Factors Affecting the Role in Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Control and Prevention of Village Health Volunteers in Tha Sae District, Chumphon Province

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) study the levels of knowledge, perception, and roles in dengue hemorrhagic fever control and prevention; 2) examine personal factors affecting these roles; 3) investigate how knowledge, perception, and social support factors influenced these roles; and 4) develop guidelines to enhance the roles of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in Tha Sae District, Chumphon Province. The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive research design that combined quantitative and qualitative methods. The sample consisted of 377 VHVs selected through multi-stage random sampling. Data collection instruments included personal information questionnaires, knowledge tests, perception questionnaires, social support questionnaires, role performance questionnaires regarding dengue hemorrhagic fever control and prevention, and in-depth interview guides. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and content analysis.

            The results showed that VHVs had a moderate knowledge level about dengue hemorrhagic fever. Their perception of risk susceptibility, severity, and benefits was at high levels, while their perception of barriers was at a moderate level. Overall, their roles in dengue hemorrhagic fever control and prevention were high. Factors significantly associated with their roles included: membership in the Surveillance and Rapid Response Team (SRRT), training experience, duration of service, knowledge, perception of risk susceptibility, perception of severity, perception of benefits, and social support. Furthermore, the study found that factors jointly predicting 56.8% of role performance were: support from health personnel, perception of benefits, support from community leaders, SRRT membership, knowledge about dengue hemorrhagic fever, perception of risk susceptibility, and training experience.