Abstract:
The main objective of this research was to calculate cost, evaluate effectiveness and analyze cost-effectiveness of coliform bacteria screening test (SI-2) in food sanitation surveillance at Singburi province in 2001. The test was conducted among three target groups: food shops, food stalls and school canteens. This study is a descriptive study. The data were collected by using retrospective survey from 1 February to 31 May 2001. The cost center was classified into two categories: Transient Cost Center and Absorbing Cost Center. This study allocated cost by Direct Distribution Method and Step-Down Method. It was found that full cost of coliform bacteria screening test (SI-2) in food sanitation surveillance at Singburi province in 2001 was 118,841.03 baht, 63.04% of which was indirect cost. The unit cost of target group per sample detected in food stalls, food shops and school canteens was 94.18 baht, 75.66 baht and 48.66 baht respectively. The unit cost of responsibility offices per sample detected in health center, community hospital and general hospital was 73.52 baht, 45.02 baht and 44.70 baht respectively. For the cost-effectiveness analysis, the highest efficiency groups (cost-effectiveness lowest) were school canteens (775.47 baht) and the lowest efficiency groups (cost-effectiveness highest) were food stalls (923.89 baht). For the sensitivity analysis of cost-effectiveness found that if coliform bacteria detected rate decrease 3% from now on, food stalls will be the highest efficiency groups and school canteens will be the lowest efficiency groups. The results of study help administrator planing and resources using of coliform bacteria screening test (SI-2) in food sanitation surveillance at Singburi province effectively.