Knowledge and Role Perception for Prevention and Control of Avain Influenza Among Health Volunteer Phrao District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

          Avian Influenza is an emerging disease that is one of the most serious and important diseases that affects the health of humans. The participation of the community could prevent and control the spread of the disease. This descriptive study aimed to investigate the knowledge and role perception on prevention and control of Avian Influenza. The population in this study was 120 health volunteers in Phrao district, Chiang Mai province. The instrument used was a test constructed by the researcher, which consisted of knowledge on the promotion, and co-oreration for prevention activities with related organizations. The instrument by using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the health volunteers had an average score of knowledge at the high level. When classifying knowledge into 3 parts, it was found that knowledge of disease and signs and symptoms were at high level but the knowledge on prevent and control were at a moderate level. For role perception, it was found that the average score was at a moderate level. When classified in to 2 part; the health promotion role, the average score was at a high level, and the co-operation for prevention role was at a moderate level. The results of this study indicated that the health volunteers had a moderate score level in the role perception co-operation for Avain Influenza prevention activities. Therefore, heath personnel should empower health volunteers to have more ability to perform more effective roles in prevention and control of the disease.