Development of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Promotion Model in a High-Risk Population for Cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand: An Action Research

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Department of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.

2 Faculty of Education, Thailand National Sports University Sisaket Campus, Sisaket, Thailand.

3 Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to develop a model for promoting fruit and vegetable consumption  in Thailand’s high-risk population for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Methods: Action research was used as a guiding framework for model development. Participants were divided into groups for process development and evaluation. Group discussions and practice notes were utilized as tools for process development. Data were collected through questionnaires. Qualitative data were categorized and analyzed using content analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze quantitative data. Results: The model development process, following the PAOR framework (Planning, Action, Observation, Reflection), involved fruit and vegetable consumption promotion.  The model, named the “NONGBO NO-CCA Model” included various components: active involvement of villagers in planning, objective sharing of experiences and brainstorming to identify CCA prevention strategies, establishment of networks to support community healthcare, enhancement of community self-reliance through utilization of local resources, and encouragement of chemical-free and environmentally friendly fruit and vegetable cultivation. Following model development, at-risk individuals demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in knowledge, attitude, and practice (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings indicate that at-risk individuals exhibited improvements in knowledge, attitude, and practice. Knowledge gains may be attributed to educational training activities, improved attitudes may result from networking processes, and modifications in practice behaviors may be influenced by community participation. Therefore, active involvement in community development can serve as a guiding principle for effective proactive CCA prevention.

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