Developing the potential of village health volunteers (VHVs) to perform their duties in Bueng Narang District, Phichit Province

Abstract

This study aimed to: (1) examine the level of potential of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs); (2) compare personal factors with the level of potential; and (3) explore guidelines for enhancing the potential of VHVs. The study employed a Mixed Methods Research design. Quantitative data were collected from 601 VHVs in Bueng Narang District, Phichit Province, using a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 10 key informants. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, independent samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis.
The findings revealed that:
1. Overall, VHVs demonstrated a high level of potential in performing their duties (μ = 4.01, σ = 0.74). All dimensions were rated at a high level. The highest mean score was found in the dimension of roles and responsibilities, followed by operational skills, while knowledge, health behaviors, and health communication showed similar mean scores. The lowest-rated items were the use of online channels for health communication and basic first aid.
2. In terms of personal factors, educational level significantly affected the level of potential at the .05 level of statistical significance, whereas gender, age, marital status, income, and years of experience showed no significant differences.
3. Guidelines for enhancing VHV potential should emphasize the development of digital skills and health data recording, improvement of modern health literacy, provision of small-group practical training with continuous reinforcement, and strengthening structural support systems, including resources, mentorship, and motivation, in order to promote effective and sustainable performance of VHVs.