Development of a Self-management Support System to Prevent the Risk of Cerebrovascular Disease Among Village Health Volunteers with Non-communicable Diseases Case study: Chom Thong Sub-District, Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

This developmental design research aimed to improve self-management support systems (SMSS) for preventing the risk of stroke among village health volunteers (VHVs) working for community health centers. A group of 30 VHVs diagnosed with non-communicable diseases in the Chom Thong sub-district, Phitsanulok province was recruited into the study. The research methodology consisted of three phases: Phase one: investigated the problem situation, Phase two concentrated on developing the SMSS, and Phase three evaluated the effectiveness of the SMSS. The total duration of this research project was eight weeks. The tools utilized in this research are divided into 2 parts as follows: Part one consisted of data collection tools, semi-structured interviews, general data recording forms, and physical examination record forms consisted of blood pressure levels, blood sugar levels, weight, waist circumference and body mass index. All the addfforementioned tools have a reliability coefficient of 0.8. In addition, there was also a health care behavior questionnaire with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.7 and a knowledge test using the Kuder-Richardson 20 method with a coefficient of 0.7. Part two consisted of experimental tools, a knowledge set delivered through a mobile application, daily health and knowledge recording forms. The afforementioned tools have a reliability coefficient of 0.8. The data obtained from this research was analyzed using descriptive statistics  and statistical analysis techniques including paired t-tests and Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests for health knowledge, health care behaviors and physical exam results.

After the self-management support system (SMSS) was implemented, the study results showed that: results revealed statistically significant decreases in diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, weight, body mass index (BMI), and Hemoglobin A1C at  p< .05. On the other hand, there were no notable differences in systolic blood pressure, blood sugar levels, health knowledge, and behaviors overall before and after the experiment. However, there was a statistically significant increase in scores for emotional behavior aspects at a significance level of .05.