Journal of Public Health and Health Sciences Research

Full Issue

Journal of Public Health and Health Sciences Research — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Nutrition literacy and factors associated with nutrition literacy in junior high school students in Maha Sarakham town municipality

Matinee Katasila, Pornpimon Chupanit — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The objectives of this study were to study nutritional knowledge and to find factors related to nutritional literacy in junior high school students in Maha Sarakham town municipality. The research design was a cross-sectional study. The study sample consisted of 304 students selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected by using self-answered questionnaires. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and the relationship between factors and nutritional literacy was analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis.
The results showed that more than half of the participants (57.5%) had a low level of overall nutrition literacy. The results indicated that in 3 aspects of nutritional literacy, the participants had the low level of fundamental nutrition literacy, interactive nutrition literacy, and critical nutrition literacy at 61.8%, 57.2%, and 61.5%, respectively. Factors significantly related to overall nutrition literacy were sex (b = 7.75, p-value < 0.001), academic achievement (b = 10.15, p-value < 0.001), and food consumption behavior (b = 0.82, p-value < 0.001). Therefore, educational institutions or relevant agencies should provide teaching, and learning or finding processes to promote nutritional literacy among junior high school students.

Using the necessity-concern framework for predicting medication adherence in older adults with heart failure

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This cross-sectional analytical research aimed to determine the necessity-concern conceptual framework for predicting medication adherence in older adults with heart failure. The subjects were 107 older adults aged 60-79 years who had been diagnosed with heart failure and received outpatient services in Phrapokklao Hospital, Chanthaburi Province. Systematic random sampling was used to select samples from the samples list. The research instruments were a questionnaire on necessity beliefs and concerns about medication adherence with a reliability was 0.91 and 0.81, respectively, and a medication adherence questionnaire with a reliability was 0.90. The data were collected via telephone from September to December 2022. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis.
The results found that most of the subjects had a high level of medication adherence (86.9%). Both necessity beliefs of medication adherence (AOR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.01-1.67) and concern beliefs of medication adherence (AOR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.62-0.92), together, could predict medication adherence of 17.8%. Therefore, nurses or healthcare professionals treating older adults with heart failure should assess beliefs in the necessity and concern of medicine in the low adherence groups and provide the knowledge to patients with inappropriate beliefs to increase medication adherence further.

Factors associated with multidrug resistance at Thatphanom Crown Prince Hospital

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is an important public health problem nowadays. This research involves a retrospective case-control study. The objective of this study is to investigate the risk factors associated with MDR infections among inpatients at Thatphanom Crown Prince Hospital from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for MDR.
The study revealed MDR patients accounted for 28.28% of all. The majority of MDR patients were aged over 60 years. The most common MDR was Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the risk factors for MDR were as follows: the presence of smoking history (OR_Adj 1.38, 95% CI = 1.08-1.74), drinking history (OR_Adj 1.27, 95% CI = 1.02-1.58), urinary tract infection (OR_Adj 2.84, 95% CI = 2.19 - 3.67), gram-negative bacterial infection (OR_Adj 2.99, 95% CI = 2.28-3.91), steroid usage in the past 90 days (OR_Adj 1.87, 95% CI = 1.40-2.51), urinary catheter usage in the past 90 days (OR_Adj 1.64, 95% CI 1.25 - 2.17) and a length of hospitalization exceedingseven days (OR_Adj 1.44, 95% CI = 1.16-1.81). Therefore, the hospital should utilize the factors obtained from this study to generate policies and prevention guidelines for MDR in order to control and reduce the spread of MDR more effectively.

Relations of health literacy and family support on self-care behaviors among people at risk of stroke

Supannika Singju, Waraporn Boonchieng, Sineenart Chautrakarn — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationships between health literacy and family support on self-care behaviors among people at risk of stroke. The samples consisted of 97 individuals at risk of stroke, aged 35-70 years old, who attended services at the outpatient department of Chiang Mai Neurological Hospital. The sample was selected using a convenience sampling technique. The data were collected by the questionnaires, including personal data, health literacy, family support, and self-care behaviors of the people at risk of stroke. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.
The study results revealed as follows: Health literacy (Mean 27.90, S.D. = 5.90), family support (Mean = 77.65, S.D. = 11.67) and self-care behaviors (Mean = 41.55, S.D. = 7.31) in people at risk of stroke were overall at a high level. Health literacy had a positive correlation with self-care behaviors in people at risk of stroke at a moderate level with a statistical significance (r = 0.41, p-value < 0.001). The family support was not relevant to self-care behaviors in people at risk of stroke. These results represented that health literacy is an elemental for self-care behaviors in persons at risk of stroke. Therefore, healthcare providers should find the guidelines to promote health literacy among persons at risk of stroke for their effective self-care behaviors and further stroke prevention.

The effect of self-care promotion program on health care behaviors, health status, and cancellation or postponement of the extracorporeal shock waves lithotripsy procedure in patients with renal calculi in Nongkhai Hospital, Nong Khai Province

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of self-care promotion program on health care behaviors, health status, and cancellation or postponement of the extracorporeal shock waves lithotripsy procedure in patients with renal calculi, Nongkhai Hospital, NongKhai Province. A sample of 60 cases was divided into an experimental group of 30 cases and a comparison group of 30 cases. General data, health care behaviors, health status, and cancellation/postponement of procedure were collected by interview form and record form. The experimental group received a self-care promotion program. The comparison group received a standard of care. General data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Paired t-test and independent t-test were performed to compare the mean of health care behaviors and health status scores within the group and between groups. A Z-test was performed to compare the proportion of health status and cancellation/postponement of procedure between groups. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered to represent statistical significance.
The results found that after implementing the program, the mean scores of knowledge behavior and behavior of promoting stone expulsion of the experimental group were higher than before implementing the program and higher than the comparison group statistically significant. When comparing the mean scores of health status, after implementing the program, the experimental group had a significantly lower mean score of pain than the comparison group. The results of this study show that the self-care promotion program provides patients with an understanding of renal calculi and allows patients to have better behavior in promoting stone expulsion, also relieving pain patients after the procedure, which is another approach for public health personnel to apply the key point of the program by integrating with the normal standard of care for an initial health care and health promotion in patients undergoing the extracorporeal shock waves lithotripsy procedure.

