HCU Journal

A Factor Analysis of Long Covid Symptom Clusters in Thais People after Coronavirus 2019 Infection, Bangkok Metropolitan

Niratchaporn Kerdsuk — 2023-12-26

This study is a descriptive study. The purpose of this research was to study the component of Long COVID syndromes for patient’s after COVID-19. The study was conducted in 300 post COVID-19 patients. The instrument used in questionnaire of 50 long COVID-19 symptoms. It was tested for content validity by 5 experts and reliability by the Alpha coefficient formula of Cronbach obtained a reliability of .94. Data were collected between September 2022 – November 2022. Data were the extraction analyzed by Principle components analysis, Orthogonal Rotation, and the Varimax method.

The research findings were as follows: There were seven (7) components consisting of 38 items, which accounted for 67.43% of variance. Component 1, the dermatological symptoms identified by five (5) items accounted for 22.26% of variance. Component 2, the mood, emotional and brain symptoms identified by thirteen (13) items accounted for 7.35% of the variance. Component 3, the cardiorespiratory symptoms identified by three (3) items accounted for 6.06% of the variance. Component 4, the musculoskeletal and joint symptoms identified by four (4) items accounted for 4.49% of the variance. Component 5, the flu-like symptoms identified by five (5) items accounted for 4.05% of the variance. Component 6, the gastrointestinal symptoms identified by five (5) items accounted for 3.40% of the variance. Finally, component 7, the fatigue symptoms identified by three (3) items accounted for 3.10 % of the variance.

Since Long COVID-19 syndrome results in distress and affects the quality of life in patients, nurses should focus on taking care of the uninfected individuals and post COVID-19 patients who are at a high risk leading to Long COVID-19 syndrome. Education and counselling should be employed by nurses via media and online platforms. Lastly, the family members should be involved in caring for the patients.

Associations between Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, and Fatigue among Patients Post Coronavirus 2019 Infection

Pannita Saengkham — 2023-12-26

This descriptive study aimed to investigate fatigue and study associations among depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue in post coronavirus 2019 infection patients. One hundred and one Thai people, aged 18 year and over, infected with Coronavirus 2019 living at the Klong Toei Community Bangkok, were selected by a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using four questionnaires: the demographic data questionnaire, the Depress Anxiety Stress Scales, the Insomnia Severity Index, and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Frequency, percentage, range, means, standard deviation and Pearson’s product moment correlation were used in data analysis. The result revealed that 79.2% of the participants were female with the average age of 55.08 years (SD=15.048), and 89.1% of participants were infected with COVID-19 1 time. Fatigue Severity Scale score for the sample of post coronavirus 2019 infection patients mean score was 3.40 (Means=3.40, SD=2.03). 40.6% of the participants reported fatigue; and 58.4% of participants reported insomnia (Means=9.79, SD=7.935). Majority of the participants had depression and anxiety scores at normal levels. Depression, anxiety, and insomnia were significantly correlated with fatigue in post coronavirus 2019 infection patients (r=0.526, r=0.558, p<0.001 and r=0.443, p<0.001, respectively)

The study result suggest that nurses should monitor fatigue among patients after coronavirus 2019 infection. Moreover, depression, anxiety and insomnia should be assessed regularly. Nursing interventions such as education, group support, and sleep enhancement program should be employed for the patients.

Evaluation of Non-communicable Diseases’ Drug Home Delivery Project during the COVID-19 Outbreak in Sila Lat District, Si Sa Ket Province

Somjit Asipong — 2023-12-26

This research aimed (1) to evaluate the results of the Non-communicable Diseases’ (NCDs) Drug Home Delivery Project on context, inputs and processes from service providers’ perspective, (2) to compare the appropriateness scores for the project implementation of providers within and outside the Primary Care Unit (PCU) of Sila Lat Hospital, (3) to assess the project performance regarding receiving the drug and satisfaction of service recipients, and (4) to compare the satisfaction levels of the service recipients between the groups who received the drug before an appointment and without appointment and between inside and outside the PCU area of Sila Lat Hospital in Si Sa Ket province.

