Health Networks Developing in Prison Communities by Empowerment

Abstract

Thitinun Phunphokha and Tawan Khetpanya

Correctional institutions or prisons are places with a large number of people living crowded, which affects the health status of inmates. The main objective of this developmental research is to studied the model of health network development in prison communities by using empowerment process and has a specific purpose were 1. To study the characteristics of communities and health problems of Kalasin Prison Communities. 2. To develop an appropriate health care model for people in Kalasin Prison Community and 3. To develop the potential of the health network in the Kalasin prison. The population is as many as 3,005 inmates living in prisons. The sample consists of 75 inmates in the Kalasin Prison Community, 2 nurses’ inmates of nurse units in the prison, the total of 77 person. The instruments consisted of knowledge assessment form, understanding of case manager in community health care of public health volunteers in prisons and in-depth interviews, focus group interviews, and transcription lessons in supervision. The results showed that 1. The top 5 health problems that sick inmates were: 1.1 Upper respiratory infection 1.2 Rash / itch 1.3 Muscle pain 1.4 Arthritis 1.5 Gastrointestinal disease and health risks such as Stress, Depression, Obesity, Diabetes, Hypertension and Dyslipidemia. 2. Appropriate forms of health care for people in Kalasin prison community, namely Public health volunteers in prisons have a role in screening health conditions. Illness surveillance and education for self-care in order to prevent illness. 3. After the training in general knowledge about public health volunteers in prisons. The sample group had the mean scores and knowledge median of 11.65 and 12.00 (X = 11.65, Med. = 12.00) respectively which increased statistically significant. And the development of the potential of the health network in prisons should focus on participation providing empowerment to volunteers with appreciation and record the merit points. Suggestions since it is a studied in a closed community. Therefore should be cooperation from all sectors involved in driving the public health volunteers in prisons for strength and sustainability, which will lead to further reduction of illness in prisons.

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