Development of a health care model for monks with hypertension and diabetes mellitus through community participation in Lopburi Province
Keywords:
Ill monks, participatory action research, health care model, non-communicable diseasesAbstract
This study aimed to 1) examine the problems and context of health care for monks suffering from hypertension and diabetes mellitus, 2) develop a community participation–based health care model, and 3) evaluate the outcomes of the model. A research and development approach was employed, integrating participatory action research in both model development and implementation evaluation.
The informants included monks, individuals involved in monk health care in the community, co-researchers, and stakeholders in model development, totaling 69 participants. A sample of 15 monks suffering from hypertension and diabetes was also included. The study was conducted from December 2023 to December 2024. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and health outcome recording forms. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and interpretation, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired samples t-test.
The findings revealed that health care for ill monks lacked intersectoral integration, systematic planning and monitoring, congruence with monastic discipline, and equitable access to health services. The developed health care model, termed the “PRA-NGAM Model,” comprised seven components: participatory planning, health service provision consistent with monastic discipline, accessibility to health services, development of health information systems and care networks, Buddhist-oriented health education, enhancement of caregiver capacity, and continuous monitoring. Evaluation results indicated that systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, as well as glycated hemoglobin levels, significantly decreased after implementation of the model (p<0.001). In conclusion, the PRA-NGAM Model is appropriate for application in temple and community contexts and demonstrates potential for promoting sustainable health care for ill monks.
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