DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY NETWORKS TO PREVENT RISKS FROM HEALTH PRODUCTS WITH THE POWER OF CTS.H MODEL OF CHAIJUMPHON SUB-DISTRICT, LAPLAE DISTRICT, UTTARADIT PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to study the context, 2) develop a community network for preventing health product risks using the power of the CTS.H model, and 3) to evaluate the effectiveness of the network development in Chaijumphon Sub-district, Lablae District, Uttaradit Province. The quantitative sample consisted of 338 residents of Chaijumphon Sub-district, with data collected using questionnaires. The qualitative sample consisted of 133 persons, with data collected using focus group discussion questions, workshop questions, and activity questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The research results found that 90.11% of the sample had purchased or had health products in their homes; 53.99% did not care about the FDA certification mark or symbol; 53.99% did not check the FDA certification mark or symbol; 54.37% did not check the expiration date or best before date. However, the importance given to health products before deciding to buy was at a moderate level 3.07 (0.66). The development of community networks for preventing health product risks through the power of the CTS.H model includes providing knowledge to core leaders in consumer protection and public health pharmacy networks; training core leaders of village health volunteers (VHVs), business operators, consumer protection and public health pharmacy network partners, and local administrative organizations; establishing a warning center; creating LINE groups for communication within sub-district consumer protection clubs; and establishing "Junior FDA" clubs in every school. The results from opinion evaluation also showed that the overall assessment of opinions regarding the impact of community network development in preventing risks from health products was at a high level of 4.48 (0.61). The research findings can be used by public health agencies and local government organizations as a guideline for developing the correct knowledge, understanding, and attitudes in selecting health products. It helps promote safe consumer practices, reduces the risk of using substandard or harmful health products, and provides the public with "knowledge immunity," enabling them to protect themselves and their families from deceptive marketing.