The Development of a Area Bases Disease Surveillance, Prevention, and Control System Through a Participatory Planning Process by the Health Service Network in Atsamat District, Roi-Et Province

Abstract

Purposes : To study the situation, develop systems, and evaluate outcomes for the surveillance, prevention, and control of communicable diseases within the health service network of Atsamat District, Roi Et Province.

Study design : Action Research : AR.

Materials and Methods : Key informants consisted of four groups: (1) 11 members of the Atsamat District Health Promotion Committee (PCHO), (2) 10 village health volunteer leaders at the sub-district level, (3) 18 mayors and sub-district administrative organization leaders, and (4) 13 directors of sub-district health promotion hospitals, totaling 52 individuals. The study was conducted from April to August 2023. Data were collected using questionnaires, record forms, and focus group discussion guides, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, percentage differences, and content analysis.

Main findings : 1) The situation regarding the surveillance, prevention, and control of communicable diseases in the area revealed systemic issues, including problems with inputs, operational processes, and outcomes. 2) The surveillance, prevention, and control system for communicable diseases comprised eight steps: A preliminary situation assessment, Development of a disease surveillance system, Formulation of prevention and control plans, Establishment of collaborative networks, Training of personnel and community education, Outbreak response management, Evaluation and improvement, and communication and reporting and 3) The participation of key informants and the management process for disease surveillance, prevention, and control in the area increased by 36.21% and 33.22%, respectively.

Conclusion and recommendations : The findings of this study resulted in a participatory disease surveillance, prevention, and control system within the community network.