Primary Health Care Journal (Northeastern Edition)

Cover

2025-11-11

SOFT SKILLS IN THE DIGITAL ERA: ROLES OF VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS (VHV) 4.0

Phanthakan Yuenyong — 2025-11-11

This academic article analyzes the development of soft skills in Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) 4.0, defining these skills as a key competency for enhancing health work potential in the digital age, where technology and innovation are integral to the community health service system. Employing an analytical literature review, this study synthesizes relevant research and academic documents to identify soft skills essential for adaptability, communication, and the management of local health work. The synthesis indicates that key soft skills for VHVs 4.0 comprise five main dimensions: 1) creativity and innovation for problem-solving and the appropriate use of technology; 2) strategic communication and persuasion to promote technology adoption and disseminate health knowledge; 3) effective collaboration grounded in trust, empathy, and shared leadership; 4) flexibility and adaptability to change to meet modern demands and increase work efficiency; and 5) time and personal resource management to balance community missions with self-development. Therefore, the development of VHVs 4.0 should focus on enhancing both psychosocial capital and lifelong learning to transform these soft skills into sustainable human capital. Promoting spiritual values (e.g., compassion, acceptance, and mutual assistance) will lay the foundation for a learning community capable of integrating digital technology to enhance health work effectively and sustainably.

Editorial Board

2025-11-11

DEVELOPMENT OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT MODEL AND RESTRUCTURING OF PRIMARY CARE MISSION OF DISTRICT PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE AFTER THE TRANSFER OF THE SUB-DISTRICT HEALTH PROMOTING HOSPITALS IN ROI ET PROVINCE

Julapan Suwan — 2025-11-07

This action research aimed to develop a model for organizational management and adjust the primary care mission of the District Public Health Office (DPHO) following the transfer of Sub-district Health Promoting Hospitals (SHPH) in Roi Et Province. The study was divided into 3 phases. The 549 purposively selected participants included executives from the Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) and Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), DPHO personnel, SHPH directors, and Village Health Volunteer (VHV). Instruments included 3 qualitative sets, validated by 3 experts, and 4 quantitative sets. Content validity was verified using the Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) index, and reliability analysis yielded a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.804. Data was collected from July 2023 to June 2024. The findings revealed that: 1) The transfer of SHPHs to the PAO caused staffing shortages at SHPHs, as non-transferring personnel relocated to DPHOs. This led to coordination problems and adversely affected primary care development. 2) The developed model, applying participatory public administration principles, comprised 4 stages: (1) situation assessment and partnership development; (2) implementation based on the "ROI ET Model"; (3) progress monitoring using empowerment strategies; and (4) outcome reflection through lesson-learned meetings and data feedback. 3) Results of the model's implementation demonstrated high-level participation (Mean = 1.40, SD = 0.51), which narrowed the operational gap in primary care. Consequently, 14 joint primary care performance indicators (66.66%) showed higher coverage than in the pre-transfer period. This indicates that the public received more comprehensive primary care services, enabling the appropriate resolution of local health issues. This reflects the significant change and confirms the tangible outcomes of the developed model.

EFFECTS OF THE “LONG Time DO” PROGRAM TO ENHANCE SELF-EFFICACY WITH SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR HEALTH BEHAVIORS MODIFICATION IN ABDOMINAL OBESITY AMONG HEALTH PERSONNEL

Pitsinee Sansenya — 2025-11-20

Central obesity among healthcare personnel is a significant issue that impacts not only their personal health but also their credibility as role models for the public. This quasi-experimental research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the “LONG Time DO” program, designed to enhance self-efficacy and social support for health behavior modification among healthcare personnel with central obesity. The sample consisted of 64 healthcare personnel diagnosed with central obesity, divided into an experimental group (n=32), which participated in the 12-week program, and a comparison group (n=32), which received standard care. Data were collected at baseline and post-intervention using health behavior questionnaires and physical assessments. Statistical analyses employed descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Independent t-test, Paired t-test, and ANCOVA. The results revealed that, post-intervention, the experimental group had significantly higher mean scores than the comparison group in outcome expectation (X̅_diff = 3.04, 95% CI: 0.84 to 5.25), self-efficacy (X̅_diff = 12.52, 95% CI: 9.90 to 15.13), eating behavior (X̅_diff = 11.81, 95% CI: 7.53 to 16.09), and exercise behavior (X̅_diff = 12.19, 95% CI: 8.99 to 15.39). Furthermore, the experimental group demonstrated a significant reduction in waist circumference (X̅_diff = 5.74, 95% CI: 4.14 to 7.34) and Body Mass Index (X̅_diff = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.39 to 1.65). Within-group comparisons indicated significant improvements in all variables for the experimental group, whereas the comparison group showed no significant changes. These findings suggest that the “LONG Time DO” program is effective and can be applied to develop health interventions aimed at reducing central obesity among healthcare personnel on a wider scale.

