Journal of Health Sciences and Wellness

Association of Meteorological Factors with Contact-transmitted Diseases and Mushroom Poisoning in Loei Province

Kwansuwee Apichantramethakul — 2025-12-17

Specific research to develop a geospatial predictive risk model is currently lacking in Loei Province. This study aimed to analyze the relationship and risk rates of meteorological factors with the number of patients suffering from contact-transmitted diseases and mushroom poisoning. It is a correlational study using monthly time series data from Loei Province data between January 2021 and August 2024. It included meteorological data collected from the Upper Northeast Meteorological Center, and the numbers of patients with contact-transmitted diseases and mushroom poisoning which were collected from the Disease Surveillance Reporting System 506, Bureau of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and the generalized linear model. The results showed that the optimal generalized linear models for monthly patient counts were: a Quasi-Poisson regression model for hand-foot-mouth disease, a negative binomial regression model for leptospirosis, and a Quasi-Poisson regression model for mushroom poisoning. Average daily humidity was identified as a statistically significant independent variable (p < 0.05) across all three diseases, with Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.343, 0.276, and 0.507, respectively. The models indicated that each 1% increase in daily average relative humidity was associated with risk rate increases of 1.16 for hand-foot-mouth disease, 1.04 for leptospirosis, and 1.30 for mushroom poisoning. Early relative humidity forecast data can be used as a guide to estimate the number of cases of infectious diseases and mushroom poisoning for appropriate public health measures.

Clinical outcomes of Raw Banana Powder Capsules (Musa sapientum L.) and Norfloxacin in the Treatment of Acute Diarrhea: A Pilot Study

Chanphen Thammaporn — 2025-12-17

Diarrheal disease is a major global health concern, contributing to a significant number of illnesses and deaths, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of raw banana powder capsules (Musa sapientum L.) and norfloxacin in the treatment of acute diarrhea. A total of 175 volunteers were selectively recruited and divided into 5 groups, with 35 people in each group. The study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, Group 1 received 500 mg of raw banana powder, Group 2 received 1,000 mg of raw banana powder, and Group 3 received 2,000 mg of raw banana powder. The first three groups consumed raw banana powder with oral rehydration solution (ORS) twice daily for 7 days. In the second stage, Group 4 received 1,000 mg of raw banana powder capsules, taking 1 capsule twice daily for 7 days and Group 5 received 400 mg of norfloxacin, taking 1 tablet twice daily for 7 days. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically One-way ANOVA. The study results found that when volunteers consumed raw banana powder in doses of 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg dissolved in 30 ml of boiled water with oral rehydration salt solution (ORS) for 7 days, the average number of stools before consumption was 5.51 ± 0.38, 4.48 ± 0.14, and 4.71 ± 0.22, respectively, indicating a moderate level of severity. After consuming the raw banana powder in different doses, there was a statistically significant decrease in the number of defecations (p < .05). When taking 1,000 mg raw banana capsules, the mean number of defecations was not statistically significant compared to 400 mg norfloxacin. Additionally, the adverse effects of using raw banana powder included flatulence in 17.14% and shortness of breath in 6.66%, with these effects being most common among volunteers who received 2,000 mg of raw banana powder. Therefore, consuming raw banana powder can help reduce the number of loose stools, but it should be taken in appropriate amounts.

Factors Related to Academic Burnout During the Clinical Nursing Practice of Third-year Nursing Students at a Private University, Samut Prakan Province

Pirunlak Jitdorn — 2025-12-17

Academic burnout has become increasingly prevalent among higher-education students, particularly those in the health sciences. This condition leads to numerous adverse consequences, making it an issue of considerable importance. This cross-sectional survey investigated factors related to academic burnout during clinical nursing practice among 120 third-year nursing students. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test, with a significance level set at 0.05. The results indicated that the majority of participants were female (93.30%), and most (73.30%) exhibited ambivert personality traits. The overall average level of academic burnout indicated high levels of emotional exhaustion, moderate levels of depersonalization, and high levels of personal accomplishment. Based on the study, the factors statistically associated with academic burnout are as follows: personal factors, particularly personality traits, were related to emotional exhaustion; psychiatric disorders and social relationship factors with friends and family were related to depersonalization; and social relationship factors with friends were related to personal accomplishment. The findings of this study can serve as a foundational database for developing programs to prevent academic burnout, enhance the quality of teaching and learning, and ultimately promote a better quality of academic life.

