Development of a Model for Investigating Newly Infectious Tuberculosis Patients among Household and Close Contacts of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Collaboration with the District Health Board of Nong Ruea District, Khon Kaen Province.

Abstract

     This research is a participatory action research with the objective of developing a model for detecting tuberculosis cases in household contacts and close contacts. There were samples, which consisted of (1) personnel responsible for preventing and controlling tuberculosis from hospital and tumbon health promoting hospital 40 persons; (2) village health volunteers 150 persons; (3) household and close contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis patients 268 persons; and (4) expert of tuberculosis 11 persons. The research tools include: 1) the group recorded form, 2) data household and close contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis patients recorded form, 3) screening for tuberculosis, 4) knowledge questionnaire, 5) satisfaction questionnaire, 6) the evaluate efficacy model development test, 7) coverage and success rate recorded form. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.
     The research findings as follows. 1) The results of the development of the potential of VHWs. Before the development of the potential, the mean score () was 4.64 (S.D. = 2.13) and after the development, the mean score () was 8.92 (S.D. = 0.82). The difference in the mean score (Mean difference: ) was 4.28 (95%CI: 3.98 to 4.59). The difference was statistically significant (P-value < 0.001). 2) The database of household contacts and close contacts. During 2023, 2,872 VHWs were screened, 32 of whom were at risk. In 2024, 5,520 VHWs were screened by the application, 76 of whom were at risk. 3) Household contacts and close contacts of tuberculosis patients during 2021-2023 compared to 2024 2024, 87, 94, 157 and 268 cases, respectively, with an increasing trend. 4) Household contacts and close contacts of tuberculosis patients received mobile chest X-rays and sputum examinations, 360 cases, 16 cases were abnormal, and 13 cases were sent for sputum examinations to confirm new tuberculosis patients. 5) Satisfaction of household contacts and close contacts of tuberculosis patients with the tuberculosis patient search model in household contacts and close contacts, the overall average score was at the highest level (= 4.56, S.D. = 0.38). 6) The results of the evaluation of the efficiency of the tuberculosis patient search model in household contacts and close contacts, the overall average score was at a high level (= 4.47, S.D. = 0.32).