Volunteers Participation Screening Model for the New Cases Tuberculosis Patients in Drug Addict and Alcohol Dependence Groups in Nong Phok District Service Network

Abstract

This participatory action research aimed to analyze tuberculosis situation, find and screen for new tuberculosis cases, and develop a screening model for new cases of tuberculosis among drug addicts and those with alcohol dependence. The sample consisted of 35 medical personnel and 50 people with drug addict and alcohol dependence. The research process consisted of 4 phases, conducted between March 2022 and February 2023. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and content analysis. The research found that the majority of drug addicts and alcohol dependence were teenagers. The development tuberculosis screening model results were included in the 6-step process as follows: 1) exchanging knowledge; 2) providing knowledge about tuberculosis to multidisciplinary teams and service networks; 3) searching for tuberculosis in risk groups by examining  chest X-rays and sputum AFB; 4) Follow-up visits to the sub-district health promotion hospital service network, public health volunteers, drug addiction and alcohol dependence groups in the community and drug treatment camps; 5) network coordination, and 6) support for the compensation of vehicle expenses. The results of this research show that tuberculosis screening among drug addicts and chronic alcoholics has a total of 6 important steps that create cooperation, resulting in easy access to services.