Results of District Health System Implementing in Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This mixed method study aimed to evaluate the results of District Health System implementing and to find out the essential health care identification and self-care development. The study was conducted in Chiang Mai, during August - November 2016. The samples were 23 district health system committees; who participated in district health system assessment and 48 participants from four districts involved in focus group discussions. Descriptive analysis was used for Quantitative data such as number and percentage while a content analysis was applied for Qualitative data. The results revealed the district health system was implemented in a very high level (4.01-5.00 scores), a high level (3.01-4.00 scores), and a moderate level (2.01-3.00 scores) found in four districts (17.39%), 15 districts (65.22%),and four districts (17.39%), respectively. The essential healthcare elements were most highlighted including: 1) elderly healthcare problem; 2)non communicable diseases e.g. diabetes hypertension; and 3) dengue hemorrhagic fever. For self-care investigation, Chai Pra Karn district showed a better implementation of a self-care activities than the other districts. The self-care activities included: 1) promoting low sugar, low fat, and low salt; 2) serving a vegetable menu for a religious ceremony or a funeral ceremony; 3) Avoiding to incense in a funeral ceremony; 4) Free alcohol drinking in a funeral ceremony; 5) promoting a folk dance or other kinds of exercise; and 6) surveillance of diabetes and hypertension. The self-care activities and the process of self-care development found in this study can be used in other district districts but a further development may need to appropriate with their context. However, a promoting of information management system should available to promote to identify healthcare problems and to evaluate a clinical and psychological outcome.