Community- Based Approaches to Cancer Prevention in Rural Thailand Based on Experiences of Accredited Health Professionals

This qualitative research aimed to describe important components of community based approaches of cancer prevention from working experiences of accredited health professionals in Thai rural communities. METHODS: Data were collected from 23 communities with 23 accredited health professionals as key participants using in-depth interview and focus group discussions (FGDs) in each community. Other informants were community leaders, community health volunteers and community people. Content analysis was applied for data analysis. RESULTS: Community based approaches for cancer prevention from the experiences of accredited health professionals were composed of 2 themes: approaches for community-based cancer prevention and methods for cancer-based prevention in the community. The approaches for community-based cancer prevention was composed of 4 components: 1) primary prevention focusing on health education; 2) secondary prevention include: life style modification, vaccination, advocacy of cancer screening, early detection, and prompt refer; 3) tertiary prevention focusing on primary care, and 4) research collaboration focusing on net working. Methods for cancer-based prevention in the community were different based on types of cancer. The 3 factors determined to be associated with community based approaches for cancer prevention were: 1) primary care policy; 2) hometown workplace; and 3) health practice skill. CONCLUSION: Community based approaches for cancer prevention should concentrate on building a literate community involvement to empower both health care providers and residents. From our evidence, dedicated community associates health professionals have a major role to play.