Factors Influencing Electronic Cigarette Use Behavior Among High School Students in Prachinburi Province

Udomluk Hirunchart — 2025-12-17

Electronic cigarettes are a significant public health issue, especially among the youth who

are increasingly using them. A cross-sectional analytical study aimed at examining the factors influencing the behavior of e-cigarette use among high school students in Prachinburi province. The sample size was calculated to be 632 students using the proportion estimation formula with stratified random sampling based on school size. Data were collected using questionnaires between July and September 2024, and 629 student responses obtained. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. The research findings revealed that 1 in 4 students (23.80%) had used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, with an average age of first use at 14.03 years (S.D.=1.77). Factors significantly influencing high school students' e-cigarette use behavior at the 0.05 level included being in the 11^th grade, family income, close friends using e-cigarettes in the past year, positive feelings towards e-cigarettes, lack of bias or indifference towards e cigarettes, and moderate to low awareness of e-cigarette use. These five variables together can predict 39.50% of the e-cigarette use behavior. Therefore, schools should continuously monitor students' e-cigarette use behavior, promote safe peer groups, change perceptions, and increase awareness about the harms of e-cigarettes.

A Causal Model of Lom Amma-pluk Amma-paht Preventive Behaviors Based on the Eight Causes of Disease in Thai Traditional Medicine Among People in Chonburi Province

Kruawan Patnattee — 2025-12-17

This study aimed to develop and validate a causal relationship model of preventive behavior on Lom Amma-pluk Amma-paht from eight-causes on disease of Thai traditional medicine among the people in Chonburi Province. The sample comprised 400 individuals aged 50 years and above who received services at Traditional Thai Medicine and Alternative Medicine clinics in 12 hospitals across Chonburi Province. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed through frequency distribution, percentages, means, maximum and minimum values, standard deviations, and path analysis.

The findings revealed that the causal relationship model of preventive behavior on Lom Amma-pluk Amma-paht from eight-causes on disease of Thai traditional medicine among the people in Chonburi Province demonstrated good fit with the empirical data. The model fit indices were as follows: chi-square (²) = 44.24, df = 36, p = 0.16, GFI = 0.985, AGFI = 0.951, CFI = 0.998, NFI = 0.988, NNFI = 0.994, SRMR = 0.033, and RMSEA = 0.024. All independent variables in the model explained 82.40 % of the variance in Lom Amma-pluk Amma-paht disease prevention behaviors. The variables with the greatest influence on Lom Amma-pluk Amma-paht disease prevention behaviors were, in descending order: behavioral intention for disease prevention ( = 0.907), followed by attitude toward disease prevention behaviors ( = 0.856), perceived behavioral control over disease prevention actions ( = 0.018), and subjective norm regarding disease prevention behaviors ( = 0.013).

Effectiveness of a Brief Intervention Program on change Readiness and Treatment Needs Among Amphetamine Use in Poor Households in Thung Kula Rong Hai area, Roi Et Province

Sujitta Ritmontree — 2025-12-17

Methamphetamine use is a problem that affects the health and quality of life of the people in many dimensions, especially among users in poor households who lack access to appropriate treatment. This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief intervention program on change readiness and treatment needs among amphetamine users in poor households in the Thung Kula Rong Hai area, Roi Et Province. The sample consisted of 46 amphetamine users, selected based on a screening process that identified those with scores ranging from 4 to 26 on substance use, alcohol consumption, and smoking experiences. Participants willingly engaged in a 10-step brief intervention and were followed up one month later. Data were collected using a change readiness and treatment needs assessment tool with a reliability coefficient of 0.89. Descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA were employed for data analysis. Results indicated that all male participants demonstrated low readiness for change across all dimensions before the intervention. However, post-intervention and at the one-month follow-up, their readiness levels improved to moderate across all areas. Notably, the comparison of mean differences revealed a significant increase in ambivalence post-intervention and at the one-month follow-up compared to baseline (p = .03). The results of this study support the introduction of the Brief Intervention Program for disadvantaged groups to help change substance use behaviors and to facilitate more effective access to appropriate treatment and health services.

