Developing A Participatory Resilience Quotient Program For Village Health Volunteers In Rural Thailand: An Action Research Study In The Post-Covid-19 Era

Background: Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) play a vital role in community health; however, their psychological resilience remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the resilience levels of VHVs in rural Thailand and evaluate the effectiveness of a resilience enhancement program. Methods: This action research study was conducted between April and October 2022 with 476 VHVs, selected through stratified random sampling across two sub-districts and five villages per sub-district in Phayao Province. Data collection included interviews and self-report questionnaires. A four-week Resilience Quotient (RQ) program was implemented with 40 VHVs, focusing on five structured activities: self-reflection, stress management, problem-solving, emotional stability, and peer support. The program’s effectiveness was assessed at four time points: baseline, Weeks 4, 8, and 12, measuring changes in RQ, emotional stability, encouragement, and problem management. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Friedman test, while qualitative data were examined through domain-based content analysis. Results: The program evaluation, conducted at three time points, demonstrated statistically significant improvements in RQ, emotional stability (p < 0.001), encouragement (p < 0.05), and problem management (p < 0.05). The most significant improvements occurred in Week 8, with effects sustained through Week 12. The p-value < 0.001 confirmed that these changes were meaningful and not due to random variation. Conclusions: The RQ program enhanced VHVs’ emotional stability, encouragement, and problem management, supporting broader community mental health applications in the post-COVID-19 era. Keywords: Resilience Quotient Program, Village Health Volunteers, Emotional Stability, Encouragement, Problem Management, Post-COVID-19 Era, Thailand