Development of Guidelines for COVID-19 Funeral Management of Multicultural Context in Yala Province Network

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the situation, develop and evaluate outcomes of COVID-19 corpse management guidelines in a multicultural context of the network in Yala province. As management of deaths from infectious diseases should not be performed as normal death rituals. In addition, in the three southern border provinces, there is a sensitive culture and beliefs of each religion. Therefore, there was a conflict with the rituals of handling the corpse. This research was carried out in 3 steps: study the situation; development, and outcome evaluation of COVID-19 funeral management guidelines in 318 patients who died of COVID-19. Tools used for collection were (1) questions in group discussions. Qualitative data analysis was performed using content analysis and (2) satisfaction assessment. Quantitative data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. with percentage and frequency. The study found that there were some important issues associated with the management of COVID-19 corpses in the multicultural context of the network in Yala province: nurses did not have guidelines for handling COVID-19 corpses. The relatives of the deaths (Islam, Buddhism and Christian) lacked knowledge and understanding about handling COVID-19 corpses. There were lack of management systems and insufficient equipment to handle COVID- 19 corpses. After the development and the implementation of the guideline, there was no incidents of infection spread in the community. Correct practice according to the guidelines of the network was observed. The network had participated in the handling of all COVID-19 corpses in the three southernmost provinces. The satisfaction of the deceased’s relatives was at 92%; and the incidence of conflicts between personnel and relatives of the deceased was 0. Additional recommendations from this research were that a knowledge manual on COVID-19 corpse management in a multicultural context should be developed to be disseminated to the public and public health personnel to prevent and control the spread of infection in the Yala Province network; and to be developed into a model for further use with emerging diseases.