The Development of Village Health Volunteers’ Competencies for Tuberculosis Care in Trang Province, Thailand

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health concern resulting in high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, despite treatment having been available for over 50 years. It remains a crucial health problem in Thailand. This study aimed to develop a program for building tuberculosis (TB) care competencies of village health volunteers (VHVs) and to examine its effects on the outcomes of care for TB patients.

METHODS: The competency development program (CDP) was developed based on the principles of empowerment and community-based TB care. Forty VHVs in two villages of Khoglor sub-district, Trang, Thailand were recruited. Participants were classified into control and experimental groups equally (n=20) by using a matched pair technique.

RESULTS: The results showed that the mean scores of TB knowledge, attitude towards TB care, and TB care skills in the experimental group at the baseline and post-intervention were significantly different (p < 0.05). The mean scores of TB knowledge, attitude towards TB care, and TB care skills in the experimental and control groups at the baseline were not different. However, the scores of these three competencies at the post-intervention were significantly higher in the experimental group, compared to the control group (p < .05).

CONCLUSION: Per the findings of the study, healthcare professionals should incorporate the principles of empowerment and community-based TB care in TB training programs in order to enhance TB care competencies of community health volunteers.