Economic Evaluation of Training Pak-Wan Community Checkpoint Leaders : A Study in Sisaket Province.

Abstract

     This study was quasi-experimental research aimed to evaluate the economic value of training pak-wan community checkpoint leaders in Sisaket Province and analyze the unit cost of changing helmet-wearing behavior. A quasi-experimental design was employed with societal perspective, 1-year time horizon, and 3% discount rate following Thai HTA standards, comparing data before and after project implementation across 22 districts and 206 sub-districts. The sample included 1,190 trained community leaders and motorcycle users (3,773 pre-intervention, 6,683 post-intervention). The total project budget was 498,700 baht.

     Results showed that helmet-wearing rates among riders increased from 38.80% to 44.83% (difference 6.03%, 95% CI: 4.2-7.9, p<0.001) and passengers from 23.84% to 31.17% (difference 7.33%, 95% CI: 5.1-9.6, p<0.001). The average cost per 1% increase in helmet-wearing rate was 37,328 baht (95% CI: 32,500-42,100), and cost per additional helmet user was 1,235 baht (95% CI: 1,100-1,370). A positive correlation existed between the number of trained leaders and behavior change (r=0.58, p<0.05). The study concludes that investing in pak-wan community checkpoint leader training is economically worthwhile below the 160,000 baht/QALY threshold and represents an effective strategy for promoting road safety in northeastern Thailand, supporting sustainable community health development and the northeastern regional health development plan.