Effectiveness of hand foot mouth disease prevention and control measures between high and low epidemic areas, Northern Thailand

• Main Authors: Siriyaporn Sittisarn, Pilasinee Wongnuch, Pussadee Laor, Chadaporn Inta, Tawatchai Apidechkul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Emerald Publishing 2018-05-01
• Series: Journal of Health Research
• Subjects: Qualitative approach; Hand foot mouth disease; Day care center; High and low epidemic areas
• Online Access: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JHR-05-2018-023/full/pdf?title=effectiveness-of-hand-foot-mouth-disease-prevention-and-control-measures-between-high-and-low-epidemic-areas-northern-thailand

Design/methodology/approach - A qualitative method was used to extract information from 48 informants from two different areas; high and low epidemic areas of HFMD. Question guidelines were developed from literature review and viewed by three external experts in the field before use. Interviews took place in a private and confidential room. Each interview lasted approximately 50 minutes. Findings - There are no policies regarding HFMD control in both high and low epidemic areas of HFMD. The staff at sub-district local government level did not have the necessary qualifications for HFMD control. Additionally, staff were not stable, and there was a lack of a disease control team. Antiseptics for cleaning day care centers (DCC) were not effective for disease control; most DCC use Dettol®, soap, dishwashing liquid, detergent and water for cleaning the environment. These antiseptics do not include chlorine making it ineffective in destroying the virus. Originality/value - The sub-district local government should be concerned about HFMD control; the staff should have the necessary qualifications suitable for disease control. Standard and practical HFMD control guideline should be set up and used in DCC.