Development of a prevention model for liver fluke disease with the participation of the community, Thap Yai Subdistrict, Rattanaburi District Surin Province.

Abstract

     This study employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach based on the PAOR cycle proposed by Kemmis and McTaggart. The objectives were to: (1) investigate the problem situation, risk behaviors, and factors associated with Opisthorchis viverrini infection; and (2) develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based prevention model in Thap Yai Subdistrict, Rattanaburi District, Surin Province. The study sample consisted of: (1) 15 community stakeholders involved in model development, and (2) 148 community members who participated in the implementation phase. Research instruments included focus group discussion guidelines, the AIC (Appreciation–Influence–Control) process, implementation record forms, and structured interviews assessing health literacy, awareness, and preventive behaviors. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

     The findings revealed that the developed model was a comprehensive, system-based approach grounded in the ecological health concept and community participation. It comprised five key components: (1) targeted active screening, (2) enhancement of health literacy, (3) community engagement and social mobilization, (4) promotion of safe food consumption culture, and (5) integration of policy and environmental management. After implementation, participants showed statistically significant improvements in health literacy, health awareness, and preventive behaviors (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a 6-month follow-up stool examination among 350 individuals revealed no evidence of liver fluke infection.