The development of a Community Based Treatment and Care for drug use in Phrae

Abstract

Abstract

This participatory action research aimed to develop and study the effects of
a Community Based Treatment (CBTx) for drug use in Phrae province, Thailand. and to examine factors associated with drug treatment under the community-participated rehabilitation approach. The study involved 512 participants, with data collected through questionnaires, focus group discussions, and the national narcotics treatment and rehabilitation data system. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentage, mean, and correlation coefficient.

The results revealed that the community-participated treatment model for drug users consisted of six steps: 1) establishment of community working group,                      2) assessment and identification of drug users for voluntary treatment program participation, 3) screening, diagnosis evaluation, and treatment planning, 4) group therapy activities, 5) follow-up care by health teams and community leaders, and                       6) treatment outcome evaluation. Factors significantly associated with treatment effectiveness under the community-participated rehabilitation model at the 0.05 level (P < 0.00) were: 1) alignment with community needs, 2) strong community leaders, 3) shift in community members' perspectives, 4) target group coverage, and 5) multi-sectoral collaboration.

Keywords:  drug use, Community Base Treatment and Care