Development of a Participatory Model for Liver Fluke Disease Prevention in Kritsana Subdistrict, Khukhan District, Sisaket Province

Abstract

              This study was an Action Research aimed at investigating the situation and related factors, developing a participatory model, and evaluating the effectiveness of the developed model. The study applied one cycle of the PAOR (Plan–Act–Observe–Reflect) process and was conducted from August 2025 to March 2026. The quantitative sample consisted of 164 at-risk community members aged 18 years and over, while the qualitative participants included 30 key informants. Research instruments comprised questionnaires assessing knowledge, attitudes, preventive behaviors, and community participation. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, whereas qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.

              The findings revealed that a participatory liver fluke disease prevention model appropriate to the local context was successfully developed through collaborative participation among community members and relevant stakeholders. After implementation, the participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements in mean knowledge scores from 0.48 ± SD to 0.82 ± SD, attitude scores from 4.10 ± SD to 4.48 ± SD, preventive behavior scores from 3.32 ± SD to 4.12 ± SD, and community participation scores from 3.16 ± SD to 3.79 ± SD.

              In conclusion, the developed participatory liver fluke disease prevention model, namely the KRISANA–LFP Model, consists of four key components: community participation, knowledge enhancement, behavioral modification, and community-based disease surveillance. The model was effective in improving knowledge, promoting positive attitudes, enhancing preventive behaviors, and increasing community participation. It can be applied for liver fluke disease prevention in other communities with similar contextual characteristics.