Guidelines for Capacity Development of Village Health Volunteers in Health Care for Floating Population in Nong Na Saeng Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chaiyaphum Province

Abstract

Background and Aims: The Thai public health system possesses a strong structure, with village health volunteers serving as its core. Nevertheless, providing care for hidden or hard-to-reach populations remains a persistent challenge, requiring coordinated policy measures and community engagement to ensure comprehensive and sustainable healthcare. Developing village health volunteers' capacity to effectively serve these populations is therefore critically important. Chaiyaphum is one of the provinces in the Northeast with a significant latent population (non-registered residents). In 2024, the latent population reached 14,600 people (Social Statistics Division, National Statistical Office, 2025). Nong Na Saeng Sub-district, Mueang District, Chaiyaphum Province, is one of the areas facing this issue. The latent population is distributed across several villages, particularly in Ban Nong Na Saeng, Nong Ngong, and Huai Lua, with approximately 400 residents (Interview with the President of the Nong Na Saeng Subdistrict Administrative Organization, 2023). This study aims to: (1) assess the capacity of village health volunteers in delivering healthcare to hidden populations in Nong Na Saeng Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chaiyaphum Province, and (2) identify strategies for enhancing their capacity to provide such care.

Methodology: This study employed a qualitative research design. The participants were divided into two groups: the in-depth interview group, comprising 30 individuals (26 village health volunteers and 4 healthcare personnel), and the focus group discussion group, comprising 21 individuals (3 village health volunteer leaders, 15 community leaders, 2 directors of Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospitals, and 1 provincial-level public health officer). Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, and analyzed using content analysis.

Results: 1) Potential of Village Health Volunteers in Caring for Hidden Populations The potential of village health volunteers in providing healthcare for hidden populations can be categorized into four dimensions: (1) Knowledge – the understanding and information necessary for effective care. (2) Skills – the practical abilities required to perform health-related tasks. (3) Attitudes and Motivation – the mindset, commitment, and willingness to serve the population. (4) Supporting Factors and Barriers – external influences that facilitate or hinder the volunteers’ effectiveness. 2) Strategies for Enhancing the Potential of Village Health Volunteers in Caring for Hidden Populations. The development strategies comprise six key components: (1) Knowledge and Understanding Development – enhancing theoretical and practical understanding of health issues. (2) Operational Skills Development – improving practical competencies required for community health activities. (3) Development of Tools and Support Systems – providing appropriate instruments, resources, and organizational support. (4) Supervision System Development – establishing effective monitoring and guidance mechanisms. (5) Motivation and Recognition – fostering incentives and acknowledging volunteer contributions. (6) Multi-Sectoral Participation – encouraging collaboration among all relevant stakeholders to support volunteer activities.

Conclusion: 1) The potential of village health volunteers in caring for hidden populations in Nong Na Saeng Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chaiyaphum Province. Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) possess basic knowledge in public health but still lack specialized knowledge in caring for hidden populations. This aligns with the study by Praipawan Danpradit et al. (2019), which found that VHVs have limited knowledge in elderly care and require further development in this area. The lack of specialized knowledge among VHVs is understandable, as caring for hidden populations is a new area without formal training and is more complex than general public care. The areas where VHVs lack the most knowledge are the use of technology in healthcare and knowledge about healthcare rights. This corresponds with the study by Patchara Chomphuwiset (2022), which highlighted the greatest need for developing competencies in digital technology, particularly the ability to use the Smart VHV application for health screening and assessment. It also aligns with Wuttipong Khongthong and Wisanu Sumitsawan (2024), who suggested that the Ministry of Public Health should support VHVs in using applications for their work, encourage continuous learning to enhance their knowledge, and further develop the Smart VHV application to cover more community health tasks.  2) Guidelines for developing the potential of village health volunteers in caring for the health of hidden populations in Nong Na Saeng Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chaiyaphum Province. These guidelines are consistent with the Development Potential Diffusion Theory. VHVs are an essential human resource for community health care and can enhance their knowledge and skills through training or various learning methods. They receive support from leaders, including staff at the Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital and community leaders, who provide supervision and consultation continuously. Moreover, improving communication between hidden populations and the community ensures that these populations receive comprehensive and equitable health care.