Journal of Public Health and Development

Health literacy of community leaders in the prevention and control of COVID-19: A cross-sectional study

2024-05-06T14:41:17+07:00

Community leaders in Thailand play an important role in preventing and controlling infectious diseases, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, risk perception and adequate health literacy among these leaders influence the population. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationships among health literacy, risk perception factors, and the implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control. A self-administered structured questionnaire was administered to 1,338 community leaders in northeast Thailand to assess the level of implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control measures. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify the influence of risk perceptions and health literacy on the prevention and control of COVID-19. Approximately 64% of the sample was male, and the participants had an average age of 50.51 ± 8.47 years. The factors associated with moderate and high levels of COVID-19 prevention and control among community leaders were moderate and high levels of perceived susceptibility (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] = 3.01; 95% CI: 2.13–4.25; p-value < 0.001) and perceived severity (ORadj = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.22–2.45; p-value = 0.023) as well as adequate access (ORadj = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.08–2.25; p-value < 0.001) and adequate understanding (ORadj = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.34–3.93; p-value < 0.001), with a level of statistical significance of 0.05. The incorporation of health literacy and risk perception, especially in dimensions such as access, understanding, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity, is essential for leaders to possess strong skills in community health development, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prediction model for composite adverse pregnancy outcomes: Indonesia demographic health survey analysis

2024-05-25T18:28:25+07:00

Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (APO) is the leading cause of infant mortality, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Despite no significant change in neonatal mortality rates in Indonesia over the past fifteen years, identifying the risk factors for APO can help healthcare professionals provide personalized interventions and support. This study aims to determine the determinants of APO risk in Indonesia. The cross-sectional study utilized the 2017 Indonesian Health Demographic Survey (IDHS), which included 9,752 women of reproductive age. APO, including low birth weight, early birth, and stillbirth, was the outcome of the study. The demographic characteristics and other risk factors were evaluated. To identify APO-risk-associated factors, we performed multiple logistic regression analysis. The results showed that low economic status (Adj. OR= 1.407; 1.153-1.716; p= 0.001)), living in rural areas (Adj. OR= 0.804; 0.663-0.976; p= 0.027), having a history of pregnancy or childbirth complications (Adj. OR= 4.563; 3.617-5.756; p= 0.0001), premature rupture of the membrane during pregnancy or after giving birth (Adj. OR= 1.351; 1.069-1.708; p= 0.012), antenatal visits <4 times (Adj. OR= 1.603; 1.123-2.288; p= 0.009), consumption of iron supplement tablets <90 days (Adj. OR= 1.275; 1.063-1.529; p= 0.009), and twin pregnancy (Adj. OR= 33.715; 18.587-61.153; p= 0.0001) significantly influenced the APO prevalence. The study concluded that APO risk is significantly impacted by poor obstetric history features, multiple births, low health service utilization, and sociodemographic factors. Early detection of these risk factors is essential for reducing neonatal death caused by APO.

Maternal factors contributed as important risk factors of stunting among children under 5 years old in East Java, Indonesia

2024-05-17T21:04:48+07:00

Roughly, three out of ten toddlers in Indonesia are stunted. Stunted children are spread throughout some provinces in Indonesia, including East Java. In East Java Province, ten cities and regencies exhibit a higher stunting prevalence rate than the national average. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting stunting among families with children under five years old. The study is population-based using census data. The dependent variable is stunting. The independent variables are young maternal age (<20 years old), older maternal age (>35 years old), and frequent pregnancies (> 2 children). The data were collected from the National Population and Family Planning Board which included 6,373,612 families, with children under five years old, from 38 districts/cities around East Java, Indonesia. The data were analysed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis with multiple linear regression. The results showed a relationship between young maternal age (B=11.37; p <0.001; 95% CI= 7.35 to 15.40), old maternal age (B=1.02; p <0.001; 95% CI= 0.84 to 1.20), and frequent pregnancies (B=1.01; p=0.007; 95% CI= 0.30 to 1.73) and the incidence of stunting. Maternal factors significantly contributed to stunting. The research identified young maternal age, old maternal age, and frequent pregnancies as variables that predicted and contributed to stunting. Based on the findings, an intervention can be proposed to stakeholders to arrange stunting prevention programs related to maternal issues.

