Community-based approach for prevention and control of dengue hemorrhagic fever in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand.

An action research design was conducted in two villages of Mueang District, Kanchanaburi Province to assess the effectiveness of a community-based approach program. Knowledge, perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, and regular larval survey behavior were measured for program outputs. Container Index (CI), House Index (HI), and Breteau Index (BI) were used to confirm program outcomes. Key community stakeholders in the experimental village were identified and empowered through active learning in the village. Monthly meetings with the key stakeholders were used to share experiences learned, to reflect on the program outputs and outcomes as well as to plan for the next cycle of program activities. The program was quite successful. Knowledge, perception, self-efficacy, and larval survey practices in the experimental group were significantly higher than before the experiment, and higher than the comparison group. CI, HI, and BI were decreased sharply to better than the national target. Community status as community leaders was the best predictor for larval survey behavior at the first survey. Participating in the study program activities was the best predictor at the end of the program. The results from this study suggest that the dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) prevention and control program at the sub-district health level should be more proactive and emphasized at the village level. Monitoring the disease control program outputs and outcomes should be performed regularly during monthly meetings. Finally, local health officers need to be empowered for these matters.