Strengthening health development at the community level in Thailand: what events should be managed?

Abstract

Community action for health development is important for sustaining community health. This study aimed to identify the components and processes for strengthening the community health development process. We used an exploratory, cross-sectional design and focus group discussions in Chonburi, Thailand, between March 2003 and April 2005. We interviewed 422 respondents selected by stratified sampling from various groups involved with community health activities. Interview data was analyzed and then clarified by focus group discussions with representatives of the communities and stakeholders. Results indicated that both study components, namely, community experience in health activities and appearance of health conditions in the community, as well as all of their subcomponents, influence community action for health development. The most influential subcomponent of the community experience in health activities was perception of health information and policy (p < .001; r = .546). The most influential subcomponent of the appearance of health conditions in the community was the impact of health information (p < .001; r = .439). Focus group discussions indicated the communities' potential, ideas and need to activate health development by community mobilization. We recommend that the government encourage and support community action for health development with the subcomponents identified by this study. The process of community empowerment and network of implementation should encourage successful and sustainable health development by the community.