Journal of Medical and Public Health Region 4

Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) coverage and spatial factors in 2018 - 2022

Intira Nimnual, Chaweewon Boonshuyar, Nontiya Homkham — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The aim study was to identify the trend of Human Papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) coverage and relationships between spatial factors on socio-economic factors included per family expense, and proportion of poor population,
in-migration, access to the internet and universal coverage (UC), and the covid-19 pandemic. The information from each province except Bangkok from 2018 - 2022 was obtained for the study. Descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equation (GEE) were implemented for data analysis. As a result, the coverage of HPV from 2018 - 2022 was below the target of the Ministry of Public Health (90%) and with the decreasing trend. The only provincial factor significantly related to HPV coverage was UC (b = 0.280 95%CI = 0.195, 0.365). The higher rate of UC was the more the HPV coverage. The HPV coverage was decreased due to the pandemic of covid-19 (b = -17.353 95%CI = -21.432, -13.273). To ensure targeted vaccination coverage, relevant departments have monitored administering the second dose of vaccines to effectively immunity, and prepare for response planning and vaccine services. If crises, such as disease outbreaks, disasters, etc.

Effects of exergaming on gait parameters in overweight and obesity children aged 10 - 12 years

Supapon Kaewsanmung, Ampha Pumpho, Phannarin Suwannarat, Vitsarut Buttagat — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Children who gain weight often experience changes in their body systems, leading to abnormal gait patterns. Therefore, intervention programs focusing on physical exercise are crucial for improving walking patterns. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of exergaming on gait characteristics and body mass index in overweight and obesity children. Thirty-two participants, aged 10 to 12 and classified as overweight or obese, were divided into two groups based on individual matched pairs. The experimental group participated in 35-minute sessions of Nintendo Switch with Ring fit Controller (Ring-Con) exercise games, twice a week, for a duration of six weeks. The comparison group maintained their usual daily activities. All participants underwent a two-minute walk test using the APDM mobility lab, which measured both their fastest and most comfortable gait speeds and recorded various gait characteristics. The independent sample t-test was used for statistical evaluation. The results were shown in the fastest gait speed indicated the variables for cadence, gait speed, single limb support time, stride length and swing time, walking performance was significantly higher in the experimental group (p < 0.05). Therefore, interactive gaming exercises represent a beneficial and effective alternative for promoting health and enhancing walking abilities in overweight and obese children.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practice towards Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among educational personnel in Lampang and Phrae Provinces

Rattana Chaimoon, Suprawee Viphusiri, Wathee Sitthi — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Survey Research aimed to study knowledge, attitudes, and practice towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), factors related to knowledge, attitudes, and practice towards COVID-19 disease and relationships between knowledge, attitudes and practice towards COVID-19 disease of educational personnel, Lampang and Phrae provinces. Data were collected using questionnaires for a sample group of 504 educational personnel in Lampang and Phrae provinces. Finding the sample size using the formula for estimating population proportions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean, median, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, and inferential statistics such as chi-square and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The statistical significance level of 0.05. The results of the research found that the group of educational personnel had mean of knowledge lower than the specified criteria of 10.90, mean of positive attitude of 8.03 and mean of practice towards COVID-19 disease at the correct level according to the specified criteria of 7.06. Testing the relationship between personal factors that affect knowledge, including educational level, academic position, and average monthly income. Testing the relationship between personal factors that affect attitudes, including academic position, teaching courses and average monthly income. Testing the relationship between personal factors that affect practice towards COVID-19 disease, including years of experience and medical condition. Testing the relationship between knowledge, attitudes and practice towards COVID-19 disease of educational personnel Lampang and Phrae provinces found that knowledge and attitudes , attitudes and practice towards COVID-19 disease were statistically significantly positively related, knowledge and practice towards COVID-19 disease were not significantly related. Based on these findings, it is recommended that agencies related to help health and education authorities should determine appropriate measures to provide educational personnel with additional knowledge, promote positive attitudes and have correct practices towards COVID-19 disease.

Predicting factors for drowning prevention operations for children under 15 years old among local administrative organization officers in health region 9

Natthaya Thaiklang, Phatcharee Srikuta — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This cross-sectional analytical research aimed to identify the predictive factors for drowning prevention operations for children under 15 years old among local administrative organization officers in health region 9. The participants consisted of 335 officers responsible for drowning prevention for children under 15 years old in the local administrative organization within Health Region 9. Determine the sample size by calculating the estimated mean in the population equation and using multi-stage random sampling. Simple random sampling was used to select a representative from operations for children under 15 years old among local administrative organization officers as a population proportion. Data were collected using a questionnaire between February and November 2023. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reporting frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, median, and maximum and minimum values. Predictive factors were analyzed using multiple linear regression with the enter method at a 95% confidence interval. The results of the study found that motivational factors, organizational support, and operational implementation for drowning prevention in children under 15 years old among local administrative officers in Health Region 9 were all at a very high level, with means of 4.57 (S.D. = 0.63), 4.55 (S.D. = 0.70), and 26.14 (S.D. = 3.54), respectively. The predictive factors for drowning prevention operations for children under 15 years old included public health officer positions, motivational, organizational support, professional nurse positions, and public health academic positions. These factors collectively explained 38.0% of the variance in drowning prevention operations among local administrative officers in Health Region 9.