Assessment of fall risk, cognitive impairment, fear of falling in relation to functional mobility, and balance impairments in older adults

2024-05-28T19:07:36+07:00

Among older adults, falls are the most common injury and may increase the risk of mortality. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with functional mobility and balance impairments among community-dwelling older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 515 older adults. The questionnaires recorded demographic characteristics and health data, including the mental state examination T10 version (MSET10) and fear of falling (FOF). Functional mobility and balance impairments were assessed using the timed up and go (TUG) test. Leg strength and endurance were assessed using the sit to stand (STS) test. Demographic factors that were associated with significant differences for TUG and TUG-cognitive included age, education, occupation, history of falls in the previous year, and comorbidities. The TUG-cognitive, STS, and TUG tests at higher risk of falling were 42.5%, 18.6%, and 14.2%, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed that STS and FOF were positively associated with TUG and TUG-cognitive, while the MSET10 was negatively associated with TUG and TUG-cognitive. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that increasing FOF was associated with increasing TUG and TUG-cognitive after adjusting for confounding variables (p < 0.001 and p = 0.015, respectively). Several risk factors need to be considered to determine the effectiveness of preventive measures and interventions to reduce the risk of falling. In particular, interventions for older adults should focus on functional mobility and balance impairments.

Level and predictors of mental health literacy among secondary school students in Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand

2024-05-08T20:23:41+07:00

Mental health literacy (MHL) is one of the most important factors in resolving mental health disorders for adolescents. This cross-sectional study examines the level of MHL among secondary school students and seeks to determine its predictors. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit a sample of 404 students with a mean age of 14.89 years (SD = 1.66) attending an autonomous secondary school in Nakhon Pathom province, Thailand in the first semester of the 2023 academic year. The research instruments were two self-reporting questionnaires, namely the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ – Thai version) and the Mental Health Literacy Survey. Content validity was reviewed by three experts and the Index of Consistency (IOC) was 0.97, with Cronbach’s alpha reliabilities of 0.94 (GHQ), and 0.75 (MHL). Descriptive statistics including chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data. The mean score of MHL was 28.96 (SD = 3.58), indicating adequate MHL within this sample. Academic performance (OR 1.834, 95%Cl 1.139-2.954), studying at the senior high school level (OR 1.559, 95%Cl 1.005-2.418), and experiencing psychological distress (OR .535, 95%Cl .321- .892) were all predictors of adequate MHL. These findings suggest that school administrations and healthcare providers should develop a program to ensure junior-level students attain cognitive abilities and an adequate MHL level to prevent future mental illness.

Effect of smartphone applications on reducing the pain of office syndrome among staff at Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University: a quasi-experimental design

2024-05-17T20:56:54+07:00

Office syndrome is a term used to describe musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) occurring in the workplace. The persistent problem of office syndrome means that constant efforts are required to find a solution. This study was a quasi-experimental investigation. The aim was to examine the impact of a smartphone application on reducing the pain associated with office syndrome in a group of participants. The purposive selection technique was employed to obtain a certain sample group from the staff of Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University who spend 6–8 hours per day working on computers and experience pain in their muscles in eight areas, namely the neck, shoulders, back, wrists, waist, hips, legs, and calves. The sample size was 30. The data analysis requires the use of both descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically generalised estimating equations (GEE). The study found that the group of 30 staff at Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University had an average overall pain score of 3.31 (SD = 0.40) at the baseline, which decreased to 2.17 (SD = 0.17) in week 4, and 1.47 (SD = 0.21) at week 8. The comparative analysis of the baseline, week 4, and week 8 revealed a significantly higher average pain level before smartphone application use (baseline) than after weeks 4–8, at the statistical significance level of 0.05. Therefore, the institution should promote the usage of the NotifyOfficeSyndrome application among staff who regularly use computer screens to improve their overall health and eliminate the discomfort associated with office syndrome.

