Effects of a Community Participation-Based Self-Care Program on Patients with Substance Use Disorders in Sawang Wirawong District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of a self-care program integrated with the Appreciation, Influence, and Control (AIC) community participation process on health behaviors and intention to discontinue substance use. A quasi-experimental, one-group pretest-posttest design was conducted with 38 purposively selected patients with substance use disorders at Sawang Wirawong Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani (April–October 2025). The intervention integrated Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory, the Health Belief Model (HBM), and AIC. Validated instruments (IOC 0.67–1.00; Cronbach’s alpha 0.86) assessed knowledge, perceptions, self-care, and participation. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests

(p < .05).

Post-intervention, substance abuse knowledge scores increased from 9.33 to 12.70. Perceived susceptibility, severity, and benefits significantly increased, while barriers decreased (p < .001). Self-care behaviors improved from moderate (Xˉ = 2.80, S.D. = 0.65) to good (Xˉ = 4.10, S.D. = 0.55). Intention to discontinue substance use increased significantly (Xˉ = 4.30, S.D. = 0.60, p < .001). Community participation was rated high (Xˉ = 3.83, S.D. = 0.65). Community synergy via AIC establishes a crucial "social safety net," effectively altering attitudes and enhancing patient self-care. Public health agencies should expand this model for sustainable rehabilitation.