Research and Development of a Volunteer Network in the Community to Promote Health in the Vulnerable

Abstract

The objectives of this research was: 1) to analyze the community's potential to health promotion of the vulnerable group; and 2) to develop guidelines for enhancing and develop a network of volunteers to care for the vulnerable groups. This research applied mixed methods approach consisting of two steps. In the first step, qualitative research was conducted through group discussions and in-depth interviews with a targeted selection of 30 individuals, which was analyzed through content analysis. In the second step, a quantitative research approach was employed. The study focuses on a sample group of 400 individuals residing in the Bang Chang Nuea sub-district. The research instrument used was a 5-point Likert scale health behavior questionnaire. The questionnaire demonstrated a high reliability coefficient of 0.98. The statistical analysis methods included mean and standard deviation.

The research findings revealed that: 1) The potential resources of the community in promoting the health of vulnerable groups consist of the following elements: participatory management through the collaboration of "house, temple, school" (Bowon) with Bang Chang Nuea Temple as the central coordinating hub, the presence of strong volunteer groups within the community, effective network management, and continuous activities. 2) The enhancement of the volunteer network for taking care of vulnerable groups revealed the significance of the need for health promotion and self-management among the vulnerable groups, their families, and relevant individuals in the community as a whole, which is rated highly (mean = 4.04, S.D. = 0.09). The research findings emphasize the importance of community capacity in fostering sustainable health promotion for vulnerable groups in the community.