FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE IN SURVEILLANCE, PREVENTION, AND CONTROL OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS IN THE COMMUNITY OF VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS IN PHRAE PROVINCE

Abstract

This descriptive correlational study, employing multiple regression analysis with the enter method, aimed to examine the levels of related factors, performance levels, and factors influencing the performance of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in promoting, monitoring, and preventing pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in communities in Phrae Province. The sample comprised 388 VHVs selected through random sampling. The research instrument was a structured questionnaire assessing factors related to VHVs’ performance in TB prevention and control. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis.

The findings revealed that knowledge regarding pulmonary TB was at a moderate level (Mean = 10.00, S.D. = 1.39), attitudes toward TB at a moderate level (Mean = 27.68, S.D. = 3.49), perceived obstacles at a moderate level (Mean = 24.84, S.D. = 5.19), and need for support at a high level (Mean = 33.34, S.D. = 4.57). Overall performance in promoting, monitoring, and preventing pulmonary TB was at a low level (Mean = 7.42, S.D. = 3.06). Significant correlates of performance included age (r = 0.097), years of service as a VHV (r = 0.115), prior TB-related training experience
(r = 0.116), and need for support (r = 0.246) (p < 0.05). The nine independent variables collectively explained 11.6% of the variance in performance (R² = 0.116). Key influencing factors included TB training experience (B = 0.104), attitudes toward TB (B = –0.041), perceived obstacles (B = –0.083), and need for support (B = 0.232).

          The results suggest that enhancing training programs and providing adequate resources for VHVs, along with improving attitudes and addressing identified obstacles, are essential to strengthen community-based TB surveillance and prevention, ensuring sustainability and maximizing effectiveness.