Understanding mobile health literacy among the working-age population: A cross-sectional study in Thailand

2024-05-31T15:34:14+07:00

Mobile health (mHealth) literacy refers to the ability of individuals to seek, find, understand, and evaluate health information accessed via mobile devices. In Thailand, an assessment of mobile health literacy among the working-age population (25-59 years old) across the country is still needed to gain a better understanding of the current landscape of this concept as well as to create strategies for improvement. As a result, this study aimed 1) to assess mHealth literacy among the Thai working-age population, 2) to investigate differences in mHealth literacy among the Thai working-age population classified by demographic variables, and 3) to identify the predictive factors affecting mHealth literacy among the Thai working-age population. Cross-sectional survey research was conducted in this study with samples consisting of 600 working-age individuals derived from six regions across the country. Respondents were randomly selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire. Mean, SD, t-test, One-Way ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis [MRA] were used for data analysis at a .05 level of significance. The results found that 1) the samples showed a high level of mHealth literacy (Mean = 4.32, SD = 0.58) 2), differences in mHealth literacy level were classified by gender, age, income, education, and region, and 3) perceived behavioral control, attitudes, and subjective norms were factors significantly affecting mHealth literacy. These findings can be used to plan and develop strategies for improving mHealth literacy among the Thai working-age population more effectively.

Association between emotional intelligence and mental health status based on sex differences among undergraduates in Vietnam

2024-06-12T10:13:49+07:00

Public health concerns about mental health problems have recently received attention, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Emotional intelligence (EI) is a significant factor linked to mental health status, including depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS), with sex playing a significant role in both DAS and EI status. This study aimed to describe DAS and EI status and assess sex differences in the associations between EI and DAS among undergraduate students. A cross-sectional study was conducted across three educational institutions in Dong Thap province, southern Vietnam, using the validated Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT) and the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Spearman correlation analysis was used to identify correlations between DAS and EI, and the sex differences in the associations between DAS and the four SSEIT constructs - emotion perception (EP), utilizing emotion (UE), managing self-relevant emotion (MSE), and managing others' emotion (MOE) - were examined using linear regression models. Among the 674 participants, 51.6% experienced mental health problems (64.1% for females, 35.9% for males), 47.0% experienced anxiety, 32.5% experienced depression, and 27.4% experienced stress. The average EI score was 119.3 ± 18.9 (120.0 ± 19.1 for females, 118.0 ± 18.5 for males), with 58.9% of participants having normal EI, while 29.2% and 11.9% had low and high EI, respectively. Negative correlations were observed between EI scores and depression (R=-0.16, p<0.001) and anxiety (R=-0.09, p=0.020), especially among females. Findings indicated that MSE showed significant associations with DAS, especially in females (all β<-0.318, all p<0.001). Our study highlights the importance of considering sex in mental health prevention programs targeting EI skills to manage students' self-relevant emotions better.

Examining the impact of climate information access on adaptive behaviors during heatwaves: insights from Central Vietnam

2024-06-06T14:22:14+07:00

This study focuses on the correlation between the different sources of climatic information involving the Short Message Service (SMS), social networks, local governments, online platforms, and workplaces and the individual adaptation measures concerning heatwaves. The survey data were obtained from four areas in central Vietnam involving 400 respondents. We used propensity score matching (PSM) to estimate the average treatment effect on the treated, aiming to mitigate selection bias. Findings indicate that the availability of various information sources encourages communities to address rising heat stress, with information sourced from SMS, social media platforms, local authorities, and workplaces being prominent. The findings signal the need to increase the visibility of heatwave data, which can change people’s behavior to reduce climate risks. In order to accomplish this goal, it is important to focus on climate change information sharing through platforms such as social networks, local administration offices, and the workplace in coping with climate change-related threats.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey regarding COVID-19 and factors associated with intention to receive a vaccine in kidney transplant recipients: A cross-sectional study

