Buddhist Integration for Promoting Public Participation in Preventing and Solving Drug Problems at Mueang Nan District in Nan Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to: 1. examine the level of public participation in drug prevention and control in Mueang Nan District, Nan Province; 2. compare public participation according to personal factors; and 3. propose a Buddhist-integrated approach to promote public participation in drug prevention and control in the area. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The quantitative phase involved 398 participants selected using Taro Yamane’s formula at a 95% confidence level. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and F-test. The qualitative phase consisted of in-depth interviews with 10 key informants. Qualitative data were analyzed through descriptive content analysis.

The findings revealed that: 1. the overall level of public participation in drug prevention and control in Mueang Nan District was moderate. 2. When classified by personal factors, public participation did not differ significantly according to gender, age, educational level, or income; therefore, the research hypotheses regarding these variables were rejected. However, participation differed significantly among respondents with different occupations, supporting the research hypothesis at the .05 level of statistical significance. 3. The proposed Buddhist-integrated approach emphasizes raising public awareness of the dangers of drug abuse, organizing moral development camps for youth, and establishing rehabilitation centers based on Buddhist principles for individuals with drug addiction. The approach also promotes collaboration among local administrative leaders, village committees, and temples to monitor drug-related issues and implement community-based social measures at the sub-district level. In addition, community members are encouraged to participate in formulating local regulations and strengthening community surveillance systems to prevent and address drug-related problems effectively.