Development of an Occupational Disease Surveillance System for Gold Panning Workers: A Case Study of Pak Chom District, Loei Province

Abstract

Gold panning is a supplementary occupation in Thailand, particularly in Pak Chom District, Loei Province, that poses high health risks due to mercury exposure, potentially causing chronic mercury poisoning affecting the nervous system, kidneys, and respiratory system. However, the occupational disease surveillance system for this occupation lacks continuity, comprehensiveness, and community participation. This research aimed to develop an effective, contextually appropriate, and sustainable occupational disease surveillance system for gold panning workers using a mixed-methods research approach conducted in three phases: (1) situational analysis using total population survey (N=56), physical examinations, and environmental assessment; (2) participatory system development through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews (n=15), and three workshops; and (3) system evaluation using Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC), Index of Objective Achievement (IOA), and a 5-point Likert scale satisfaction questionnaire.

The findings revealed that 73.21% of gold panners had never received knowledge about mercury poisoning, although 95.24% used mercury in gold extraction. Only 80.36% used chemical protective masks and 44.64% wore long pants while working, reflecting low self-protective behaviors, particularly in safe mercury storage (36.31%). Additionally, local government agencies lacked specific strategic plans, systematic occupational databases, and effective data analysis and communication systems. Through participatory processes, an integrated surveillance system was developed comprising four main components: clear objectives and scope definition, real-time data management through digital forms, multidisciplinary team analysis and interpretation, and two-way data communication. Expert evaluation (n=5) showed that the system achieved IOC=0.82 and IOA=0.89, indicating high appropriateness and feasibility. Meanwhile, 92.9% of system users rated their satisfaction as high to very high (mean=4.52, SD=0.48).

conclusion, the developed surveillance system is appropriate, effective, and practically implementable. It can serve as a prototype for other high-risk informal occupations in the Northeastern region, supporting the objectives of the Occupational Disease and Environmental Disease Control Act B.E. 2562 (2019) and the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan.