Development of a Prevention Model for Opisthorchiasis and Cholangiocarcinoma among People in Sakon Nakhon Province

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate prevention problems, develop a prevention model, and evaluate the effectiveness of an opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma prevention model among at-risk populations in Sakon Nakhon Province. The research instruments included a knowledge test, health belief questionnaire, and behavior questionnaire developed by the researcher and validated by three experts, yielding an Index of Item-Objective Congruence of 1, Kuder-Richardson 20 coefficient of 0.86, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.9. The study was conducted in four phases: 1) studying basic contextual data about factors related to disease prevention and control behaviors, 2) developing a disease prevention and control model, 3) implementing the prevention and control model, and 4) improving the prevention model, disseminating, and utilizing it. The sample consisted of 43 at-risk individuals and liver fluke-infected people residing in Ba Hi Subdistrict, Phanna Nikhom District, Sakon Nakhon Province. Pre-test and post-test comparisons were analyzed using Paired t-test.

The results showed that knowledge about opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma prevention after participating in the activities was significantly higher than before participation (x̄ = 15.79, S.D. = 1.78). Overall health belief perception after participating in the activities was significantly higher than before participation (x̄ = 114.62, S.D. = 10.54). Disease prevention behaviors were also significantly different after participation (x̄ = 27.53, S.D. = 3.24).

Discussion and conclusion: The opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma prevention model can be implemented more effectively by developing and improving prevention guidelines with support from government policies and adequate resources. Community participation should be promoted to ensure sustainable implementation.