Factors Affecting Performance for Local Wisdom Health of Village Health Volunteers in Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to examine role perception, social support, network partnerships, work motivation, expertise, demographic characteristics, and the application of local health wisdom among village health volunteers (VHVs) in Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok Province, as well as to identify the factors influencing their application of local health wisdom. The study sample comprised 345 VHVs, selected through systematic sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that social support was at a high level, while role perception, network partnerships, work motivation, and the application of local health wisdom were at moderate levels. The most influential factor on the application of local health wisdom was role perception (β = 0.212), followed by work motivation (β = 0.192), network partnerships (β = 0.170), single marital status (β = 0.123), and the number of areas of expertise in local wisdom and traditional Thai medicine (β = 0.107), respectively. These variables jointly predicted 27.6% of the variance in the application of local health wisdom among VHVs, while other factors were not significant predictors. The results suggest that relevant agencies should strengthen network partnerships, enhance role perception, increase work motivation, and provide continuous and systematic training to broaden specialized expertise. Additionally, policies should be developed to promote and support VHVs in applying local health wisdom in community health services.