The design of the paper was a survey study to assess the home-based non-communicable disease drug delivery project. The first group of samples was 6 service providers who were responsible for chronic non-communicable diseases in sub-district health-promoting hospitals (outside the PCU area) and in the PCU area of Silalad Hospital by purposive sampling and volunteers/caregivers by simple random sampling of 50% selection of 1 person per village out of 44 villages. The second group was the 100 service recipients who had their medicines delivered at home from June 2020 to November 2021, selected the simple random sampling from those who returned for treatment at Sila lat Hospital after the better COVID-19 situation. Data were collected in May–June 2022 using two questionnaires – one for service providers and the other for service recipients, whose reliability values were 0.91 and 0.81, respectively. Statistical analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and Mann Whitney U test.

The results showed that evaluation of the project service provider had the average scores in each aspect and overall were at a high level. The average score of the appropriateness of the project implementation of service providers in the PCU area (context, 22.30±2.06 input 12.73±1.74 Process 16.55±2.46 and overall 51.64±4.74) was higher than outside PCU area Sila lat Hospital (context 19.23±3.20, input 11.23±1.91 process 14.85±2.57 and overall 45.31±2.27) When comparing the scores, it was found that the context input and overall factors were different at the level of statistical significance of 0.05 (p-value = 0.006, 0.030 and 0.009). However, no difference was found for in the process score. For the drug receiving evaluation, the recipients in the PCU area received the drug before the appointment at a higher proportion compared with those outside the PCU area (58.50% and 33.90%, respectively).Their overall satisfaction was at the highest level. In addition comparing the service recipients’ satisfaction between the group receiving drugs before the appointment and without an appointment, and between inside and outside the PCU area had no significant difference in the satisfaction scores.

Relationships between Insomnia, Depression, Body Mass Index and Restless Leg Syndrome in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Receiving Hemodialysis

Benjamad Sangsawang — 2023-12-26

The cross-sectional study purposed to investigate restless leg syndrome, and to examine the relationships among body mass index, insomnia, depression and restless legs syndrome in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis. One hundred and one end-stage renal disease patients receiving hemodialysis followed up at the nephrology clinics of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital and Saraburi Hospital were recruited. Research instruments used in this study included a set of structured questionnaires and interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product moment correlation, and Spearman rank correlation coefficient. The results revealed that the mean score of severity of restless leg syndrome of end-stage renal disease patients receiving hemodialysis was 13.91 (at a moderate level). About 43.5% of the patients perceived the severity of restless leg syndrome. Most end-stage renal failure patients receiving hemodialysis had a mean body mass index of 23.72 + 4.36, a mean score on insomnia of 19.62 + 6.05, and a mean score of depression of 12.10 + 8.46. Body mass index, insomnia, and depression were positively, and significantly correlated with restless leg syndrome in end-stage renal disease patients receiving hemodialysis with correlation values of 0.213, 0.521, and 0.416, respectively. In conclusion, body mass index, insomnia, and depression are associated factors of restless legs syndrome in end-stage renal disease patients receiving hemodialysis. So, medical personnel should assess, promote, and provide the patients with information and advice. Finally, a referral system to a health care team to relieve the symptoms ruled out should be considered.

The Effects of Communication for Relationship Program on Quality of life for Family Caregivers of Older People with Dementia

Phanit Leecharoen — 2023-12-26

This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a two-group pre-posted-test design and aimed to investigate the effects of communication skills for relationship programs on the quality of life for family caregivers of older people with dementia. The inclusion criteria were the family caregivers aged 18 years and over, provided care for older people with early-stage dementia, had experience in dementia caregiving for less than 5 years, and understood Thai language. The exclusion criteria were for those who had a communicable or uncontrolled noncommunicable diseases. A total number of participants was 52 family caregivers that were determined by power analysis. The participants were randomly allocated into the experiment and the control group, 26 persons in each group. A total period of the program was six weeks. The data were collected through the following questionnaires, the Thai version of WHOQOL-BREF, the Communication Skills, the Relationship, and the Coping Scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a t-test. The results showed that after receiving the program, family caregivers' quality of life in the experiment group (x̄=97.19, SD=11.48) was significantly higher than before receiving the program (x̄=88.23, SD=11.99) and higher than in the control group (x̄=90.65, SD=13.54) at a p-value < .05. The findings can be the basis for determining the activities to enhance the quality of life for family caregivers of older people with dementia.