2024-06-14T18:39:49+07:00

Post-kidney transplant recipients were recommended to take appropriate infection control measures and receive the third or additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19. However, it remained unclear whether prevention of infection was being adequately implemented and what factors were related to vaccination intention. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in March 2022 at Yochomachi Clinic in Tokyo, Japan. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with vaccine intentions based on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) survey regarding COVID-19 and how to promote vaccine acceptance to reduce mortality not only during the COVID-19 pandemic but also in future emerging infectious disease pandemics. Of the 497 participants, 435 intended to receive the third dose of COVID-19 vaccines (including those who actually got it), and 62 did not have such intention. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that male sex (OR: 2.856, 95% CI: 1.377-5.921), positive attitude toward COVID-19 (OR: 1.950, 95% CI: 1.399-2.718), and television as a source of information (OR: 4.165, 95% CI: 1.964-8.831) were associated with vaccination intention, whereas patients who trusted family and friends (OR: 0.343, 95% CI: 0.121-0.968) and those who trusted no-one (OR: 0.173, 95% CI: 0.049-0.613) had no vaccination intention. When considering vaccination policies, media outreach to patients should be given high priority, especially for people at higher risk of developing severe symptoms. This approach can promote vaccine acceptance to reduce mortality not only during the COVID-19 pandemic but also in future emerging infectious disease pandemics.

The Effectiveness of a Self-Management and Multifactorial Program for Blood Pressure Control Among Older Home-Based Workers in Urban Bangkok, Thailand

2024-06-14T18:23:29+07:00

Older adults aged between 50-65 years old have a high risk of hypertension. With the growing numbers of home-based workers among adults and older adults in Thailand, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of self-management with a multifactorial program to control blood pressure among older adults. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants who worked as home-based workers aged between 50-65 years old were recruited from a community in the western area of Bangkok. Approximately 70 participants were randomly and equally assigned to the intervention and control groups (35 participants in each group). Participants in the intervention group received the program that consisted of education regarding food selection, work time management and arm swinging; a practical protocol, an exercise program, a heart rate monitor, a recorded book for facilitating participants’ progress to ensure their safety and efficiency in a health professional manner for a week/month. While those in the control group received usual care. A Knowledge Attitude Practice questionnaire was utilized to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practice, which demonstrated a content validity index and Cronbach alpha of 0.80, respectively. The Citizen CH-403C was utilized to measure blood pressure and heart rate. Two-way Repeated Measures ANOVA was employed to analyze the differences in outcome scores at baseline, 3-month after program, and 6-month follow up.

The results showed a significant increase in participant’s knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward hypertension and a decrease in blood pressure to nearly normal after 3months following the completion of the program and 6-month follow-up. Therefore, the self-management and multifactorial program could be an effective preventive intervention for older adults with pre-hypertension conditions to offer them valuable knowledge on work-life balance as well as to help prevent hypertension, and related stroke complications.

Prevalence and risk factors of binge eating disorder among medical students: evidence from a cross-sectional study in Vietnam

2024-06-12T10:15:34+07:00

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a significant public health problem worldwide. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of BED and its association among 411 medical students at a medical university in northern Vietnam. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured paper-based questionnaires in a classroom setting. The prevalence of BED symptoms among medical students was 9.5%. Among those with BED symptoms, 7.3% had moderate symptoms, and 2.2% had severe symptoms of BED. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that being female (AOR = 3.71; 95%CI: 1.48–9.34), being overweight/obese (AOR = 4.14; 95%CI: 1.39–12.32), and being depressed (AOR = 4.05; 95%CI: 1.97–8.33) were associated with an increased risk of BED. This is the first study to provide new insights into the prevalence of BED symptoms and contributing factors among Vietnamese medical students. The findings from this study may assist public health professionals in developing strategies to reduce the risks associated with BED.

