Development of a Community-Based Larval Control Model for the Prevention of Aedes-Borne Diseases through Network Stakeholder Participation in Yasothon Municipality, Yasothon, Thailand

Abstract

The persistent outbreaks of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases remain a critical public health issue in Thailand, particularly in urban areas where environmental conditions facilitate Aedes mosquito breeding. This study aimed to develop a sustainable community-based larval control model for disease prevention through participatory engagement of network stakeholders in Yasothon Municipality, Yasothon Province. A Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach was employed, guided by the P-A-O-R cycle: Planning, Action, Observation, and Reflection. The target participants included two main stakeholder groups: (1) 53 representatives from local government, health, and education sectors across 23 communities, and (2) 148 members of community-based organizations, such as village health volunteers and community committee members. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and content analysis. Findings revealed that the implementation of the BANTHA Model, comprising Brainstorming (B), Agreement (A), Network (N), Teamwork (T), Hygiene (H), and Acceptance (A), led to statistically significant improvements in three key areas: knowledge of Aedes-borne disease prevention and control (p < 0.001), level of community participation (p < 0.001), and satisfaction with the implemented activities (p < 0.001). Additionally, entomological indices, House Index (HI), Container Index (CI), and Breteau Index (BI), showed significant reductions (p < 0.001) following model implementation. In conclusion, this research demonstrates the capacity of local communities to effectively and sustainably prevent mosquito-borne diseases when empowered through structured participatory mechanisms. The BANTHA model offers a promising framework for scalable public health policy and community-based vector control strategies at the national level.

Keywords: larval control, Aedes mosquitoes, community participation, participatory action research, BANTHA model