Health Literacy and Social Support Associated with Contraceptive Implant Utilization among Postpartum Adolescent Mothers in Health 9 Nakhon Chai Burin

Wassana Khaipundung — 2025-12-17

This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to (1) assess health literacy regarding contraceptive implants among postpartum adolescent mothers, (2) examine the relationship between health literacy and the utilization of contraceptive implant services, and (3) examine the relationship between social support and service utilization in Health Region 9, Nakhon Chai Burin. The sample compriseds 275 postpartum adolescent mothers selected through a multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, with reliability coefficients of 0.86, 0.84, and 0.78 for knowledge of contraceptive implants, health literacy, and social support, respectively. These data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that health literacy regarding contraceptive implants was at an adequate level (69.09%), encompassing access to information, understanding, communication, media literacy, decision-making, and self-management. Health literacy was significantly associated with service utilization (AOR = 6.61; 95% CI: 3.54–12.33; p < 0.001). Social support was also at an adequate level (66.18%), covering emotional, informational, instrumental, and appraisal support, and was significantly associated with service utilization (AOR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.45–4.97; p = 0.002). These findings suggest that health literacy and social support are key factors influencing contraceptive implant uptake. Enhancing both could improve access and informed decision-making among postpartum adolescent mothers

Effectiveness of the Low-Carbohydrate Diet and Intermittent Fasting Program for Loss of Body Weight, Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference among Senior High School Students with Overnutrition

Prakrit Praphainthara — 2025-12-17

Adolescent overnutrition is a major public health concern that increases the long-term risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. This quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a low-carbohydrate diet and an intermittent fasting program to reduce body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference among senior high school students aged 15–18 years with overnutrition at a high school in Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok Province. Fifty-six participants were equally allocated by simple randomization to both the experimental group (n=28) and the control group (n=28). The intervention consisted of a 12-week trial of a low-carbohydrate diet and intermittent fasting program, conducted from January to April 2024. The instruments for the data collection included 1) a digital bodyweight scale, 2) a height measurement, 3) a waist circumference measurement, and 4) a data record form. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics, the Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank, paired-samples t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test. The study results showed statistically significant reductions (all p≤0.001) in average body weight of 2.18 kg, average body mass index of 0.77 kg/m², and average waist circumference of 1.18 cm in the experimental group compared with the control group who continued their usual diet at the end of the trial. Therefore, this program can be effectively applied as a measure for managing overnutrition among Thai adolescents in schools.

The Development of a Nurse - Led Emergency Triage Model in Community Hospitals

Yutthapon Thongnakpan — 2025-12-17

Triage of trauma and emergency patients is a critical process in emergency care. An appropriate triage model conducted by nurses is essential to ensure timely treatment and reduce the risk of life-threatening conditions. This research and development study aimed to: 1) develop a nurse-led emergency triage model, and 2) examine the outcomes of the developed model. The study was conducted in four phases: phase 1, situational analysis problem analysis,; Phase 2, model development, Phase 3, model implementation,; and Phase 4, outcome evaluation and model refinement. The sample consisted of (1) ten registered nurses meeting the inclusion criteria, and (2) 320 patient medical records classified into five levels of emergency severity, with 32 records in each level, equally divided into pre- and post-implementation groups (160 records each). Research instruments included a triage accuracy record form, a waiting time record form, a triage nurse role performance questionnaire, and the developed triage model. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and independent t-test. The results showed that after implementing the triage model, both triage accuracy and nurse role performance scores were significantly higher than before implementation (p<.05), while waiting times were significantly reduced. These findings indicate that the developed triage model enhances accuracy, decreases waiting times, and improves nurses’ triage performance. Therefore, healthcare personnel and emergency departments should adopt this model to improve patient care quality and reduce life-threatening risks.