The effects of educational media on nutritional self-care behaviors and hematocrit levels in pregnant women

Duangduean duangsamran, Anchalee Chantapho, Jirawan Sirisom — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effects of educational media on nutritional self-care behaviors and hematocrit levels in pregnant women. The sample consisted of 70 pregnant women receiving antenatal care at Nong Suea Hospital, Pathum Thani Province, divided equally into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received
a nutrition promotion program including educational videos and telephone follow-ups. Research instruments comprised a general information questionnaire, a nutritional self-care behavior questionnaire, and a hematocrit level record form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Paired t-test, Independent t-test, and Chi-square test. Results showed that post-intervention, the experimental group had significantly higher nutritional self-care behavior scores and hematocrit levels (p < .05) compared to pre-intervention and the control group, with no participants below 33% hematocrit post-intervention. These findings demonstrate that educational media effectively promotes nutritional self-care behaviors and increases hematocrit levels in pregnant women, which can be applied in prenatal care to prevent anemia in pregnancy.

Antioxidant, total phenolic content and Quercetin quantity of Butea monosperma (Linn.) flower

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the antioxidant activity, total phenolic compounds, and quercetin content in the ethanolic extract of the Butea monosperma (Linn.) flower, employing High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for precise measurement. The findings demonstrate that the ethanolic extract exhibits significant antioxidant properties, with an IC₅₀ value of 49.43 ± 3.4 mg/ml. exhibited significantly lower compared to Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (p = 0.002). Furthermore, the ethanolic extract reveals a total phenolic content of 86.01 ± 0.03 mg per 100 g of dry weight, and the quercetin concentration is quantified at 0.0110 ± 0.0003 mg per 100 mg of sample. This research provides valuable quantitative data concerning the biological activities of the ethanolic extract from the Butea monosperma flower, positioning it as a promising candidate for the development of health products, cosmetics, and cosmeceuticals derived from herbal sources. The outcomes underscore the potential of Butea monosperma as a rich source of bioactive compounds, offering significant implications for pharmaceutical applications. These findings suggest that this plant could pave the way for innovative products that align with sustainable healthcare practices, thereby meeting the growing demand for natural and effective therapeutic solutions.

Forecasting the number of older adults’ outpatients receiving herbal medicine in Ubon Ratchathani Province

Phaksachiphon Khanthong, Surasak Suksai, Vadhana Jayathavaj — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to forecast the number of elderly outpatients receiving herbal medicine in Ubon Ratchathani province for the fiscal year 2024. Data gathered from the Ministry of Public Health's statistical report on the topic of dispensing herbal medicines to outpatients by province from fiscal year 2018 to 2023 (processed on December 18, 2023) from the Health Data Center website of the Ministry of Public Health. Grey systems theory and polynomial regressions were employed in time series forecasting. Model selection was based on the lowest mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) to ensure forecasting accuracy. The results showed that the GM (1,1) Error Periodic Correction model achieved the lowest MAPE value (2.36 percent) for the fiscal year 2018 to 2023. This model was selected to predict the number of elderly outpatients receiving herbal medicine in fiscal year 2024 at 149,429 cases, a 0.28 percent increase from fiscal year 2023.
This study contributes to healthcare planning by facilitating the provision of herbal medicine for outpatient needs among the aging population, thereby aiding in policy formulation and resource allocation.

Factors Affecting Health Behavior of Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Uncontrollable Glycemic Control in Lopburi Province

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Diabetes is a global health threat, arising from a lack of knowledge, awareness, and unhealthy behaviors. Researchers are interested in studying the factors affecting the health behaviors of patients with Type 2 diabetes who have uncontrolled blood sugar levels in Lopburi Province, aiming to use the findings to design and plan health promotion activities. The study employed a cross-sectional survey method with questionnaires. The sample consisted of 272 patients with Type 2 diabetes who had uncontrolled blood sugar levels in Lopburi Province. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. The results revealed that personal factors, health knowledge and understanding skills, and health communication skills did not significantly impact health behaviors. However, skills in accessing health information, self-management, media literacy, and decision-making did have a significant impact on health behaviors (p-value < 0.05). All these variables accounted for 70.5% (R² = 0.705) of the variation in health behaviors among patients with Type 2 diabetes with uncontrolled blood sugar levels in Lopburi Province. Therefore, relevant agencies should conduct campaigns to improve access to health information, raise awareness about health literacy, and organize health promotion activities that align with the lifestyle of patients.
They should also implement systems for ongoing evaluation and monitoring, and promote public awareness and health literacy