The Role of Community Leaders in Enhancing the Well-Being of Community Members during the Spread of COVID-19

Vittavat Changsorn — 2023-12-26

The purpose of this qualitative research was to examine the community leaders’ roles in enhancing the well-being of community members who resided in Bangkok, Samutprakarn, Nonthaburi, Khonkaen, Krabi, Kanchanaburi and Suphanburi during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using case studies as a research design, the researchers collected data through In-depth Interviews with 20 Key Informants (7 community leaders and 13 community members) to interpret the roles of the community leaders in enhancing the well-being of community members during the spread of COVID-19. The data were collected during October 2021 and October 2022. The research found that their community leaders took on eight (8) vital roles: motivator, learning space creator, leader maker, facilitator, fundraiser, peacemaker, human resource creator, and public relation and communicator.

The Relationship of Personal Factors, The Nine Principles of Nutrition Practice and The Dietary Behavior of The Elderly in Tha Kradan Sub-district, KhiriRat Nikhom District, Surat Thani Province

Poonsak Boonyoung — 2023-12-26

The purpose of this research was to study the relationship between personal factors, adherence to the 9 dietary principles and food consumption behavior of the elderly. The samples were 233 elderly individuals in Tha Kradan sub-district, Khiri Rat Nikhom District, Surat Thani Province, and participants were obtained by simple random sampling. The research instrument was the Food Consumption Behavior Questionnaire. Statistics used in data analysis were percentage, mean, standard deviation and Pearson correlation coefficient.

The results showed that there was a very low positive correlation between sex and age. There was a statistically significant correlation with food consumption behavior of the elderly (r=0.138, p =0.036; r=0.240, p=0.001; respectively). There was a significant inverse correlation between BMI and food consumption behavior of the elderly (r=-0.242, p<0.001; r=-0.185, p=0.005; and r=-0.155, p=0.018; respectively). Adherence to the nine dietary principles had a low positive correlation with the dietary behavior of the elderly, which was statistically significant (r=0.391, p<0.001). The results of the study can be used as guidelines for relevant agencies in promoting and disseminating knowledge about correct food consumption to the elderly.

Factors Related to Mental Health Literacy among Older Adults in Community

Sattawas Udonsat — 2023-12-26

The purpose of this research was to investigate the mental health literacy level and factors related to mental health literacy among older adults in the community. The sample group consisted of 135 older people who lived in Thamuang Sub-district, Selaphum District, Roi Et Province. They were selected by a simple random sampling technique. The research instruments were 1) a personal data questionnaire 2) a social support questionnaire 3) a perception of health status questionnaire and 4) a mental health literacy questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

The results revealed that the older adults had a moderate level of mental health literacy (Mean=3.67, S.D.= 0.52). Factors that correlated with mental health literacy among older adults in the community included age (r=-0.420, p<0.001), social support (r=0.372, p<0.001) and perception of health status (r=0.556, p<0.001). However, the levels of education and income were not correlated with mental health literacy. The results of this research could be used as basic information for nurses and health care personnel to plan mental health literacy promotion programs among older adults in the community.

Mental health problems among caregivers of the elderly with chronic illnesses, Chiang Rai Province

Jutamas Muangmool — 2023-12-26

This research aims to study the mental health problems and factors related to the mental health problems of caregivers for elderly with chronic illnesses in Chiang Rai province. The sample group consists of 400 caregivers of elderly with chronic illnesses. The research tools used include personal factor questionnaires, stress assessment forms, anxiety assessment forms, and depression assessment forms. Data was collected from March to October 2022 and analyzed using statistical analysis, including frequencies and percentages. Factors related to mental health issues were analyzed using Chi-square analysis at a significance level of .05.

The research results show that the majority of the sample group is female (74.5%), with an average age of 45.2 years. Most fall within the 40-49 age range (49.0%), and an education at the high school level (37.0%). About 65.5% are married, and 53.0% have sufficient income but no savings. Furthermore, 77.7% have good family relationships, and 47.0% care for an elderly relative who is either parents. Approximately 50.2% experience low levels of stress, 54.5% have low levels of anxiety, and 32.5% have low levels of depression. Regarding the analysis of relationships, it was found that gender is significantly related to all three aspects of mental health (stress, anxiety, and depression) at a significance level of 0.05 (² = 17.634 p-value = 0.001, ² = 9.234 p-value = 0.029, and ² = 12.594 p-value = 0.001). Income sufficiency and family relationships are also significantly related to stress at a significance level of 0.05 (² = 9.372 p-value = 0.030, and ² = 8.919 p-value = 0.038).

