The effect of the development of web-based supporting system for military health promotion using participatory approach : a case study of First Infantry Regiment, The King's Own Bodyguard

Abstract

Health of military personnel is important not only for individuals' health, but also military stability, and nation security, in turn. The implementation of health promotion (HP) of Royal Thai Army (RTA) personnel facilitated systematically by using information and communication technologies enables outcomes achievement. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of web-based supporting system (WBSS) on HP outcomes both at community and individual levels. This action research using participatory and mixed method approaches was carried out in the setting of First Infantry Regiment, The King’s Own Bodyguard. Preliminary results showed that the majority of Internet users used eHealth and had high level of eHealth literacy. In addition, eHealth literacy was significantly determined by having experience of using eHealth and perceived importance of accessibility to online health information. After its development, WBSS was used by the community to support a health education program, a community initiative run by a youth group, broadcasting through public audio line system. Overall, community participation in HP using WBSS was higher than that in previous actions for health. HP outcomes in terms of usage of eHealth, and eHealth literacy were also increased. Findings from this study reflect the need for WBSS to be used extensively in RTA units in order to promote the health in general, and to scale up eHealth literacy in particular. Further researches to measure how this innovation can be diffused and its long term outcomes are required.