Factors associated with six-minute walk distance among Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims

2024-06-08T11:11:09+07:00

The Hajj pilgrimage is a physically demanding religious rite that is associated with the health status of pilgrims. Several factors are associated with functional limitations. We aimed to determine the relationship between clinical data and six-minute walk test (6-MWT) findings. The 6-MWT is a measure of functional capacity that is routinely applied to Indonesian pilgrim candidates before they embark on the Hajj. This cross-sectional study analysed Indonesian Hajj pilgrimage data obtained from 2,933 participants before their departure for the Hajj in 2022. The data included participants’ characteristics, laboratory results, and six-minute walk findings. The resulting aggregates were analysed using Pearson correlations. Serum creatinine significantly correlated with 6-MWT findings (r = 0.003; p <0.05). Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) values and platelet counts were significantly associated with 6-MWT results (r = 0.101 and 0.038, respectively; p <0.05). Serum creatinine, LDL-C, and platelet values were associated with increased 6-MWT, indicating a correlation with functional capacity among Hajj pilgrims.

Health-seeking practices and prostate cancer screening decisions among black men in the United States, Nigeria, and Cameroon

2024-06-19T09:36:22+07:00

Health-seeking practices are important for prostate cancer (CaP) screening and control. There is evidence of differences in the health practices of Black men (BM) worldwide; however, the comparison between BM’s health-seeking practices in the United States and those in Africa has not been fully elucidated. This study evaluates health-seeking practices and willingness to screen for CaP among BM in Nigeria, Cameroon, and their relatives in the United States. CaPTC family cohort study phase 1 data of 500 community-dwelling black men in Nigeria, Cameroon, and the United States 35 and 70 years were used. The association between health-seeking practices and willingness to screen for CaP was evaluated. The associations between health-seeking practices and the willingness to screen for CaP were evaluated. The majority (83.8%) reported no medical consultation in the last 12 months, and the country of residence did not improve physician visits (p= 0.378). Healthcare insurance coverage was more available to the United States participants (68.4%), 42.9% in Nigeria, and 16.7% in Cameroon. Overall willingness to screen, willingness for digital rectal examination, and prostate-specific antigen screening were significantly associated with the country of residence with p-values of 0.02, <0.01, and <0.01, respectively. United States participants showed more willingness to screen. Healthcare coverage was also associated with overall willingness to screen (p=0.033). The study showed that country of residence was not associated with physician consultation but was significantly associated with willingness for CaP screening and healthcare insurance coverage.

Factors influencing the organizational engagement of village health volunteers, after the COVID-19 Outbreak in Phayao Province

2024-06-18T10:22:41+07:00

Village health volunteers (VHVs) play a crucial role in promoting health advancements and enhancing community well-being. This cross-sectional descriptive study explores the factors that influence organizational engagement among VHVs in Phayao Province. Data were gathered from 400 volunteers using Krejcie and Morgan’s formula and analyzed through a questionnaire. Analytical methods included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product-moment correlation, and multiple linear regression. The findings revealed that the majority of volunteers were female (77%), aged between 41-60 years (62.3%), married (81.3%), with over ten years of experience (61%), and had educational levels of high school or vocational certificate (46.8%). Most were agriculturists (63.5%), with incomes below 5,000 baht (54%), and served as general members (74.5%) in a single role (78.8%), primarily under the provincial administrative organization (54%). The scores for motivational factors, quality of life, and organizational engagement were high. Responsibility, the nature of work, and respect were identified as significant predictors of organizational engagement, accounting for 51.1% of the variance. These findings were statistically significant (R = 0.715, R Square = 0.511, P-value < 0.001). Based on these results, organizations are encouraged to ensure appropriate working conditions and respect to enhance engagement among village health volunteers.

