Abstract:
The purpose of this action research was to assess the effectiveness of community participation learning process in changing Aedes larval control behavior of community stakeholders and household representatives in Meung district, Chantaburi province. Concepts of community participation, Health Belief Model, and Self-Efficacy Theory were applied to develop learning activities. The learning activities comprised group process, brainstorming, demonstrations, and practices that were designed to enhance essential knowledge and skills in controlling of Aedes larva. The study group consisted of 30 key community leaders for dengue hemorrhagic fever prevention and control, and 86 household representatives of village number 6th Ban Hoe Lame, Ta Chang sub-district, Meung district, Chantaburi province. The study lasted 12 weeks. Structured interview questionnaires and larva survey forms were used to collect data. The data were analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Paired Samples t-test. Results of the study showed that after the experiment, the study group had significantly better knowledge about dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), perceived susceptibility and severity in getting DHF, perceived benefits and barriers and self-efficacy in controlling Aedes larva than before the experiment. They also had more behavioral Aedes larval survey practices. The larval survey practices then caused a significant reduction of the mosquito breeding sites where the Aedes larva was found.
These results indicated that learning through a community participation program was effective. The program significantly changed Aedes larval control and Aedes larval survey practices of both the key community leaders and the household representatives of the study village. The program should be applied for controlling Aedes larva in other villages that have similar community, social and environmental conditions.