Non-communicable diseases prevention in remote areas of Vietnam: Limited roles of health education and community workers

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to measure the exposure of residents to health education messages about non-communicable diseases (NCD)-related risk factors, and activities of village health workers (VHWs) in NCDs prevention and control in the mountainous setting of Vietnam. Method A cross-sectional study was performed in Dap Thanh commune (Ba Che, Quang Ninh province, Vietnam), a mountainous area. There were 151 residents aged 18 years or above recruited for this study. Information regarding exposure to messages about risk factors of NCDs, and activities of VHWs was collected via face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify associated factors with exposing messages about NCD-related risk factors. Results The majority of participants heard about messages related to risk factors of NCDs in the last 30 days, from 56.3% (physical inactivity message), 59.6% (diet message), 75.5% (alcohol use message) to 79.5% (smoking message). Radio/television was the most common source of the messages (from 91.8% to 95.8%) and the majority of participants heard these messages from one source (from 77.1% to 80.9%). Most of sample reported the unavailability of VHWs in their locals (53.6%). Among locals having VHWs, health communication and education was the most common service provided (54.3%); however, only 30% received NCD management services. Participants who had other jobs were less likely to hear about diet-related messages (OR = 0.32; 95%CI = 0.11–0.92), and those ever smoking were more likely to hear these messages in the last 30 days (OR = 6.86; 95%CI = 1.06–44.51). People who had diabetes mellitus were more likely to hear physical activity-related messages in the last 30 days (OR = 2.55; 95%CI = 1.20–5.41). Conclusion Our findings indicated that health communication regarding risk factors of NCDs in mountainous areas in Vietnam was insufficient, and the role of health workers as formal information source was not recognized. Efforts should be made to increase the capacity and involvement of VHWs in health education and NCD prevention in mountainous regions.

Expanding the role of village malaria workers in Cambodia: Implementation and evaluation of four health education packages

“…Based on stakeholder feedback, future education topics to be considered for further expansion of VMWs roles could focus on non-communicable diseases, as these are prevalent in most populations and could be useful in preventing long lasting complications. Multiple projects elsewhere have successfully equipped volunteers with the necessary tools and education to conduct monitoring of non-communicable diseases [11,[39][40][41]. Promising tasks might include measuring blood pressure, measuring blood glucose levels and assisting community members with taking or administering medication.…”

A Study on Communication Practices in Reducing Non-Communicable Diseases in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

“… 58 Likewise, interpersonal communication is widely employed to facilitate the efficient dissemination of about pandemics within the population and enhances two-way communication at the household and community levels. 56 , 57 Furthermore, education and training at the interpersonal level are essential for improving the intrinsic abilities of a person to avoid health-risk behaviors. 59 On the other way, a pilot study on peer health education for NCD prevention in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Palau showed that peer health education is an effective strategy for preventing NCDs in resource-limited settings; 60 however, in this study, the method was not common in dealing with NCDs.…”

“…However, the literature confirms that effective communication about NCDs and bringing sustained behavioral change requires the active involvement of various stakeholders such as government, health sector, non-governmental organizations, religious leaders, community leaders, media, teachers, students, and different associations, healthcare workers and so on in bridging the gap between knowledge and practice. 56,57 This indicates that the prevention and control of NCDs require more attention and cross-sectoral participation of various stakeholders. 58 On the other hand, the study found that various communication methods were employed to inform and raise awareness about NCDs and the associated risk factors.…”

Expanding the role of village malaria workers in Cambodia: implementation and evaluation of four health education packages

“…Based on stakeholder feedback, future education topics to be considered for further expansion of VMWs roles could focus on non-communicable diseases, as these are prevalent in most populations and could be useful in preventing long lasting complications. Multiple projects elsewhere have successfully equipped volunteers with the necessary tools and education to conduct monitoring of noncommunicable diseases [11,[39][40][41]. Promising tasks might include measuring blood pressure, measuring blood glucose levels and assisting community members with taking or administering medication.…”