Evaluation of the plan to enhance security and excellence in disease control of the country 2020 - 2022 Updated version, Department of Disease Control

Nannaphat Wongphira, Manisara Mungdee, Thunradee Silanupap — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to evaluate the revised National Health Security and Excellence Plan 2020-2022, as well as analyze the success factors and obstacles to develop proposals for the plan in the next phase. The study was conducted in a mixed-method research format, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. The population and sample were purposively selected, consisting of those involved in the plan of the Department of Disease Control from 44 agencies and 76 provincial public health offices. The results of the study found that the overall performance in all aspects was at a high level.
The outcome dimension had the highest mean score of 3.93, and the context dimension had the lowest mean score of 3.61. Factors affecting the success of the plan were the definition of health security issues in the 20-year national strategy, and executives gave importance to and used the plan as a framework for considering annual budget allocation. In terms of obstacles, the plan’s content lacked completeness and clarity in many dimensions, lacked mechanisms for implementing the plan and monitoring results, resulting in some issues not leading to clear and tangible implementation, and communication did not reach operators and networks for disease prevention and control at the local level. The proposal is to use lessons learned and gaps from the development as a framework for the plan in the next phase, including the use of laws on disease prevention and health hazards. It is an important mechanism for integrating cooperation with relevant networks in both the public and private sectors. For the preparation of the plan in the next phase, the plan's objectives should be clearly defined, the success can be measured, and there should be a clear mechanism for driving, monitoring and evaluating the results of the plan to ensure tangible implementation.

The situation and relationship of numbers of teeth, posterior occlusal pairs and sarcopenia among the older people in Suphan Buri Province

Phatra Taweepol, Sirima Mongkolsomlit , Nontiya Homkham — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Cross-sectional research was conducted to study the situation and relationship of numbers of teeth, posterior occlusal pairs and sarcopenia among the older people in Suphan Buri Province. The sample group consisted of 595 older individuals aged between 60 and 80 chosen by multi-stage and simple random sampling. Data were gathered through questionnaires. The assessment of sarcopenia included the SARC-F screening test, handgrip strength measurement, and an oral condition assessment form. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression. The results showed that 69.58% of the sample were female and 30.42% male, with an average age of 68.25 ± 5.87. 25.55% of the sample had sarcopenia, 29.95% of females and 15.47% of males with, most often in octogenarian samples (58.06%). Regarding the impact of other factors, the number of teeth was associated with sarcopenia (P value = 0.005). Samples with 0 - 9 permanent teeth were 1.90 times likelier to have sarcopenia (Adjusted OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.12 - 3.25), and those with 10-19 permanent teeth were 2.29 times likelier (Adjusted OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.36 - 3.84) compared to those with 20 - 32 permanent teeth. The number of Posterior occlusal pairs were not associated with sarcopenia. These findings suggest that older community residents should be screened for oral health and sarcopenia, especially those with congenital diseases, and diets with sufficient protein and physical activity promoted.

Factors affecting the intention to transfer missions of personnel in Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals to the Sukhothai Provincial Administrative Organization

Lalita Sutthisorn, Mayurin Laorujisawat — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This quantitative research aimed to study the level of intention to transfer missions and factors affecting the level of intention to transfer missions of personnel at Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals to the Sukhothai Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO). The sample consisted of 210 people, through Multi-stage sampling. The reliability value of the whole questionnaire was 0.96 and the reliability values of each part of the questionnaire were between 0.929 - 0.948. The data were analyzed by multiple linear regression. The results of the study showed that the exhibited a moderate level of intention to transfer missions in Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals to the Sukhothai Provincial Administrative Organization, and the factors affecting the intention to transfer missions to the Sukhothai Provincial Administrative Organization, including, such as job positions, policy and management, methods of governance or work supervision the personal prospects of job achievement and advancement opportunities. These factors predict 59.60 % of the variation of intention to transfer missions.

Health belief model and pesticide protective behaviors of rice farmers in Song Plueai Sub-district, Namon District, Kalasin Province

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The study focuses on the health belief model and pesticide protective behaviors of rice farmers. It specifically takes place in the Song Plueai Sub-district of the Namon District in Kalasin Province. The objective of the study was to examine the extent of health beliefs and their relationship with pesticide protection behaviors among rice farmers in Song Plueai Sub-district, Namon District, Kalasin Province. The sample size consists of 300 individuals. The data was gathered using a questionnaire divided into three sections: personal information, health beliefs, and self-protection behavior for pesticide use. Three experts verified the questionnaire's content validity, and reliability was examined using Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.79 and 0.74, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The relationship between variables was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The study found that most rice farmers had a high level of health beliefs and self-protection behaviors regarding the use of pesticides. The analysis of the relationship between variables revealed that perceived susceptibility to pesticide use, perceived severity of harm from pesticide use, perceived benefits of preventing pesticide harm, perceived barriers to preventing pesticide harm, and overall health beliefs about preventing harm from pesticide use were positively correlated with self-protection behaviors among rice farmers in Song Ploei Subdistrict, Namon District, Kalasin Province, with statistical significance at the 0.05 level. Therefore, it was recommended to develop a health belief program to modify behaviors related to pesticide safety and to study the effects of such a program.

