Development of Cultural Sensitive Technologies for Mental Health Promotion and Prevention of Depression: An Action Research in Two Provinces of Northeast, Thailand

Abstract

This study was aimed at developing culturally sensitive technologies in order to promote mental health and prevent depressive disorders in Isan society.  An action research was employed with 698 participants in Khon Kaen and Yasothorn Provinces of Northeast Thailand during 2006-2008.  A qualitative study was conducted in phase 1 with 352 participants in order to explore meanings and perceptions of depression.  Findings from phase 1 were used to develop culturally sensitive technologies in phase 2 by 42 participants, including traditional musicians, local mass media persons and researchers.  Five technologies including 6 songs, 12 short stories, 12 documentaries, 1 comic, 4 radio spots and 1 short movie were developed.  All developed technologies were tested with 331 participants in phase 3.  Qualitative data were collected using focus group discussions and interviews, and were analyzed using content analysis.  Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and 95%CI.   It was found that Isan phrase   าNang leom - Kid leom - Bor son jai poo dai could convey depression.  The 95%CI indicated that the accepted rate was 80% achieved.  Adolescents welcomed the comic book and pop songs.  It is suggested that culturally sensitive programs for universal and selected prevention for depression should be further developed in various sub-cultures, which may result in more effective, easily integrated programs and a more thorough understanding of depression in Thai culture.