The Preparedness for Health Management of Community Core Leaders of Tambon Thaworn Watthana, Sai Thong Watthana District, Kamphaeng Phet Province - ความพร้อมในการจัดการสุขภาพของแกนนำชุมชนตำบลถาวรวัฒนา อำเภอทรายทองวัฒนา จังหวัดกำแพงเพชร

Abstract

         This research was aimed at assessing the preparedness for and satisfaction of health management of the Community Core Leaders, and development of the health management village in Tambon ThawornWatthana, Sai Thong Watthana District, Kamphaeng Phet Province. The study used onegroup quasi-experimental design by measuring pre-and post tests of the participatory learning of health management. The study population was members of the Community Core Leaders in Tambon Thaworn Watthana. The samples were volunteers with self-selection at around 5-7 persons per village totalling 63 persons. The data collecting instruments comprised knowledge test, questionnaire, village forum report, participatory learning self assessment form, community health plan and group discussion report. The study was launched from June to October 2009. The obtained data was analyzed quantitatively with basic statistics and paired t-test. The qualitative data was analyzed by content analysis technique.

        The study showed that most of the Community Core Leaders had moderate knowledge in health management (65.1%), good attitude towards health management process (50.8%), and high level of participation in health management (74.6%). Pre- and post tests for joining in health management process indicated that the Community Core Leaders gained greater knowledge, attitude and involvement in health management at the statistically significant level, p-value less than 0.001. Achievement in term of the best village development process increased from 75.0 to 90.8 percent. They felt greatly satisfied with the process of health management. The preparedness for and capability in health team arrangement were increased and strengthened so as to be able to draw up 8 health plans supported by the Tambon Administrative Organization amounting to 195,340 baht. It was recommended that participatory learning is appropriate as a health development policy for integrating Tambon health development and establishing inclusive and continuous community preparedness, stimulating knowledge and information distribution. So that the community has to be alert with the existing health problems, realize the importance of health problems and participate in improving the individuals and community health.

Key words: health management, participatory learning, health management villages, community core leaders