Abstract:
"This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of mental health problems and identify associated factors among Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in the northern region of Thailand. The sample consisted of 1,946 VHVs from six northern provinces: Phrae, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Lamphun, and Lampang. Participants were aged 20 years or older and had at least one year of experience as VHVs. Data were collected through an online questionnaire that included personal and work-related characteristics, as well as the General Health Questionnaire (Thai GHQ28). The data were analyzed using binary logistic regression to compute crude odds ratios (COR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The study found that the prevalence of mental health problems among VHVs was 4.5 percent, defined as a score of 5 or more. These mental health problems included anxiety and insomnia (0.9 percent), followed by somatic symptoms (0.6 percent), severe depression (0.4 percent), and social dysfunction (0.3 percent). Factors associated with mental health problems were insufficient income (COR = 0.51 ; 95% CI = 0.33-0.78), the presence of underlying diseases (COR = 1.62 ; 95% CI = 1.052.50), good relationships with family members (COR = 0.33 ; 95% CI = 0.21-0.51), good relationships with coworkers (COR = 0.59 ; 95% CI = 0.37-0.93), working 4 or more days per week (COR = 1.62 ; 95% CI = 1.02-2.58), and working 3 or more hours per day (COR = 1.58 ; 95% CI = 1.02-2.45). In conclusion, both personal and work-related factors are significantly associated with the mental health of VHVs in the northern region of Thailand. Therefore, it is essential to implement suitable work practices and support systems to enhance and promote the mental well-being of VHVs. "