Effect of a 4-week Low Impact Aerobic Exercise Program on Balance Performance and Fear of Falling Among the Fall-risk Elderly

Rapeepun Thungtak — 2025-12-17

Exercise has been shown to improve balance performance and reduce fear of falling in older adults. However, empirical evidence concerning the effects of low-impact aerobic exercise in fall-risk older adults remains limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of low-impact aerobic exercise on balance performance and fear of falling in the elderly. Nineteen older adults volunteered to participate in this study. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a low-impact aerobic exercise group (n = 9) and a control group (n = 10). Balance performance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go Test. The fear of falling was assessed using the Thai-Short Falls Efficacy Scale before and after the exercise program. All assessment instruments had established validity and reliability in older adults. Data were analyzed using the t-test for normally distributed variables, whereas the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and Mann-Whitney U test were applied for non-normally distributed variables. After four weeks of the exercise, the low-impact aerobic exercise group showed a significant improvement in balance performance compared to pre-exercise levels (p < 0.05). In comparison with the control group, it also demonstrated a significantly reduced fear of falling at post-exercise (p < 0.05). Therefore, the low-impact aerobic exercise program used in this study was effective in improving balance performance and reducing fear of falling in the fall-risk elderly.

The Effects of a High- Alert Drug Management Program on Medication Administration Perceived by Professional Nurses in a Tertiary Hospital

Jiratchaya Punaram — 2025-12-17

This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine and compare the role of high-alert drug administration as perceived by professional nurses following the implementation of a structured management program. The sample consisted of 60 professional nurses working in the surgical department of a tertiary hospital, purposively selected and assigned equally to an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). Research instruments included a high-alert drug management program and a role perception questionnaire. The instruments were validated by experts, yielding a content validity index (CVI) of 0.97, and demonstrated acceptable internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.86. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses (independent and dependent t-tests) were employed. Results revealed that the experimental group, after participating in the program, reported a significantly higher mean score in role perception related to high-alert drug administration (X̄ = 3.68, SD = 0.80), compared to the control group (X̄ = 2.69, SD = 0.19) at a statistical significance level of p < 0.001. Furthermore, the post-intervention scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than their pre-intervention scores (X̄ = 2.67, SD = 0.27) (p < 0.001). The findings indicate the effectiveness of the high-alert drug management program in enhancing nurses’ perceived roles in medication administration, thereby contributing to improved patient safety within the healthcare delivery system.

Occurrence of Computer Visual Syndrome and Factors related to Grade Point Average during online learning among students of the Faculty of Public Health at a private university, Samut Prakan Province

Umarat Sirijaroonwong — 2025-12-17

This cross-sectional research aims to study Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), compliance with online learning components, and factors influencing grade point average (GPA) during online learning. The sample consisted of 120 students from the Faculty of Public Health at a private university in Samut Prakan Province. The research instrument was a questionnaire with three sections: (1) personal characteristics and GPA, (2) symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome, and (3) adherence to online learning guidelines.The content validity check using the Index of Item-Object Congruence (IOC) yielded a range of 0.9 to 1.0, and the Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient was 0.86, which are acceptable values. Data was analyzed using the Chi-Square test to examine the relationship between personal characteristics and GPA, and the Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient to in-person the relationships between Computer Vision Syndrome symptoms, adherence to online learning guidelines, and GPA. The results revealed that more than 60% of the participants were female, sophomore students, had congenital diseases, had been infected with COVID-19, and attended online classes more frequently than onsite classes. Overall, the sample group's academic performance for the academic year 2021 is at a high level. Over 95% of

the participants reported experiencing eye symptoms due to prolonged screen exposure, particularly eye strain, back and shoulder pain, and neck pain. As for compliance with the online learning component, the overall level was at a moderate level (mean 3.66, SD=0.58), with the student-related and technology-related aspects showing the highest level of compliance. Meanwhile, on the lecturer item and the lesson content item, compliance was at a moderate level (average scores of 3.70, 3.67, 3.63, and 3.65, respectively). Factors significantly related to academic performance (p < 0.05) include resting your eyes while studying online and attending class on time, and are considered to have a positive relationship with academic performance. However, the teachers' notification of pre-class activities and the students' adequate rest were considered negative factors.