Investigation of Social Innovations for Handling Opisthorchis viverrini and Cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand's Highest-Risk Areas for Further Development of Successful Solution.

BACKGROUND

Despite the national campaigns in 1997 to control Opisthorchis viverrini (OV), a significant risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) was accounted for in the northeast of Thailand, which is also considered the highest-risk area for CCA as per the latest national-wide survey in 2019. Social innovations were employed to address OV and CCA issues in this area, but they have yet to be thoroughly investigated. Investigating social innovations in areas where issues can already be solved is a particular approach for expanding on a broad basis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to search for social innovations used to handle OV and CCA in northeast of Thailand.

METHODS

Researchers coordinated with the Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region-10 (1 of 12 regional offices under the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health) to specify the model areas for taking OV and CCA. In addition, researchers cooperated with local coordination units for data collection. The data were coded and classified for content analysis, and triangulation was performed for comparative analysis. Finally, a meeting was conducted to summarize the social innovations discovered in each study site area.

RESULTS

Our findings have been presented according to the epidemiologic triad: agent (risk factors), host (individuals/communities), and environment. The researchers and experts addressed and proposed social innovations for dealing with OV and CCA, such as the "3 Health" (Health Behaviours, Health Hygiene, and Environmental Health), in order to achieve a CCA-free society.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to highlight the significance of social innovations in managing OV and CCA. The findings will be utilized to further create strategies for addressing these public health issues in this and other regions in a sustainable and successful manner.