Action research to solve stress problems among public health personnel of Mueang Surin District Public Health Office, Surin Province

Abstract

This action research aimed to develop a stress reduction program for public health personnel in the Mueang District Public Health Office, Surin Province. The research process was divided into 2 phases: Phase 1 studied stress, related factors, and needs for a stress reduction program. The target group was 123 public health personnel. Phase 2 developed the program and studied its effectiveness using a stress questionnaire. The sample group was 42 public health personnel with moderate or higher levels of stress (from Phase 1). The action research process has 4 steps: planning, action, observation and reflection. Descriptive statistics were used to study general information and stress. Data were collected using questionnaires, group discussions and observation. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, quantitative data using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics including Multiple linear regression and pair t-test. The results of the phase 1 study found that most personnel had moderate and severe stress. The nature of work was significantly related to stress (Coef. = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.04-0.82). They wanted an easy-to-access, online, time-consuming, and easy-to-follow stress reduction method. The results of the phase 2 study found that the online stress reduction method consisted of 5 activities: group discussion, meditation therapy, training to stop thinking, relaxing massage, and sleep with relaxing music for a total period of 2 weeks. After the trial, it was found that the stress of the staff was reduced to a low and moderate level. The stress scores before and after using the model were significantly different (MD=14.09, SD=8.32, 95%CI=12.60-15.57). Recommendations The results of this study can be considered to apply the development process to other target groups in the context of that area. Future research should consider using more appropriate research methods, such as experimental or quasi-experimental studies, to be able to assess the relationship and results more accurately. The developed model can reduce stress levels in public health personnel to some extent. However, it is still necessary to continuously improve and develop it for better efficiency. Future research should design the study with a control group to increase the reliability of the results.