Song Pueai

Liver cancer, specifically cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), is common in various areas of Thailand. Factors increasing the risk include liver fluke infection, older age, eating raw fish, family history of cancer, alcohol use, praziquantel medication, low fresh vegetable intake, and low education. In 2015, Khon Kaen University researchers developed the Community-based Health Education and Communication (CHEC) program to help prevent liver cancer caused by liver flukes in local communities. This research aims to improve the CHEC program by developing an enhanced version called the eCHEC program. The study will take place in Khon Kaen, Thailand, and will test whether this enhanced program is effective in increasing knowledge and changing behaviors related to liver cancer prevention. The study also seeks to better understand community factors that affect prevention efforts and to integrate the program into healthcare practices in Thailand. Participants will be monitored for one year to assess changes in behaviors such as eating raw fish, fruit and vegetable intake, smoking, alcohol use, and use of praziquantel medication. Stool tests will be conducted to measure liver fluke infection levels. Researchers will also evaluate stages of change in risk behaviors related to CCA development. This comprehensive monitoring will help determine the program’s impact on reducing liver cancer risks.