THE APPLICATION OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE TO PREVENT DENGUE HEMORRHAGIC FEVER BY COMMUNITY NETWORKS IN NORTHEASTERN THAILAND

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative research was three fold : 1) to study the historical background of the application of indigenous knowledge to prevent dengue hemorrhagic fever by community networks in Northeastern Thailand ; 2) to investigate current circumstances and problems of using indigenous knowledge to prevent dengue hemorrhagic fever by community networks in Northeastern Thailand ; and 3) to study The application of Indigenous knowledge to prevent dengue hemorrhagic fever by community networks in Northeastern Thailand. The research was carried out in three provinces:Surin,Chaiyaphum and Mukdahan.The
111 sample were selected from government and non-government sectors. The research tools used were a basic survey, observations, interviews, focus-group discussions, and workshops. The research findings were as follows: The study found that the sample not only kept their homes and workplaces clean preventing mosquito from laying eggs but also raised herbal plants such as lemongrass. Some sample put lemongrass oil on their clothes and water containers for chasing mosquitoes away. Others put limes and small fish in water containers in their bathrooms and foot cleaning basins. Such method helped to prevent further  roliferation of mosquitoes. Some covered their water containers with nylon mesh and zinc lids. They also kept and operated their faucets from underneath. For the problems of the application of indigenous  nowledge to prevent
dengue hemorrhagic fever by community networks in Northeastern Thailand, the study found that temples did not prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs. Monk was afraid that they would kill mosquitoes. The sample did not pay much attention to putting limes in water containers. Some even left the limes to rotten and smell bad. Dirty bathrooms became a place where mosquitoes could lay eggs easily.

Unclean home landscape and environment were also a good place for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Sometimes the sample left their water containers open. All these problems made it difficult for preventing mosquitoes from biting people. The study found that keeping one’s body and household environment clean and having fresh air flow. Also it was necessary to gain knowledge and connection from community networks such as village health volunteers, Tampon Administrative Organizations, government officials as well as own neighbors concerning preventing mosquitoes and disease using herbal plants and oil.
In conclusion integration of Indigenous Knowledge and contemporary technology in order to catching up with fast changing world and preserving valuable local culture.