Abstract:
The purposes of this mixed methods research were conducted to analyze and predict the amount of airborne bacteria within the Tambon Health Promoting Hospital and to find the environmental management model for reducing such airborne bacteria. The unit of analysis was 540 airborn bacteria in the treatment rooms and the sampling units were sampled in seven districts of 30 Tambon Health Promoting Hospitals. The samples were collected from Anderson Impactor Single Stage. Data were determine using a checklist and in-depth interview with staff representatives responsible for sanitation and environmental health in 30 hospital obtained by simple random sampling, on informant from each hospital. The guideline was confirmed by experts in the Delphi technique. Data were analyzed by frequency, percentage, median-quartile range and stepwise multiple regression anlaysis. Findings revealed that the average amount of indoor bacteria was 583.19 CFU/ m3 (SD = 304.36) which was higher level than the recommended by the Department of Health (<500 CFU/ m3). Based on the time of service (828.86+-375.01 CFU/ m3), the higherst amount of airborne bacteria was found, followed by the post-service period (511.09+-164.78 CFU/ m3) and the time before service. (409.61+-122.20 CFU/ m3), respectively. As for the amount of bacteria in the air outside the building, the mean found was 36.31+-23.03 CFU/ m3. The predictive factor found included the number of people, speading bacteria in the air, activities that cause bacteria in the air, the environment conducive to bacteria and wind speed with predictability at 54.3% (Adj. R2 = 0.542, p=0.002). The environmental management model for reducing air bacteria in the promoting sub-district hospitals consists of 6 ways: spreading people to medical examination room, ventilation, reduction of bacteria on air conditioners, fans, tables, chairs, furniture and cabinets and general wastes. Therefore, the relevant agencies should utilize these guidelines to define projects or activities to reduce the amount of airborne bacteria in the hospital for the quality of life and safety of related people. In addition, relevant agencies can apply this research to the application or create a program to monitor and evaluate the hospital regularly, leading to the development of each hospital on a continuous basis and lead to sustainable development.