Guidelines for Potential Development of Village Health Volunteers (o Prevent Stroke in a Risk Group

Abstract

This action research was conducted to investigate and to develop guidelines and outcomes of potential development of village health volunteers (VHVs) to prevent stroke. The research study consisted of 53 participants which consisted of 30 VHVs, a registered nurse, a public health and environment officer, a community leader and 20 of people with a risk of stroke. The study was conducted in a village in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, a focus group, and participatory observations. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The results showed that the VHVs have an inadequate knowledge of stroke. There was a lack of available teaching media during home visits for at-risk patients. Patients were more inclined to trust the advice from health officers than they were from village health volunteers. There was no consistent and regular communication from the community informing the villagers about stroke. Strategies for the potential development of village health volunteers for the prevention of stroke uses the participation of the volunteers and stakeholders. These strategies included studying the problem, analyzing the data, returning the data, planning, acting, and evaluating. The action plan consisted of 1) organizing a seminar on stroke and the roles of village health volunteers, 2) establishing a family visiting team, 3) developing a stroke leader, and 4) creating teaching media for stroke. This research found that village health volunteers had more knowledge and felt more confident in preventing strokes. They had guidelines for home visits. Also, people with a high risk of stroke also received more benefits from these volunteers so as to apply this knowledge for improved self-care.