Results of the Development of Guidelines and Mechanisms for Disease Prevention and Control Using the Concept of Mechanism of District Health Board in Area Health Region Number 7

Abstract

This action research aimed to develop guidelines and mechanisms for disease prevention and control, using the concept of improving quality of life at the district level in Area Health Region Number 7. The key informants included members of the District Health Board (DHB), administrators, and stakeholders. Research period was from October 2019 to December 2022. The research was divided into three phases. Phase I involved studying the situation and problem conditions. Phase II developed guidelines and mechanisms for disease prevention and control, addressing health hazards through the mechanism of the District Quality of Life Development Committee, using the PAOR process comprising four steps: planning, action, observation, and reflecting. Phase III involved evaluation, data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content data synthesis. The results of the study found that Phase I did not have clear guidelines and management mechanisms for improving the quality of life at the district level. Phase II planned development by taking the needs of stakeholders into determination, resulting in the formulation of the GDL2C framework. This framework included Goal(G) strategy, goals, and development guidelines; Deployment (D) strategies to communicate and convey for mutual understanding; Learning (L) initiatives aimed at improving working methods, sharing knowledge, and developing potential; Collaboration (C) efforts to create participation among the public, private, and public sectors; and Continuous (C) measures to ensure the continuity of operations. Phase III involved follow-up and evaluation. The results of using development guidelines and mechanisms, along with lessons learned, were examined. It was found that the CSOs had shared goals. Data on health, social, and economic dimensions were used for analysis and were consistent with the selection of local issues. Communication was conveyed to stakeholders and goals were clearly defined. The activity format became more proactive and the results of disease and health hazard prevention and control in the pilot areas aligned with the criteria set by the district. Therefore, the developed guidelines and mechanisms could be used in the management, prevention, and control of diseases and health hazards in Public Health Region 7, consistent with the current situation.