From this study, it is evident that the mental health of caregivers for elderly with chronic illnesses is a significant issue, encompassing stress, anxiety, and depression. Public sector organizations, such as local health promotion hospitals and community health volunteers, must play a role in addressing the mental health of caregivers for elderly with chronic illnesses.

Effect of Brief Intervention Program on Smoking Cessation Behavior in Persons with Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Waritha Pornkijworrakul — 2023-12-26

This quasi-experimental research aimed to analyze the effect of a brief intervention program on smoking cessation behavior among persons with pulmonary tuberculosis. Sixty participants were purposively recruited from a tuberculosis clinic, at a tertiary hospital in Bangkok. The participants were equally divided into a control group and an experimental group. The groups were matched in terms of age and level of nicotine dependence. The control group received conventional nursing care while the experimental group received both the usual care and the brief intervention program. Line video calls and phone calls were made to follow-up the participants. The instrument for collecting data was the smoking cessation behavior questionnaire which demonstrated acceptable internal consistency with alpha coefficients of 0.83. Data were analyzed using the t-test.

The results showed that after the intervention program, the mean score of smoking cessation behavior in the experimental group was significantly higher than before giving the intervention program (t=18.916, p<0.05). In addition, when comparing the mean scores in both groups, the mean score of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group (t=9.517, p<0.05). The results suggested that the brief intervention program should be integrated in the tuberculosis clinic to promote smoking cessation in these patients.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices to Prevent and Control Coronavirus Disease 2019 among Emergency Nurses in hospital with in 4th Public Health Region

Pimnada Weeratreecharuj — 2023-12-26

This correlational descriptive research aimed to study the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to the prevention and control of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as well as the relationships between these factors, among emergency nurses in hospitals within the 4^th Public Health Region. The study involved a total of 167 participants. The research tools consisted of questionnaires assessing knowledge, attitudes and practices for the prevention and control of Coronavirus disease 2019. These instruments were evaluated for content validity by five qualified experts, giving indices of 0.80, 0.95 and 0.90 respectively. The reliability of the questionnaires was also assessed, resulting in reliability coefficients of 0.81, 0.91, and 0.93, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient.

The results showed that the level of knowledge about Coronavirus disease 2019 was at a fair level (Mean = 19.42, S.D. = 2.37), the scores of attitudes towards Coronavirus disease 2019 were at a good level (Mean = 4.04, S.D. = 0.45) and scores of prevention and control of Coronavirus disease 2019 were at a very good level (Mean = 2.88, S.D. = 0.17). Knowledge and attitude were at a low level of positive correlation (r = 0.223, p < 0.01 and r = 0.247, p < 0.01, respectively) with prevention and control of Coronavirus disease 2019.

The results of the research can be used as basic information for knowledge promotion plans and attitudes for the prevention and control of Coronavirus disease 2019 among further groups of emergency nurses in hospital within the 4^th Public Health Region.

The Effects of the Supportive Educative Nursing System on Self-care Behaviors and Risk for Infection Among Hematological Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Ruthai Jearranaipreprame — 2023-12-26

This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine effects of an educative supportive nursing system on the self-care behaviors and risk of infection among hematological cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The participants were randomized to the intervention group (n = 30) and the control group (n = 30). The intervention group received a four-week program developed from Orem's theoretical concepts, consisting of: 1) teaching, 2) guiding, 3) support and encouragement, and 4) creating a supportive environment. The control group received usual care. The instruments used for collecting data included: 1) a demographic data form, 2) a risk of infection form, and 3) a self-care behavior form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, dependent and independent t-tests. After the completion of intervention, the mean score of self-care behavior of the experimental group was statistically higher than at baseline and the control group (p< 0.001). The level of risk of infection (the risk of infection = 23.3%, the risk of precaution infection = 76.7%) was lower than the control group (the risk of infection = 53.3%, the risk of precaution infection = 46.7%). This study shows that an educative supportive nursing system can improve self-care behaviors and reduce the risk of infection among hematological cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Therefore, nurses may consider implementing this program among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in order to enhance their self-care behaviors and reduce risk of infection.