Factors affecting the desire to work among elderly people in Thailand

2024-06-12T10:16:35+07:00

Globally, the number of elderly people is increasing. It is important for elderly people to be financially active to enhance their values and health. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the factors affecting the desire to work among elderly people in Thailand. The present study was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted using the 2017 Elderly Population Survey database of the National Statistical Office, which includes 32,035 individuals. The statistical analysis was performed by a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM). This study revealed that 31.05% of the elderly participants desired to work (95% CI: 30.54-31.55). Statistically significant factors influencing this desire included demographic characteristics such as gender (female, AOR=1.76), age groups (middle elderly stage, AOR=3.13; late elderly stage, AOR=8.88), and literacy (ability to read and write, AOR=1.21). Marital status also played a role, with married (AOR=1.39) and single (AOR=1.37) individuals showing a higher desire to work. Health-related factors were equally important. Those with better physical health had a much higher likelihood of wanting to work compared to those with very poor health (AOR=5.81). Furthermore, engaging in exercise (AOR=1.30), participating in social groups (AOR=2.50), and community activities (AOR=1.11) were positively associated with the desire to work. Sensory abilities, such as clear vision (AOR=1.14) and hearing (AOR=1.42), as well as residing in rural areas (AOR=1.23), also influenced this desire. Approximately one-third of the elderly people were willing to work. Factors that were associated with the desire to work included gender, age, reading and writing ability, marital status, physical health, engaging in exercise, ability to participate in social groups, participation in community activities, vision and hearing ability and location of residence. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach that considers these factors should be undertaken to promote suitable work for elderly people to enhance their values and health.

Poor sleep quality and associated factors among undergraduate students: a single-university cross-sectional study

2024-07-01T14:42:50+07:00

Poor sleep quality is a global health concern. It leads to reduced cognitive abilities and delayed reactions, which negatively affect students’ ability to study and contribute to health-related issues such as depression, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and accidents. This study aims to estimate the rate of poor sleep quality among Thai undergraduate students and identify the factors associated with poor sleep quality. A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires that included questions on demographic data, caffeine consumption, stress levels, health status, sleep behavior, and sleep quality measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The participants comprised 609 students from different faculties who were enrolled at the university. The factors related to poor sleep quality were analyzed using a multiple logistic regression model. The overall rate of poor sleep quality was 66.3% (95% CI [62.4, 70.1]). Multivariate analysis showed that poor sleep quality was significantly associated with high and severe stress levels (AOR = 4.51; 95% CI [2.53, 8.03]), weak and very weak overall physical health in the previous month (AOR = 1.87; 95% CI [1.03, 3.38]), and physical illnesses in the previous month (AOR = 1.64; 95% CI [1.04, 2.57]). The present study found that being stressed was associated with poor sleep quality. Stress management and lifestyle modifications are highly recommended for undergraduate students to enhance their sleep quality.

Awareness of ocular hazards among welders in Bindura, Zimbabwe

2024-06-27T09:13:57+07:00

Occupational health issues are the highest among workers in developing nations. This study aimed to assess the awareness of ocular hazards among welders in Bindura. An observational cross-sectional design with a validated structured self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the awareness of ocular hazards among 400 welders. Among the 400 welders, 397(99.3%) were males and their ages ranged from 19 – 56 with a mean age of 36 ± 8 years. Most (35%) of them, 140 had been involved in welding for 6-10 years. The most common type of welding among the participants was arc welding (87.8%). Majority (99.3%) of the welders were aware that welding without the use of protective equipment is a potential source of ocular hazards. Many welders had access to protective face shields and used them all the time (84.5%). The most common condition was ocular foreign bodies (17.7%), followed by Arc eye (4.8%). Awareness about welding as a source of ocular hazard depends on the type of welding used (p < 0.05). The awareness of ocular hazards among welders in Bindura is high. Although, protective devices are provided, regular utilization needs to be encouraged and enforced.

Factors influencing preventive self-care behaviors to avert Diabetes Mellitus among Thai Buddhist Monks, Thailand: A Cross-sectional Study

2024-07-09T19:53:16+07:00

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate factors related to self-care behavior for diabetes mellitus prevention among 393 Thai Buddhist monks in the upper northeastern region of Thailand. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, minimums, maximums, and standard deviations. Relationships between factors related to self-care behaviors among Buddhist monks were analyzed using bivariate analysis (chi-square test) and multivariate analysis (binary logistic regression). The findings demonstrated that significant factors included age under 35 years (AOR=5.34, 95% CI=2.02-14.14), eating two meals per day (AOR=2.99, 95% CI=1.33-6.76), self-management (AOR=6.51, 95% CI=3.52-12.02), access to health information and health services (AOR=0.26, 95% CI=0.15-0.47), and making correct health decisions (AOR=1.98, 95% CI=1.04-3.78). These factors were significantly related to self-care behaviors among Buddhist monks (p < 0.05). The study concludes that improving health literacy among Thai Buddhist monks, particularly those under 35 years of age, is crucial for effective T2DM prevention. Targeted health education programs can significantly enhance their self-management skills, enable them to make informed health decisions, and encourage the adoption of better self-care and consumption behaviors.

