Community Health Care Model through Community Health Station: A Case Study of Thung Bon Community, Bung Wai Subdistrict, Warin Chamrap District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

The study was a survey research study. The purpose was to investigate a community health model using the community health station framework, guided by the 3G-1K-3S model and the concept of social capital (including structural and service dimensions). A mixed-methods approach was conducted in this study. The sample consisted of 48 participants selected through stratified random sampling. The participant pool included 13 key informants (village health volunteers, professional nurses, directors of Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals, village chiefs, assistant village chiefs, and members of the Subdistrict Administrative Organization) and 35 community residents. The research tools consisted of a questionnaire and an in-depth interview guide. The content validity (IOC = 0.67) and reliability (α = 0.87) of the tools were validated prior to use in this study. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The results showed two major dimensions. Dimension 1, the structural dimension (comprising G1: community governance committee and G2: community health fund), showed a high level of appropriateness (=3.68, SD=0.79). The findings indicate the readiness of community committees, functional management, and support from multiple sectors, despite the absence of formal appointments. Dimension 2, the service dimension (comprising G3: community activities, K1: data and information, S1: collaboration, S2: communication, and S3: sustainability), showed the highest level of appropriateness (=4.65, SD=0.61). The findings highlight the effectiveness of the community health station, enabling the public to access services easily and consistently. Qualitative data analysis identified three key themes: 1) volunteer spirit and social capital as key drivers, 2) services perceived as close-to-home and person-centered, and 3) communication and collaboration as foundations for sustainability. The systemic synthesis of these findings led to the development of the “THUNG-BON MODEL” as a blueprint for sustainable community health management.