Introduction
Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM) is a significant part of Thailand’s primary healthcare system. Despite increasing policy-level support, structured, evidence-informed health promotion guidelines specifically tailored to TTM remain limited. This study aimed to develop a culturally grounded health promotion guideline based on the five strategic action areas of the Ottawa Charter, by identifying and validating key components—namely, criteria, indicators, and verifiers—relevant to a TTM-based framework aligned with the Ottawa Charter principles.
Methods
A mixed-methods study was adopted. Fifteen experts were selected through purposive and snowball sampling, including ten TTM specialists and five specialists in related fields. Quantitative data from structured questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Content Validity Index (CVI), and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews were examined through framework analysis mapped to the five domains of the Ottawa Charter.
Results and Discussion
The study produced a validated guideline framework comprising five domains, seven criteria, 21 indicators, and 61 verifiers. “Building Healthy Public Policy” emerged as the most critical domain, underscoring the need for coherent and culturally responsive policy. Other domains—such as community action, personal skills, and reoriented services—highlighted engagement, literacy, and system integration. Barriers included fragmented policies and undefined TTM roles; facilitators included cultural resonance and practitioner readiness.
Conclusions
Expert consultation supported the development of a context-specific, evidence-informed health promotion guideline integrating TTM into Thailand’s health system. The resulting framework lays a strong foundation for improving culturally relevant primary care and community health strategies.
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