Efficacy of a Religious-Based Slow Deep Breathing Technique in Reducing Postoperative Pain: A Quasi-Experimental Study

2024-07-20T18:09:47+07:00

Non-pharmacological methods offer a noninvasive solution for postoperative pain reduction, enhancing patient quality of life, and expediting recovery post-surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze differences in pain scale reduction in postoperative patients after administering slow deep breathing distraction-relaxation techniques with a religious approach. The design was experimental with pre- and post-tests by providing treatment to respondents using slow deep breathing exercises with a religious approach (the activity related to relaxation using sentences and special treatment explained in the data collection section) to postoperative patients. Pain scale scores ranged from 0 to 10. The total number of participants was 60 (laparotomy, mastectomy, or fracture surgery). A dependent t-test was used to analyse data . The pain scale score for patients after slow deep breathing surgery with a religious approach ranged from 4 to 10 on a numerical rating scale. The average reduction in pain scale score for patients after slow deep breathing surgery with a religious approach was 2.17 with a standard deviation of 0.994. The results of the statistical tests with the dependent t-test obtained a p-value of 0.000. This shows a significant reduction in pain levels among postoperative patients who perform slow deep breathing exercises with a religious approach. These findings suggest that this method is an effective and accessible way to manage postoperative pain. In conclusion, slow deep breathing with a religious approach is effective in reducing postoperative pain

Biological and ecological determinants of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Coastal District of Northeastern Peninsular Malaysia: A 5-Year retrospective study

2024-07-14T08:40:39+07:00

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral communicable disease in Malaysia, characterized by its self-limiting nature, yet it leads to numerous outbreaks and fatalities, particularly among young children. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence, geographic distribution, temporal patterns, and associated factors of HFMD cases within the Bachok District of Kelantan, spanning the years 2018 to 2022. A retrospective cohort study analysed extract data on independent factors and notification status from the Communicable Disease Control Information System (CDCIS). Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed on a cohort of 1351 HFMD’s notifications. The retrospective analysis reveals a predominant HFMD’s notification were males (56.7%). Outpatient care was common (98.4%), with primary health care being the main choice. Logistic regression indicates higher odds for HFMD in those attending primary health care or private practitioners, daycare attendees, during the Southwest Monsoon season, and before the Movement Control Order (MCO) implementation, emphasizing key risk factors for HFMD. This study’s integrative approach recognizes that health and disease are often influenced by a combination of factors spanning the ecological, biological, and clinical domains. Thus, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding when formulating public health strategies particularly in primary healthcare settings and daycare facilities during the Southwest Monsoon season.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of Oral Semaglutide treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a systematic review

2024-06-18T10:26:42+07:00

GLP-1 is a new generation of antidiabetics recommended by the American Diabetes Association and European Association for the study of diabetes as an add-on therapy for metformin when therapeutic purposes are not achieved. In this context, oral Semaglutide received FDA approval in September 2019 to be used alongside dietary and exercise regimens to enhance glycemic management in adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, this systematic review aimed to analyze cost-effectiveness of oral Semaglutide compared to other antidiabetics and/or injectable GLP-1 within the same group. Three databases namely Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed were used for the literature search. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) guidelines were used to select the studies based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality assessment was carried out using CHEERS 2022, while the decision on cost-effectiveness was determined using the willingness-to-pay thresholds stated in each study. The results showed that from the initial search yielding 240 studies, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Oral Semaglutide was considered cost-effective compared to SGLT2 and DPP4 inhibitors, as well as injectable GLP-1 due to its higher effectiveness and lower cost. However, it was not cost-effective compared to biguanide/conventional therapy due to the higher cost. The primary sources of uncertainty in the studies were identified as time horizon, discount rate, cost, and treatment policy estimand. In conclusion, the development of oral Semaglutide represents a significant advancement in antidiabetic medications. This systematic review showed that oral Semaglutide appeared to be more cost-effective compared to other antidiabetic medications for T2DM.

