Perspectives on the Value and Implementation of the Maritime Public Health Services in Thailand

Abstract

This research aimed to study perspectives on the value and implementation of the maritime public health services in Thailand across five provinces. These coastal areas have high economic value in terms of tourism but also experience high rates of illness, accidents, and fatalities in the maritime region. A quantitative research method was employed. The samples consisted of people living in coastal areas, health personnel, and entrepreneurs, totaling 349 participants. The study included an assessment of the healthcare situation, perspectives on the value and implementation of maritime public health services, and their impact on the economy. The study found that the majority of respondents were members of the general public (77.1%), followed by healthcare personnel (18.6%) and entrepreneurs (10.3%). Most participants were female (64.2%), aged between 20 and 39 years (48.7%), employed as wage earners (34.7%), and had resided in the province for more than six months (82.5%). The overall perspectives of the participants on the value and implementation of maritime public health services were quite high (mean=3.55, S.D=0.67). Moreover, it was found that (1) they had perception that should have basic life support (BLS) skills (mean=3.89, S.D=0.96); (2) they should quickly refer patient to hospital (mean=3.89, S.D=1.00); (3) they should develop primary care in area (mean=4.01, S.D=0.96), (4) the ASEAN association should cooperate in developing maritime public health (mean=3.78, S.D=0.95), and (5) maritime public health affected the image of tourism (mean=3.63, S.D=1.01). In the part of perception level regarding the value of the marine public health action plan was high in integrating emergency healthcare response networks in maritime public health crises, as well as the dimensions of maritime public health international standard and excellence. The dimension of the value of maritime public health services affecting economic value is significant in the perspectives of all stakeholders.