Communication Network of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

The objectives of this study were: 1) to investigate the communication network of VHVs in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province, during the COVID-19 pandemic; and 2) to discover the factors contributing to the success of communication in the VHV network in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using in-depth interviews and group discussions with groups of VHVs in the Mae Sai District area. Chiang Rai Province, 38 people.

The results showed that the characteristics of the communication network of village health volunteers (VHVs) in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province, consisted of four main components: 1) Goals and roles of VHVs, 2) The direction of communication of the VHV network in Mae Sai district during the COVID-19, 3) a mixed network communication. The types of media used by the communication network of village health volunteers (VHVs) in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province, showed four types:1) Personal Media, 2) New Media, 3) Place Media, and 4) Special Media Groups. Factors influencing the success of communication within the VHV network include two main factors – internal factors encompassing six essential facets: 1) Work Experience, 2) Personality of VHVs, 3) Communication Skills within the VHV Network, 4) Kinship Relations within the VHV Network, 5) Morale in the Job Performance of the VHV Network, and 6) Cohesiveness of the VHV Network. Externally, the factors contributing to successful communication included support from three key sources: 1) Government Sector Support, 2) Private Sector Support, and 3) Backing from Local Politicians