Community participation in promoting health literacy of cardiovascular disease prevention among patients with multiple chronic diseases aged 35 years and over in the area of Ubonratana District, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to study community participation in enhancing health literacy for cardiovascular disease prevention among individuals aged 35 years and over with multiple chronic conditions residing in Ubonrat District, Khon Kaen Province. Sample were 34 participants from four primary community organizations: the Public-Sector (12 participants), community leaders (6 participants), local administrative organizations (7 participants), and sub-district health promoting hospitals (9 participants). A purposive sampling method was employed. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using content analysis, analyzed the similarities and differences within the data, divided it into major sections, and categorized them into respective groups.
The findings revealed that health network partners in the community played significant roles in supporting and caring for chronic disease patients. Their responsibilities included providing health education, conducting disease screenings, making home visits, and offering financial and material support. It was observed that most patients were elderly and lived alone, their children working away from home, resulting in a lack of caregivers. Limitations faced by these patients included difficulty in occupational constraints, earning income, and ability to access health information through technology. Many participants perceived cardiovascular disease as irrelevant to them. Barriers identified in the study included difficulties in accessing healthcare services due to transportation limitations. However, most patients were cooperative in maintaining their health and were receptive to guidance from healthcare personnel, village health volunteers (VHVs), and community leaders. Improvement of work in caring for patients with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to prevent cardiovascular disease in the area were as follows: Suggestions for individual level, patients with NCDs should get trained to enhance self-care skills. At community level, leaders should seek and identify people to serve as role models in health promotion and disease prevention. Moreover, it was recommended that health professionals, government agencies, and health networks work collaboratively to strengthen healthcare systems for NCD patients by providing additional health education to those who lack knowledge, such as the elderly and those with technological limitations. Health communication strategies should be adapted to suit individual needs, especially regarding dietary guidance and adherence to medical appointments, to strengthen and maintain knowledge on disease prevention. Additionally, it is essential to improve the capacity of healthcare personnel, expand proactive health services, and ensure continuous feedback and information sharing within the community.