Consumer Protection among District Public Health Executives: A Study on Perception of Roles and Legal Compliance

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the perception of roles, legal compliance, and confidence in consumer protection practices among district public health executives. The objectives were to 1) assess the district public health executives’ perceptions of their legal role and responsibilities, 2) compare levels of both role perception and confidence in performing consumer protection duties, and 3) explore the relationships between perceived roles and confidence in performing consumer protection tasks. The sample consisted of 298 district public health executives selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire divided in three parts: general information, perception of legal roles and responsibilities, and legal compliance practices. The content validity index of instrument ranged from .67 to 1.00, while its reliability coefficient was at the .73 level. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation and inferential statistics, including independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation, with a significance level of .05. The results were as follows.

1. The district public health executives had a high level of role perception. However, they had never performed certain duties such as drug destruction under the Drug Act B.E. 2510 (1967). Some officers performed duties beyond their legal authority, such as requesting documentation under the Medical Device Act B.E. 2511 (1968) (12.13%). More importantly, 33.45% of officers did not possess an official identification card as required by law. Most legal operations were carried out in collaboration with other agencies. The officers’ confidence in performing consumer protection tasks was at a moderate level.

2. Factors such as gender, age, length of service, educational level, and regional location showed no significant differences in role perception or confidence in performing consumer protection duties.

3. There was a positive correlation between role perception and confidence in performing legal duties related to consumer protection.

Therefore, it is recommended that the roles and responsibilities among Provincial Public Health Offices, District Public Health Offices, and other relevant agencies be clearly defined. Furthermore, operational manuals and additional trainings should be provided, along with the issuance of official identification cards to all authorized officers in accordance with legal requirements.