Standard Evaluation of Thermal Fog Generator by Local Administrative Organizations in Bueng Kan Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed thermal fogging machines used by local administrative organizations in Bueng Kan Province. Secondary data from 55 purposively selected operators and 147 machines were obtained from Vector-Borne Disease Control Center 8.1, Udon Thani province, for fiscal years 2020–2021 and 2025. Machine performance was evaluated for insecticide flow rate, nozzle temperature, volume median diameter (VMD), and droplet-size uniformity (Span) using descriptive statistics. The results showed that all operators were male; 60.00% were aged 31–50 years. Equal proportions of operators had one to three years of experience and had received training (58.18% each). Correct insecticide preparation and fogging techniques were observed in 56.36% and 67.27%, respectively. Best Fogger was the most common brand (42.18%), and 75.51% were operated by subdistrict administrative organizations. Out of 147 machines, 73 (49.66%) passed the preliminary inspection. Among these, 89.04%, 91.78%, 91.78%, and 100.00% met the standards for flow rate, nozzle temperature, VMD, and Span, respectively. Overall, 72.60% met all four standards, while the remaining 27.40% met three of the four criteria. Routine inspection, maintenance, performance assessment, and operator training are therefore essential to ensure machine readiness and compliance with established standards.