Development of Prevention and Control on Tuberculosis Model, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This action research aimed to develop an operational model for tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control in Khon Kaen Province. The target population included 50 healthcare workers involved, TB clinic, 380 village health volunteers, and 200 newly registered TB patients. The research was conducted from August 2023 to May 2024. Data collection tools included three sets of questionnaires for quantitative data: one for public health personnel, one for village health volunteers, and one for new TB patients. Qualitative data was collected through interviews and observations. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a paired samples t-test, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The study found that Khon Kaen Province still faced challenges in comprehensive screening of at-risk groups, treatment, and medication adherence monitoring. The newly developed model consists of four components:1) a structure suitable for the local context, 2) capacity building for the health network, 3) participatory operational design, and 4) monitoring and evaluation for continuous system improvement. The comparison of mean scores showed significant improvements in 1) healthcare workers' satisfaction before and after the model development, 2) knowledge and participation of village health volunteers, and 3) knowledge and preventive behaviors of new TB patients, with a statistical significance of p-value < 0.001. In conclusion, the developed model promotes participatory work, leading to better outcomes for both service providers and recipients, as well as the families and communities involved