model in high prevalence areas by primary health care networks and local administrative organizations. The study was conducted January 2022 to April 2023.Sub-districts with prevalence of Opisthorchiasis more than 30% in Khon Kaen province was randomly selected. Kranuan subdistrict in Sumsoong district was study site and the study group consisted of personnel from the related sector including primary health care networks within and outside the public health sector, local administrative organizations, population at risk and over. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, observations and group discussions. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and content data synthesis. The study was divided into 4 phases. Phase 1: Analysis of situations and problems of Opisthorchiasis prevention and control according to the roles and functions of the network and local administrative organizations. Phase 2: Development of potential of primary health care networks and local administrative organizations to be able to manage Opisthorchiasis in an outcome-based consistent with the problem conditions Phase 3: The development of Opisthorchiasis prevention and control model in high prevalence area by primary health care networks and local administrative organizations. Phase 4: Performance evaluation. The results revealed that targets and measures of Opisthorchiasis prevention and control are shared by primary health care networks and local administrative organizations to create plans/projects that correspond to the problem conditions. There were many innovative operations implemented in community and the important measures were assigned to main person groups by their roles and function such as annual screening of Opisthorchiasis, online consultation, E-learning in school and local child care center, innovation of fish free parasites, health literacy promoted through media and influencers. etc.
          Conclusions:  Opisthorchiasis prevention and control model in high prevalence area by primary health care networks and local administrative organizations has a potential of high opportunity for further collaborate action to achieve the goal of sustainable Opisthorchiasis eradication in the near future.