THE STUDY OF FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO MALARIA OCCURRENCE IN SRI TOY SUB-DISTRICT: CASE STUDIES OF MALARIA PATIENTS Thanatcha Thaithanasarn1*, Siriporn Chuathao1, Phuriphat Teeralux2, Taksin Tinmeung3 and Amornrat Anuwatnonthakate1,4 1 Public Health, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand 2 Mae Suai Public Health Office, Chiang Rai, Thailand 3 Sri Toy Health Promoting Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand 4Center of Excellence for the Hill tribe Health Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand *e-mail :
[email protected] ___________________________________________________________________________ Abstract Background: Malaria is major public health problem in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. In Thailand, malaria remains high prevalence in the forest areas along the mountainous border. This qualitative study aimed to examine how the factors contributing to an occurrence of malaria in Sri Toy sub-district, Mea Suai district, Chiang Rai province. Methods: A qualitative method including in-depth interviews and focus group discussion technique was conducted. Ten participants were recruited from propulsive sampling. Data were obtained from non-participant observation and medical record. Semi-structure questions guideline adopted from Office of Disease Prevention and Control 7, UbonRatchathani were used for collecting data.. The data was verify by the triangulation method and interpretation by the content analysis. Results: The malaria patients were Thai male and Muser, 83.4% were aged 15-44 years old, and all were agriculturist. They had basic knowledge about malaria and experience with malaria influence on their malaria preventive behavior. Moreover, most of them had self- medication before seek medical treatment. The majority of patient living in three villages including Ayiko, Mai Mae Yang Min, and Phaya Kong Dee.