Barriers and facilitators to implementation of smoke-free area policy in public places: a scoping review

2024-06-18T10:31:46+07:00

Enforcing laws requiring smoke-free areas in different locations is one way the government can lower cigarette consumption and exposure to cigarette smoke. The purpose of this study was, thus, to examine and summarize studies that identified facilitators and barriers to the implementation of a smoke-free area policy in public places. The researchers carried out systematic searches in December 2023 within these specific databases: Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, Emerald Insight, and EBSCO and included studies on the implementation of smoke-free area policy that were published in English between 2018-2021. Out of the 684 research reports that were found, only 12 were accepted into the scoping study. The findings exhibited several barriers to the implementation of smoke-free area policy, including personal characteristics, the presence of tobacco sellers and smoking aids, lack of enforcement management, lack of support and collaboration from local government, lack of examples of policy implementation by local government, and no smoking signs or smoke-free policy signs. Meanwhile, the facilitating factors encompass fines and penalties, the presence of access to tobacco cessation services, smoke-free policy campaigns, and knowledge and attitudes toward smoke-free area policies. The evidence collected from the review’s findings suggests that there are more barriers than facilitating factors. This indicates that numerous adverse behaviors in the implementation of the smoke-free area policy are still present. The subsequent step following this study is to carry out primary research to thoroughly investigate the execution of the smoke-free area policy in public places.

Sedentary behaviour and its link to depression and anxiety in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2024-06-18T18:57:40+07:00

The increased mechanization and advancements in technology over the past few years have increased the time an individual spends sitting. Various studies have established links between non-communicable diseases and sedentary behaviour (SB). The risk of weight gain, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, etc. has been associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Prolonged sedentary time has also been linked to poor mental health. Many studies report a positive relationship between a sedentary lifestyle and depression & anxiety, while some others have not established a clear link. The current review was conducted to examine the recent literature about the relationship between SB and depression & anxiety. An extensive review of the literature was conducted by using Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct databases using PRISMA guidelines. Sixteen articles were finally included in the review of which four studies reported odds ratio (OR) for anxiety. A pooled OR of 1.52 (95% CI 1.44-1.60) (p=0.000) was obtained for depression and 1.53 (95% CI 1.40-1.68) (p=0.000) for anxiety. Four studies conducted during COVID-19 also reported SB was linked to depression and anxiety. Sub-group analysis indicated that this relationship was impacted by a few confounders such as BMI, gender, activity levels, etc. SB increases the odds of depression and anxiety, which could be affected by other lifestyle factors. Therefore, it is vital to adhere to physical activity guidelines given by WHO, which would help in improving the mental well-being of individuals. There is a need for more RCTs with larger samples to understand the dose-response relationship between SB and mental health.

Health literacy program among the elderly with hypertension: a systematic review

2024-07-01T20:44:44+07:00

Health literacy programs (HLP) have been recognized as key factors in promoting health and in changing caregiving behaviors for older adults with hypertension, which have resulted in quality of life and continued good health. This systematic review was conducted with the aim of summarizing the effects of Health literacy programs (HLP) among the elderly with hypertension. From January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2022, the formulation of research questions was based on PICO and utilized a combination of the Boolean operators (AND or OR). The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) approach was used to choose the studies. The inclusion criteria, data extraction, and bias risk assessment screening were carried out independently by two reviewers. A total of eight papers were found to meet the criteria for review. The intervention exhibited notable variations both in terms of the quantity and the durations of the sessions. Nevertheless, the content remained predominantly similar, with a primary emphasis on health literacy. The studies, which had employed group-based interventions or had used a face-to-face individual approach, had been implemented in clinical settings or within communities. All the articles had used a combination of didactics and facilitation. However, the findings were not determined to be consistent across all studies. The patterns of enhancing HL among the elderly with hypertension are becoming increasingly important, and can, thereby, contribute to more efficiently controlling hypertension levels.