Development of a Participatory Household Solid Waste Management Model through the District Health Board Mechanism in Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

              This participatory action research aimed to examine the situation, problems, and needs regarding household solid waste management; develop a participatory management model using the District Health Board mechanism; and evaluate its implementation in Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. The study was conducted from March to December 2025 through one plan–act–observe–reflect cycle comprising three phases: a situation assessment involving 400 residents and eight key informants; model development involving 16 stakeholder representatives and appraisal by five experts; and a three-month implementation involving 50 households in Ban Mueang Ruang, Mae Kon Subdistrict. Data were collected using questionnaires, assessment forms, interviews, focus group discussions, and implementation records. Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and content analysis were used for data analysis.

            The findings showed that waste management behavior and community participation were initially at moderate levels. The model comprised five components: model households; community-led activities; local government support for waste management; campaigns involving temples, schools, and the private sector; and coordination and monitoring by the District Health Board. Supporting mechanisms included education, incentives, and progress reporting. Following implementation, mean waste management behavior scores increased from 3.01 to 4.23, while participation scores increased from 2.90 to 4.35; both changes were statistically significant (p < .001). Satisfaction and perceived feasibility of continued implementation received the highest ratings, with mean scores of 4.62 and 4.64, respectively. Reflection informed adjustments to activities to accommodate household constraints. The developed model provides an approach to promoting household waste management and community participation in the pilot area through collaboration between the community and partner organizations.