Experiences of Social Networks in Assisting Vulnerable People, during Floods in Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Abstract

               This qualitative research studies the experience of social networks in assisting vulnerable groups, residing in Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province during floods. The data collection was conducted by focus group discussions and in-depth interviews using semi-structured interview guided questions. Key informants included 15 healthcare providers, 12 government officers, 13 non-profit organization officers and volunteers, and 13 community leaders and local politicians were recruited through the purposive sampling and snowball techniques. The data were analyzed using content analysis according to Giogi’s method. The study revealed that the social networks played roles in assisting vulnerable groups by preparing, monitoring, warning, and helping them evacuate to safe areas before disasters occurred. The study also included searching and rescuing, and distributing relief supplies, and referring to appropriate assistance during disasters, and providing rehabilitation after disasters. Moreover, the social network wants to develop collaboration in caring for vulnerable groups more effectively by establishing an incident command system for working together, contributing to the community disaster plan, and rehearsing with vulnerable groups for participation and developing the vulnerable group database for assisting during a disaster. Nurses can promote the social network participation in assisting vulnerable people by learning to work together with other under the incident command system, contributing the community disaster plan and rehearsing with vulnerable people to participate and collaborate to develop a vulnerable groups database.