COMMUNITY HEALTH MANAGEMENT MODEL ON THE BASIS OF ETHNIC CULTURETO SUPPORT THE SPECTACULAR DANCES OF THE WESTERN REGION

Abstract

The objective of this research is to develop a community health management model based on ethnic culture to support the spectacular dances of the western region. This research was conducted in the areas of the Thai Songdam ethnic group at Ban Khao Yoi Community, Phetchaburi Province, and the Karen ethnic group at Ban Phu Nam Ron Community, Ratchaburi Province using action research. Data were collected using in-depth interviews from five groups of informants. They were 1) ethnic community scholars who have knowledge in community health management; 2) public health volunteers; 3) health promotion service providers in the area, including provincial public health representatives, district public health representatives, and public health academics; 4) consumers or tourists who use services in the area, and 5) other related groups, including community leaders, travel group leaders, leaders from community religious institutions, and leaders from community educational institutions.

The research results found that the community health management model based on ethnic culture to support the spectacular dances of the western region developed in this study comprises upgrading the wisdom of the local medical service system; upgrading the medical system and self-care of the public sector; improving the service level of the modern medical system; and guidelines for managing healthy communities based on ethnic culture. Specifically, the guidelines consist of 3 approaches: having a network of healthy community management committees, the process of driving community health management activities, and community health management activities. The activities include community health screening activities, activities to develop the potential of safety leaders in the area, activities to build a spa massage team using local Thai wisdom from the area, and physical activities for the elderly and youth that can practically and continually do in the area.