EFFECTS OF THE “KHAEW MAN KHWAN YUEN” PROGRAM TO PROMOTE DENTAL HEALTH LITERACY AND PROVIDE SOCIAL SUPPORT TO CHANGE BEHAVIORS TO PREVENT PERIODONTAL DISEASE AMONG VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS

Suwatjanee Sripalatham — 2025-11-24

Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss. Enhancing dental health literacy and social support is a key strategy for prevention, particularly through Village Health Volunteers. This quasi-experimental research evaluated the effectiveness of the “KHAEW MAN KHWAN YUEN” program on (n=64), divided into experimental (n=32) and comparison groups (n=32). The experimental group participated in the 10-week program. Data were analyzed using Paired t-test, ANCOVA, and McNemar’s Chi-Square test. Results indicated that the experimental group achieved significantly higher scores than the comparison group in all dental health literacy domains, including access to information (X̅_diff= 5.76, 95% CI: 3.49 to 8.04), understanding (X̅_diff = 3.21, 95% CI: 2.36 to 4.06), communication (X̅_diff = 18.71, 95% CI: 16.63 to 20.79), decision making (X̅_diff = 4.74, 95% CI: 2.54 to 6.94), self-management (X̅_diff = 3.57, 95% CI: 1.96 to 5.18), and media literacy (X̅_diff = 6.22, 95% CI: 3.93 to 8.52). Additionally, the experimental group demonstrated better prevention behaviors (X̅_diff = 4.41, 95% CI: 2.02 to 6.80) and a greater reduction in periodontal issues (COR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.38 to 6.20). Thus, the program effectively improves dental health literacy and periodontal status, serving as a guideline for empowering VHVs in community oral health promotion.

EFFECT OF A HEALTH LITERACY PROGRAM USING THE “HINSAMWAN MODEL” ON HEALTH PROMOTING BEHAVIORS AMONG BUDDHIST MONKS

Wattajuk Charoenchai — 2025-11-15

Buddhist monks, as spiritual leaders, play significant roles in religion, society, and public health. Currently, monks are facing health challenges, particularly non-communicable diseases stemming from undesirable health behaviors. This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effects of a health literacy program designed to promote desirable health behaviors among Buddhist monks. The sample comprised 70 monks, divided into an experimental group (n=35) and a comparison group (n=35). The experimental group participated in the 12-week “HINSAMWAN Model” health literacy program. Data were collected using questionnaires and health assessments before and after the intervention, and analyzed using Paired t-test and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) with a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that after the intervention, the experimental group had significantly higher mean health literacy scores than the comparison group across all six dimensions: accessing information (X̅_diff = 9.99), understanding (X̅_diff = 4.61), interaction (X̅_diff = 6.43), decision-making (X̅_diff = 8.69), behavioral change (X̅_diff = 8.46), and advocacy (X̅_diff = 12.67). Furthermore, the monks' desirable health behaviors improved significantly (X̅_diff = 3.00, 95% CI: 2.38 to 3.62). Health outcomes also showed significant improvements, with reductions in Body Mass Index (X̅_diff = 1.11), waist circumference (X̅_diff = 2.11), blood glucose levels (X̅_diff = 9.03), and cardiovascular disease risk (X̅_diff = 1.24). Therefore, compared to the comparison group, the program was effective in promoting health literacy and desirable health behaviors among Buddhist monks.

FACTORS INFLUENCING DEPRESSION AMONG LATE ADOLESCENTS AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN KLAENG DISTRICT, RAYONG, THAILAND

Kulkamol Vannasri — 2025-11-30

Depression is a prevalent mental health issue among late adolescents in the post-COVID-19 era, driven by the necessity for adaptation and significant lifestyle changes. Understanding the factors associated with depression is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to investigate depression and its influencing factors among late adolescents in Klaeng District, Rayong Province. A sample of 166 participants was selected using stratified random sampling. Data collection was conducted via questionnaires between August and September 2022. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that 63.86% of late adolescents experienced depression, classified as mild to moderate (22.29%) and severe (41.57%). Factors significantly influencing depression included resilience (β = -0.49, 95% CI [-0.610, -0.370]), pandemic fatigue (β = 0.27, 95% CI [0.149, 0.391]), and cyberbullying (β = 0.15, 95% CI [0.026, 0.274]). Together, these factors accounted for 39.50% of the variance in depression (R² = 0.395, F = 35.72, p < 0.001). These findings indicate a relatively high prevalence of depression among late adolescents following the COVID-19 pandemic. Resilience served as a protective psychological factor, whereas pandemic fatigue and cyberbullying were identified as significant risk factors associated with depression. Therefore, healthcare professionals overseeing the mental health of this demographic should implement regular depression screening. Furthermore, interventions aimed at promoting resilience, mitigating pandemic fatigue, and reducing cyberbullying should be prioritized to effectively prevent depression in late adolescents.

DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTH PROMOTION PROJECTS AMONG TYPE 2 PATIENTS ENTERING DIABETES REMISSION BASE ON LIFESTYLE MEDICINE IN KUT CHAP, UDON THANI

Hathai Thadtumlay — 2025-11-11

Diabetes is a group of chronic diseases posing a significant public health challenge in every country worldwide. Controlling patients' blood glucose levels to normal or achieving remission relies on health promotion and enhancing correct self-management skills. This action research aimed to develop a health promotion operation for Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) patients to achieve remission based on lifestyle medicine principles in the Mueang Phia community, Kut Chap District, Udon Thani Province. The study applied the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) cycle. Key informants consisted of 15 individuals selected by purposive sampling, including the project working group, a multidisciplinary team, and Village Health Volunteers (VHVs). The sample group comprised 35 T2D patients selected by simple random sampling based on inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a developed health status index assessment tool and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Paired t-test). The results revealed that the health promotion model for T2D remission based on lifestyle medicine consisted of 11 activities: (1) Early knowledge/screening, (2) Goal setting, (3) Building muscle mass, (4) Intermittent fasting ('Sao Kin Doo'), (5) Nutritional guidance (controlled carbohydrates, adequate protein, healthy fats), (6) Medication management, (7) Sleep hygiene, (8) Stress reduction (Thai traditional methods), (9) Group learning, (10) Self-monitoring logbook, and (11) Consultation with the multidisciplinary team. Following the intervention, the sample group's mean scores for lifestyle medicine adherence behaviors were significantly higher than before the program (p < 0.05). Furthermore, all average health status indices showed significant improvement post-intervention compared to pre-intervention (p < 0.05).