Applying Social Network and Social Support in Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Control and Prevention through Participation Concept: Case Study of Anusorn-Ajarn-Thong Community, Moo 4 Khlonghae Sub-District, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province

Abstract

The dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) situation in Khlonghae Sub-district, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, remains a significant public health problem, with an overall incidence rate exceeding the threshold (50 per 100,000 population). Village No. 4 had the highest incidence rate at 83.74 per 100,000 population (in 2020). This study aimed to investigate the application guideline of the concept of social network and social support toward DHF prevention and control. The study employed a participatory action research model, utilizing the social network of community health volunteers (CHVs) within the Anusorn-Ajarn-Thong community (AJT), Village No. 4 (n=7) and at-risk populations within the community (n=10), along with external social networks including CHVs leaders (n=8) and volunteers (1 person) from the CHVs group of Ban Nongnaikhui community, Village No. 6, together with public health officials (2 persons) and municipal officials (2 persons), for a total of 30 individual persons. By applying the concepts of social network and social support, collaborative efforts were made to control and prevent the spread of DHF. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, inquiring about network relationships, social support, and satisfaction with the received social support. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (quantitative data) and content analysis (qualitative data). The study found that the social networks of the two communities collaborated effectively, receiving social support from external networks in all aspects, especially in gaining knowledge, risk communication, and receiving helpful tools. The innovative “Bergamot Spray “ and “Cyclic Law” solution was effectively implemented; and was able to control the outbreak in a single wave. In summary, the collaborative work of the social network of village health volunteers (VHVs) (within and outside the community) and the social support received from all parties played a significant role in the success of DHF control and prevention measures.