Using Population Based Data on Drugs Abuse to Estimate the Relative Need for Medical Services in Thailand
Poonrut Leyatikul PhD*, Manop Kanato PhD*
Affiliation : * Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background and
Objective : Epidemiological background shows a trend in drug abuse and essential need for revising its
strategic plans, allocating resources, and advocating services for populations. The relative need for drug abuse prevention
and medical services across different geographic areas of Thailand, which has been examined through an analysis of existing
population-based datasets and reported routinely. The objective was to develop an indicator of relative need for drug abuse
prevention and medical services.
Material and Method: Qualitative data were collected as primary data sources from 10 focus group discussions throughout
Thailand. The primary data were integrated into study framework with the result from literature review. Data sets in 2011
were retrieved from the national databank to obtain variables regarding drug abuse. Multiple regression and factor analysis
were undertaken using the district as the unit of analysis.
Results : A factor analysis, which revealed six factors that explained 64% of the variance in the data set. Factors identified in
the analysis were taken as indicators of variation in the need for services as all of the drugs-related variables loaded strongly
on these factors. The distribution of ranks for factor scores (determined through regression) obtained for these factors across
districts in Thailand showed that scores were highest in urban and suburban areas.
Conclusion : In terms of practical implications, the study results could be used for resource allocation in medical service
plans for community drug abuse.
Keywords : Drug abuse, Service, Estimation, Population-based data
