A MODEL OF BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH PERFORMANCE AMONG VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS

Abstract

This study develops and evaluates a model to enhance breastfeeding and maternal and child health (MCH) performance among village health volunteers (VHVs). The mixed-methods design employs an exploratory sequential approach with two phases: 1) Investigating breastfeeding and MCH performance among VHVs, using intensity sampling to select four exemplary VHVs in Sukhothai Province. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with a content validity index of 0.67 to 1.00, analyzed with content analysis, and triangulated for reliability; and 2) Evaluating the model’s effectiveness among 60 VHVs, divided into experimental (30) and control (30) groups, selected purposively. The experimental group engaged in activities based on the model, while the control group followed standard practices. Data were collected using a questionnaire with a content validity index of 0.67 to 1.00 and a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.98. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired samples t-test, and independent samples t-test. The model includes six components: 1) Analyzing breastfeeding and MCH issues; 2) Enhancing knowledge on breastfeeding and MCH; 3) Providing care during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum stages; 4) Child health care; 5) Promoting breastfeeding and MCH practices; and 6) Fostering network participation. Post-intervention, the experimental group showed significantly improved breastfeeding and MCH performance, with higher scores than both their pre-intervention scores and the control group (p < 0.05). These results indicate that the developed breastfeeding and MCH performance model among VHVs effectively enhances their performance in these areas.