APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF IDDHIPADA TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS AT PHU PIANG DISTRICT IN NAN PROVINCE

Abstract

The purpose of this research article is1) assess the effectiveness of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) at Phu Piang District in Nan Province; 2) explore the relationship between the principles of Iddhipada (paths to success in Buddhism) and the effectiveness of VHVs; and 3) propose the application of Iddhipada principles to improve VHVs' effectiveness. The research utilized a mixed-methods approach. For the quantitative component, a survey was conducted with 278 VHVs. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation coefficient. The qualitative aspect involved in-depth interviews with 10 key informants, analyzed through descriptive content analysis.

The findings revealed that: 1) The overall effectiveness of VHVs' work was high (X̄ = 4.20, S.D. = 0.56), with all aspects—health promotion, disease prevention and control, basic medical care, health rehabilitation, and consumer protection—also rated high. 2) There was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.701, p < 0.01) between the Iddhipada principles and VHVs' work effectiveness. 3) To enhance VHVs' effectiveness through Iddhipada principles, it is essential that they develop key characteristics aligned with these principles: volunteerism, faith in their roles (Chanda), persistent effort (Viriya), commitment and responsibility (Chitta), and reflective judgment (Vimangsa). Additionally, skill development, welfare benefits, and necessary resource support are crucial. This research led to the development of the "PAS Model of Health care" that can be practically applied to enhance VHVs' work effectiveness.