Development of a Model Community for Unsafe Health Product Management: A Case Study of Wang Saphung Subdistrict, Wang Saphung District, Loei Province

Abstract

     Unsafe health products in communities pose a significant public health concern affecting the well-being of local populations. This study aimed to investigate the situation of unsafe health products in Wang Sapung Subdistrict, enhance the capacity of community leaders and networks for surveillance, and evaluate outcomes of the model community development for managing unsafe health products.
     Methods: This action research was conducted in three phases. Phase 1 involved situational assessment and participatory data feedback using the Community Drug and Health Product Surveillance System (G-RDU & G-SHP) combined with the Appreciative Inquiry and Community (AIC) process among 25 members of the Bor-Wor-Ror-Ror network. Phase 2 focused on network capacity building and community measure development, involving 70 community leaders, 120 FDA Junior student leaders, 100 elderly individuals, and 60 grocery store operators. Phase 3 comprised outcome evaluation and lesson-learned sessions with 25 network members and 11 target grocery stores.
     Results: Key community problems identified included polypharmacy drug set usage among the elderly, purchasing unsafe health products through online media, susceptibility to exaggerated advertising claims, insufficient knowledge of health product selection, overweight students, and grocery stores selling hazardous medicines. Four key interventions were implemented: knowledge-building training for communities and partner networks, development of health product surveillance leader networks, establishment of community measures through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a complaint center, and regulatory oversight of community retail outlets. Following the intervention, grocery stores meeting G-RDU criteria increased from 1 store (9.1%) to 10 stores (90.9%).
     Conclusion: A model community approach that engages all sectors in problem identification and management demonstrates effective and sustainable resolution of unsafe health product issues within communities.