The Role of Village Health Volunteers in Preventing the COVID-19 in Phrapradaeng District, Samutprakarn Province

Abstract

          The purpose of this article was aimed to (1) examine the role of village health volunteers (VHVs) in the prevention of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province and (2) to explore the guidelines for the prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is quantitative research and the sample included 360 village health volunteers in Phra Pradaeng District. Samut Prakan Province. Random sampling was used. The data analysis was performed and statistics implemented were frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Hypothesis test was conducted using T-test, and F-test. The results showed that: (1) village health volunteers have functioned and played a role overall and in each respect of areas, namely, disease prevention and health promotion were of the high level and (2.1) the identified problems and obstacles included a lack of cooperation as the public refused to wear face masks, social distancing, lack of tools and equipment, the public have lacked the understanding of infectious diseases, communication problems, and deficient budget. (2.2) The way to solve problems included raising awareness of the disease severity, increased budget support by the government, educating the general public on the background, causes and severity of the disease and prevention and treatment, increased communication efficiency, and supply of adequate medical personnel and volunteers.