Competency Development of Community in Caring for Persons with Hypertension: A Case Study in Surathani Province

Abstract

This Participatory action research aims to improve the competency of community in caring for persons with hypertension at Bang Bai Mai community, Surathani Province. The participants in this study consisted of 35 pairs of persons with hypertension and caregivers, two health workers, 10 volunteers from the villages and one community leader. All stages of community participation were employed, including 1) analysis of the health problems and the care needs of patients with hypertension, 2) planning the activities including activities for competency development for caregivers and home visits for the care of patients with hypertension, 3) implementation of the plan, 4) reflection on the implemented practice, and 5) evaluation. Data were collected using the Knowledge Questionaire, the Participants Satisfaction Questionnaire, the focus group, and interview. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Results showed that caregiver's knowledge and awareness of their roles as caregivers were improved. In addition, the ability to coordinate with health care teams was also improved. Furthermore, results revealed that the persons with hypertension were continuously home visited for health assessment and follow up for surveillance of complications.

Keywords: Competency development, Caregiver, Caring, Hypertension, Community