Journals Information
Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 13(5), pp. 1282 - 1289
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130520
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Community Engagement for Suicide Prevention: A Participatory Action Research in Pong District, Thailand
Pornyanee Intha 1, Tienthong Takaew 2,*, Orathai Katkhaw 2, Nisuda Yodya 1, Taweewun Srisookkum 2, Sunanta Wongrattanakamon 2
1 Pong Hospital, Pong District, Phayao Province, Thailand
2 School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Thailand
ABSTRACT
This study sought to develop a community-based mental health surveillance and suicide prevention system using a participatory approach in Pong District, Phayao Province, Thailand. The research employed a Participatory Action Research framework informed by Kemmis and McTaggart's four-phase model: planning, action, observation, and reflection. Thirty individuals with a history of suicide attempts and fifty community stakeholders 鈥� including local healthcare providers, religious leaders, village health volunteers, and administrative officers 鈥� collaborated in co-designing and implementing the intervention. Core activities included suicide risk screening with validated tools (9Q and 8Q), resilience-building workshops, and structured home-based follow-ups. Data were collected through standardized resilience and satisfaction scales and analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. The findings indicated significant improvements in mental health outcomes. Depression scores decreased markedly (Mean = 5.03, SD = 8.4, p < .001), and suicidal ideation was reduced (Mean = 6.9, SD = 16.08, p < .05). Participants also reported higher levels of mental toughness and motivation (p < .05), although no significant change was observed in problem-solving abilities. Overall, the study underscores the value of participatory, community-driven models in strengthening mental health outcomes. Embedding such models into national mental health strategies may enhance sustainability, improve access, and ensure culturally appropriate care for vulnerable populations in rural areas.
KEYWORDS
Suicide Prevention, Community-Based Intervention, Mental Resilience, Action Research, Mental Health Policy
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Pornyanee Intha , Tienthong Takaew , Orathai Katkhaw , Nisuda Yodya , Taweewun Srisookkum , Sunanta Wongrattanakamon , "Community Engagement for Suicide Prevention: A Participatory Action Research in Pong District, Thailand," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 13, No. 5, pp. 1282 - 1289, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130520.
(b). APA Format:
Pornyanee Intha , Tienthong Takaew , Orathai Katkhaw , Nisuda Yodya , Taweewun Srisookkum , Sunanta Wongrattanakamon (2025). Community Engagement for Suicide Prevention: A Participatory Action Research in Pong District, Thailand. Universal Journal of Public Health, 13(5), 1282 - 1289. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130520.