Abstract:
Population-based screening is a large-scale process of identifying apparently healthy people for disease
risks. Some health screening programs in Thailand have been introduced without scientific evidence.
This paper details the experience gained from a systematic and participatory prioritization of health problems
to be screened in Thailand. A consultation meeting with three rounds of anonymous votes was conducted.
Participants included technical officers in the Ministry of Public Health, medical practitioners,
representatives of non-governmental organizations and lay people. We identified the primary list of 31
health problems for their contributions to disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in Thailand. A set of
information depicting the burden of diseases and availability of screening techniques were provided to
participants prior to the meeting. The prioritization process was conducted with a modified Delphi technique.
The final list of high-priority health problems was determined by researchers using inputs from
round three and overall aspects: ischemic heart disease and stroke, diabetes, alcohol dependence, cirrhosis
and liver cancer, anemia, cervical cancer, HIV/AIDS, asthma, tuberculosis, nephritis and nephrosis,
breast cancer and traffic accidents. They will be investigated further on the appropriate screening program.