Factors influencing the competency in caring for the elderly of village health volunteers, Nong Ngu Lueam Subdistrict, Chaloem Phrakiat District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Suda Hanklang, Sompong Lueklang, Saisunee Lertkratoke, Suleegorn Sivasan — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study is cross-sectional descriptive research. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors influencing the competency in caring for the elderly of village health volunteers (VHVs), Nong Ngu Lueam Subdistrict. Chalerm Prakiat District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Data were collected from 175 village health volunteers, aged 20 years and over. Using a health literacy measure based on the principles of 3E. 2S. (Cronbach’s alpha .78) and a competency measure caring for the elderly of village health volunteers (Cronbach’s alpha .93). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression models. The results of the research found that 58.3% of the sample had a moderate level of competency in caring for the elderly. Health communication according to the 3E. 2S. principles could predict having a moderate level of competency in caring for the elderly (OR = 1.562, 95 %CI: 1.020 - 2.393) and high level (OR = 1.832, 95%CI: 1.154 - 2.906) and self-management according to the 3E. 2S. principles can predict having a high level of competence in caring for the elderly (OR = 1.530, 95%CI: 1.048 - 2.235) with statistical significance (p-value < .05). Therefore, the competency of village health volunteers should be promoted in caring for the health of the elderly by developing health literacy. Especially in the areas of health communication and self-management according to the principles of 3E. 2S. to be effective and will lead to good results in taking care of the health of people in the community in the future.

Assessment of road safety using a road safety inspection framework for local highways: a case study of Phoprajak subdistrict, Tha Chang district, Sing Buri province

Chavinthorn Maiyapakdee, Nontiya Homkham — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Road accidents are a major cause of death among Thais. In addition to the driver and vehicle conditions, other key risk factors contributing to road accidents include unsafe road conditions and road environments. This study aims to assess the safety of roads and their environments through a survey-based approach. Data was collected by surveying road conditions every 200 meters along three main roads in Phoprajak Subdistrict, Sing Buri Province, using the Road Safety Survey for Local Roads by the Department of Rural Roads. The Local Road Safety Index (LRSI) was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that the safety levels of all three main roads of Moo 2, 3, and 4 in Phoprajak Subdistrict were rated as good to very good. Specifically, Road 1 had an LRSI of 90.54% (very good safety), Road 2 had an LRSI of 82.32% (good safety), and Road 3 had an LRSI of 76.83% (good safety). Upon evaluating the road environment, risk factors that contributed to unsafe conditions were identified, including incomplete warning devices at intersections or curves, obstructed visibility due to barriers, lack of street lighting, and uneven road surfaces. Therefore, in order to maintain the safety levels of roads at a good to very good standard, the relevant authorities should conduct annual road safety assessments and implement additional measures to reduce the risk of road accidents in the area.

Effect of local anesthetic temperature on vasopressor usage in spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean section

Jutharat Eamsiri — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Hypotension following spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing cesarean section is a common occurrence in medical practice and requires vasopressors for treatment to prevent severe complications. This study aimed to compare the use of heavy bupivacaine at 25°C and 37°C in terms of vasopressor requirements for treating hypotension, specifically to determine if heavy bupivacaine at 25°C would require less vasopressor usage. This was a prospective randomized control trial conducted in the operating room at Pak Kret Hospital from October 2022 to September 2023. The study included 60 ASA I-II pregnant women with singleton pregnancies scheduled for elective cesarean section. They were divided into two groups: the control group (H1, n=30) received spinal anesthesia with 0.5% heavy bupivacaine 10 mg with morphine 0.2 mg (total volume 2.2 mL) at 25°C, and the experimental group (H2, n=30) received the same medication at 37°C. The results showed no significant differences in general demographic data between the two groups. After anesthesia administration, the time from spinal block to onset of hypotension and vasopressor use showed that the H1 group first experienced hypotension and received medication at 3 minutes, while the H2 group experienced hypotension earlier and received medication from the first minute post-spinal block. In the H1 group, 15 patients experienced hypotension and received vasopressor (ephedrine) with an average dose of 28.67 mg. The H2 group had more patients (18) experiencing hypotension and requiring ephedrine, but the average dose was lower at 21.33 mg. However, statistical analysis showed no significant difference in medication dosage between the two groups.