A Model of Healthcare Based on the Cultural Wisdom of Lao, Khmer, and Kui Ethnic Groups in the Southern Isan Region of Thailand
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Abstract
The research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate the situation and context of cultural wisdom in the healthcare system of Lao, Khmer, and Kui ethnic groups in the southern Isan region; 2) to develop a model of healthcare based on cultural wisdom of Lao, Khmer, and Kui ethnic groups in the southern Isan region; and 3) to evaluate a model of healthcare based on cultural wisdom of Lao, Khmer, and Kui ethnic groups in the southern Isan region. In the study, a mixed-methods research was conducted with a group sample of 576 local doctors over the age of 50 selected by stratified random sampling. Quantitative data were obtained through focus group discussions with 16 individuals, and 40 individuals selected through purposive sampling tested the model. The obtained data were analyzed by percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, content analysis, and descriptive explanation.
From the study, the following results were found: 1) The villagers still believe and respect the local wisdom of the local doctors, whose approach is holistic healthcare; 2) A model of healthcare based on cultural wisdom refers to local doctors adapting their role, style and treatments, with policy determined by local government authorities. There should be services in the communities that provide sufficient herbs, as well as a system for managing knowledge and local wisdom that promotes the education of local doctors and the association of local doctors. The model can be applied under the following conditions for success: a sufficient budget to meet the needs, the promotion of people with skills to provide health services to the local people, and the development of guidelines incorporating cultural wisdom; and 3) Based on the model evaluation, the model was found to have a high level of propriety, feasibility, and utility. Recommendations for the use of the research findings include the appropriate use of local wisdom based on cultural wisdom for healthcare.
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