A Guideline for The Integration of Buddhist Doctrine and Lanna Health Culture for The Prevention of The Pandemic of Emerging Infectious Diseases

Abstract

This research article was a qualitative study that aimed to 1) study the history and importance of emerging infectious diseases, including the prevention measures of the pandemic that appeared in the Lanna health culture, 2) examine the Buddhist doctrine that was relevant to the prevention of the pandemic of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), and 3) propose a guideline for the integration of Buddhist doctrine and Lanna health culture to prevent the pandemic of EIDs. The research was conducted by semi-structured in-depth interviews with 42 interviewees of the key informant group (monastics and experts). Of these, 6 experts together with 2 participant observers were purposively selected for the focused group discussions. The data obtained from both groups were analyzed and concluded. The findings revealed that the initial factor that caused the epidemic of EIDs in Lanna was the migration or relocation of the people. Historically, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a global public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The prevention measures for the pandemic that appeared in the Lanna health culture consisted of Kum-kin-kum-yoo healthcare practices (self-regulated lifestyle and dietary discipline), which aligned with the framework for disease prevention measures in modern medicine. There were six relevant Buddhist doctrines for the prevention of the pandemic of EIDs: (1) Yonisomanasikāra (wise reflection), (2) Appamāda-dhamma (heedfulness), (3) Ariyasacca (the four noble truths), (4) Saṅgāhavatthu (the four bases of social solidarity), (5) Sappāya (the seven conductive factors for physical and mental well-being), and (6) Sappurisa-dhamma (the seven qualities of a good person) were integrated with the four aspects of Lanna health cultures: physical healthcare, mental healthcare, the use of local herbs, and the consumption of native food within a community welfare framework. This guideline worked in connection with the principle of the epidemiological triad. It was compatible with the framework for disease prevention measures of the World Health Organization (WHO) and of the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health. Thereafter, the implementation involved cooperation with monks, Lanna traditional doctors (Mho Mueang), community leaders, nursing monks, and village health volunteers (VHVs) who transferred the knowledge to Lanna people in that community. These led to driving the integration process and use as a guideline for preventing the EIDs pandemic. The ultimate goals were 1) people gained knowledge, understanding of the disease, be aware of the disease, and also know the prevention of the pandemic of EIDs, 2) people can integrate Buddhist doctrines with Lanna health culture to prevent the pandemic of EIDs, and 3) to create an immune society to the pandemic of EIDs that may occur in the future.