Enhancing the Integrated Injury Surveillance System for All Age Groups in the Decentralized Areas to Local Governments in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand

Abstract

This developmental research aims to enhancing and extend the implementation of an integrated injury surveillance system for all age groups in areas where responsibilities have been transferred to local authorities in Ubon Ratchathani Province. The study period is from February to April 2024. The target groups include 208 individuals from government agencies, community leaders, and public health volunteers, as well as 200 individuals from all age groups at risk. The tools used in this research include the surveillance forms created and developed by the researchers in the model areas, communication and public relations strategies for injury warnings, health literacy assessments for at-risk groups, random helmet use surveys, and participation and satisfaction assessments. Data analysis involves qualitative methods using content analysis and quantitative methods using descriptive statistics, including percentages, medians, and paired t-tests. The study results indicate that after expanding the model, there was an integration of networks participating in the surveillance system. The use of surveillance tools for risk assessment facilitated communication and risk management at the individual, causative agent, and environmental levels. Consequently, participants' health literacy significantly increased, with a p-value < 0.01. Helmet use rose from 32.00% to 82.00%. Additionally, the management of risk points increased to 5 from the initial target of 4. Network participation post-implementation reached its highest level at 86.06%, and satisfaction was at 81.73%. The injury rate from major causes across all age groups decreased compared to the median rate of the past five years during the same period. Therefore, the surveillance system should focus on proactive measures to provide warnings before incidents occur. It should also encourage public participation, with local administrative organizations playing a central role in driving and coordinating efforts. This approach ensures continuous and sustainable integration of network operations.