Insights from leaders on effectively addressing overweight and obesity in the Thai community

Abstract

Introduction: Effective management of healthcare system at the district level through an important health project can improve health and quality of life of people in the district. Key factors to drive a successful project are important. The purpose of this study was to explore perspectives of leaders managing the healthcare system at a district level on preventing and resolving issues of overweight and obesity within their communities. Methods: The participants of this study consisted of nine district health board committees, ten members of the district health system startup team and twenty-three village health system managers. Data were collected by using focus group interviews, observation and documents analysis, also analyzing data by summarizing and categorizing the data of main points. Results: The study results indicated that managing successful health problems at the district level needed: 1. creating clear and equal understanding, 2. having precious community capital and 3. integrating effective incentives for people in the community. Conclusions: The findings of the study can be used as a guideline for managing the healthcare system at a district level through a project for the development of health issues and the quality of life among people in a community. This successful health system management can help develop the sustainability of public healthcare at the district level.