Perceptions of the Situation of the Transfer Tambon Health Promoting Hospitals (THPH) to the Provincial Administrative Organizations (PAOs) amongst the fourth-year of Public Health program (Community Public Health) under Praboromarajchanok Institute

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to examine the perceptions towards the transfer of Tambon Health Promoting Hospitals (THPH) to Provincial Administrative Organizations (PAOs), and to compare the perception scores among students from different colleges. A total of 129 fourth-year undergraduate students in Public Health program (community public health) of Praboromarajchanok Institute were recruited. Data was collected between February 21 and March 28, 2024, using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included general information and perception towards the THPH transfer in four aspects: pre-transfer operations, transfer mechanisms and mission transfer processes, readiness assessment, and post-transfer mission operations. The data was analyzed using statistics including frequency, percentage, mean standard deviation, and one-way ANOVA.
The results showed that the students had high levels of perception towards all aspects of the THPH transfer. The aspect with the highest perception score was post-transfer operations (x ̅=4.04±0.62), followed by pre-transfer operations (x ̅=4.01±0.60). The aspect with the lowest perception score was mechanisms and processes of the transfer (x ̅=3.99±0.60). Comparison of perception scores among students from the four colleges revealed significant differences in overall perception (p<.001). The curriculum and colleges under Praboromarajchanok Institute can utilize these findings to plan and develop guidelines for promoting knowledge, understanding, and preparedness of the students before graduation for their future careers.