Development of Digital Technology Capabilities for Operation of Village Health Volunteers in Pattani Province
Main Article Content
Abstract
This research is a mixed-methods study which aimed at studying (1) the level of competence and readiness, (2) problems, obstacles and limitations, (3) comparing competence, readiness and problems and obstacles, and (4) suggesting guidelines for developing the ability to use digital technology for the work of village health volunteers (VHV) in Pattani Province. Data was collected from a sample of 365 participants and 10 experts from January to April 2025. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical values, and qualitative data was analyzed using classification, grouping and content analysis. Findings indicated that, overall, VHVs demonstrated a high level of digital competency and readiness, with key strengths in digital ethics and online coordination. However, limitations remained in digital innovation and misinformation literacy. Overall problems and barriers were at a moderate level. Notably, average monthly income was the only factor that led to statistically significant differences in the level of problems and barriers (p < 0.05), reflecting inequality in access to devices and internet expenses. Language and technical terminology were also identified as barriers among older VHVs who are more proficient in the local Melayu dialect. The proposed development approach should comprise of four important dimensions: (1) strengthening competencies in media production and building digital resilience, (2) promoting learning through a model digital mentoring system, (3) developing bilingual (Thai–local Melayu) learning media and applications to reduce language gaps, and (4) establishing policies to support essential resources in order to reduce economic burdens and sustainably enhance the effectiveness of public health operations in the area
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บทความทุกเรื่องที่ลงตีพิมพ์จะได้รับการตรวจอ่านโดยผู้ทรงคุณวุฒิ ความคิดเห็นและบทความที่ปรากฏในวารสารนี้ เป็นของผู้เขียนซึ่งมิใช่เป็นความคิดเห็นของคณะผู้จัดทำ และมิใช่ความรับผิดชอบของสมาคมห้องสมุดแห่งประเทศไทยฯ การนำบทความในวารสารนี้ไปตีพิมพ์ซ้ำต้องได้รับอนุญาตจากคณะผู้จัดทำ
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