Management of communication channels for health information in the community

Object: To investigate channels for communication of health information to various groups in the community. Design: An exploratory cross sectional design was used, followed by focus groups of selected participants to confirm and clarify the findings. Setting: Five levels of sub-district administration organizations were selected from different districts of Chonburi Province, Thailand. Method: A survey using a self-administered questionnaire was carried out. Survey data were collected, analyzed then verified by observation and focus groups conducted in each community. Results: Most people (78.7 per cent) receive health information everyday. The internet was an information source used frequently by those respondents less than 35 years of age (45.5 per cent). Health information was received by mobile telephone message, wireless systems and satellite televisions mostly by people less than 35 or 35-44 years old (33.3 and 38.1 per cent respectively). Receipt of health information from television, newspaper and radio was most common in the 35-44 and 45-54 year age groups (29.9 and 30.1 per cent). Distributed or central loudspeaker systems were cited as a source most often by people in the 45-54 year age group (36.0 per cent). Conclusion: Findings lead to recommend coordination of health communications, using the internet for health information, preparing for coordination of messages on wireless systems and other new technologies for people in rapidly developing countries. Common communication channels are still useful especially in rural areas. Various interest groups should participate in developing their own models of communication, management, and evaluation for strengthening health development. copyright