Community- Based Approaches to Cancer Prevention in Rural Thailand Based on Experiences of Accredited Health Professionals

Document Type : Short Communications

Authors

1 Research and Training Center for Enhancing Quality of Life of Working Age People, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.

2 Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.

3 Director of Nampong Hospital, Nampong Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand.

4 Director of Ubolratana Hopital, Nampong Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand.

5 Professional Nurse, Nampong Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand.

6 Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to describe important components of community based approaches of cancer prevention from working experiences of accredited health professionals in Thai rural communities. Methods: Data were collected from 23 communities with 23 accredited health professionals as key participants using in-depth interview and focus group discussions (FGDs) in each community. Other informants were community leaders, community health volunteers and community people. Content analysis was applied for data analysis. Results: Community based approaches for cancer prevention from the experiences of accredited health professionals were composed of 2 themes: approaches for community-based cancer prevention and methods for cancer-based prevention in the community. The approaches for community-based cancer prevention was composed of 4 components: 1) primary prevention focusing on health education; 2) secondary prevention include: life style modification, vaccination, advocacy of cancer screening, early detection, and prompt refer; 3) tertiary prevention focusing on primary care, and 4) research collaboration focusing on net working.  Methods for cancer-based prevention in the community were different based on types of cancer.  The 3 factors determined to be associated with community based approaches for cancer prevention were: 1) primary care policy; 2) hometown workplace; and 3) health practice skill. Conclusion: Community based approaches for cancer prevention should concentrate on building a literate community involvement to empower both health care providers and residents. From our evidence, dedicated community associates health professionals have a major role to play.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Volume 21, Issue 1
January 2020
Pages 7-12

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 30 September 2019
  • Revise Date: 11 December 2019
  • Accept Date: 01 January 2020

Share

How to cite

Statistics