Lessons Learned from Risk Communications During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Khun Han District, Si Sa Ket Province

Authors

  • Teerasak Phajan Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Khon Kaen, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute
  • Phitthaya Srimuang Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Khon Kaen, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute
  • Supat Assana Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Khon Kaen, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute
  • Lampung Vonok Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Khon Kaen, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute
  • Jetnipit Sommart Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Khon Kaen, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute
  • Sutin Chanaboon Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Khon Kaen, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute
  • Kritkantorn Suwannaphant Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Khon Kaen, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute

Keywords:

Risk communications, COVID-19, Border areas, Lessons learned

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to study patterns and approaches of risk communication, analyze success factors and limitations in risk communication, and propose guidelines for developing risk communication in rural border communities during the COVID-19 outbreak in Khun Han district, Sisaket province. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with key informants, including district-level public health administrators, public health officials responsible for risk communications, community leaders (sub-district headmen and village headmen), village health volunteers, and representatives from local administrative organizations. The data were analyzed using content analyses.

The findings revealed that effective risk communication patterns included the concept of "Stay Informed, Not Panicked," establishment of ad hoc communication teams, utilization of diverse communication channels, and use of leaders as role models. Success factors included quick response, stakeholder network participations, and adaptation of information to local contexts. Limitations included data constraints, public and personnel anxiety, and patient stigmatization.

Guidelines for developing risk communication focused on improving systems and structures, strengthening  cooperation and participation, enhancing personnel skills, refining communication processes, and developing communication systems in border areas. The results of this research can be applied as guidelines for developing risk communication in border areas and enhancing preparedness for future public health emergencies.

Author Biographies

Teerasak Phajan, Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Khon Kaen, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute

Assistant Professor

Phitthaya Srimuang, Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Khon Kaen, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute

Assistant Professor

Supat Assana, Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Khon Kaen, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute

Assistant Professor

Lampung Vonok, Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Khon Kaen, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute

Lecturer

Jetnipit Sommart, Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Khon Kaen, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute

Lecturer

Sutin Chanaboon, Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Khon Kaen, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute

Lecturer

Kritkantorn Suwannaphant, Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Khon Kaen, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute

Lecturer

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Published

2024-12-09

How to Cite

Phajan, T., Srimuang, P., Assana, S., Vonok, L., Sommart, J., Chanaboon, S., & Suwannaphant, K. (2024). Lessons Learned from Risk Communications During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Khun Han District, Si Sa Ket Province. REGIONAL HEALTH PROMOTION CENTER 9 JOURNAL, 19(1), 158–171. retrieved from https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/RHPC9Journal/article/view/271117

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Section

Research Article