Home environmental risk factors for falls in elderly in Wat Chan Sub-District, Mueang Phitsanulok District, Phitsanulok Province

Chatsuda Sriburi, Krittitee Saenpang, Supakit Yantasee, Supagon Jadeewong — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The purposes of this study were to investigate the prevalence of falls inside the home and the surrounding areas, to survey the home-fall hazardous environments, and to study the relationship between home environmental risk factors for falls and falls among the elderly in Wat Chan Sub-District, Mueang Phitsanulok District, Phitsanulok Province. A total of 104 participants was recruited for this study. The participants were interviewed using home-fall questionnaires and self-completed the Thai Home Fall Hazard Assessment Tool (Thai-HFHAT). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test to examine the relationship between falls and environmental risk factors. A statistical significance level of 0.05 was determined.
The results showed that within the past year, the elderly participants had a history of falling in the house and the surrounding areas (20.2%), with the highest number of falls occurring in the surrounding areas (67.9%). The most common places where falls occurred were at the front of the home, during the period of 3.00-5.59 pm, tripping was often on different levels of flooring or stairs. Most of the participants had uneven or non-slip mats/rugs (84.6%). The correlation study found that home environmental risk factors were statistically significantly associated with falls inside the home (p-value = 0.012, r = 0.246). The suggestion is that further study should be conducted to explore other risk factors for falls that interact with environmental risk factors, such as biological and behavioral risk factors.

Factors associated with COVID-19 mortality in the Nakhon Phanom Province population: a retrospective cohort study

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The study aimed to investigate the rate of vaccination of the COVID-19 booster dose and the factors associated with COVID-19 mortality in Nakhonhanom Province. The study design utilized was a retrospective cohort study. The population was categorized into two groups: Group 1 included patients diagnosed with COVID-19, totaling 20,888, while Group 2 comprised individuals who had received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination; totaling 222,106. The data from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022, were utilized for the study and were collected using a data recorded form. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis by multiple logistic regression presented by adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence interval.
The results showed that Nakhon Phanom Province has a booster vaccination rate of 31.6 percent. Several factors associated with COVID-19 mortality were found to be statistically significant. Non-vaccination was a significant risk factor, with individuals who did not receive the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose being 15.7 times more likely to die from COVID-19 (AOR = 15.7, 95% CI = 4.9-50.0). Those who received only one dose of the vaccine had a 16-fold increased risk of death (AOR = 16.0, 95% CI = 4.8-52.6). Moreover, individuals aged 60 and above were 12.4 times more likely to die than those under 60 (AOR = 12.40, 95% CI = 6.83-22.52). Regarding the presence of seven chronic diseases, individuals with the presence of seven chronic diseases were three times more likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those without these conditions (AOR = 2.95, 95%CI = 1.68-5.17). The study results emphasize the importance of booster vaccinations in reducing mortality rates, as well as identifying key factors associated with COVID-19-related deaths. Both proactive and reactive surveillance measures should be implemented to decrease the mortality rate among COVID-19 patients.

Comparative study of chemical constituents and antioxidant activity of Benchalokawichian remedy in difference mixer water

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Benchalokawichian remedy is one of the Thai traditional medicines listed in the list of Herbal Medicinal Products of Thailand for antipyretic. Difference mixer water helps the drug have a flavorful taste, pleasant color, and good smell, to work faster and better, or enhance the effect of that herbal medicine formula.This study aimed to compare the chemical constituents of the Benchalokawichian remedy in 4 different mixer water: boiled water, jasmine water, ginger water, and coriander root water, which were also analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity was analyzed via DPPH radical scavenging assay and the total phenolic content was analyzed by Folin-ciocalteau' reagent.
The result found that the Benchalokawichian remedy in boiled water, coriander root water, ginger water, and jasmine water contained about 16, 14, 17, and 19 different compounds, respectively. The Benchalokawichian remedy in jasmine water and coriander root water showed significantly higher antioxidants than the Benchalokawichian remedy in water mixer with IC50 values of 37.62 ± 2.08 and 42.50 ± 5.68 μg/ml, respectively. The results of this study according to the theory of Thai traditional medicine that has been used in conjunction with different mixer water to help increase the effectiveness of the drug. In conclusion, these results can be used as a development of the Benchalokawichian formula to be easy for intake and more effective.

Factors affecting development promoting behaviors of aged newborn to 2 years among child caregivers in Lansak District, Uthaithani Province

Chanoksuda Chuachuad, Sunsanee Mekrungrongwong — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This cross-sectional research aimed to assess child development promoting behavior of newborn to 2 years and investigate factors affecting child development promoting behavior of newborn to 2 years of child caregivers (CCGs) in Lansak District, Uthai Thani Province. The sample size was 420 of CCGs that were randomly by systematic random sampling. Data were collected by the validated and reliable questionnaire. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression at a significance level of 0.05
The results revealed that the sample had a high level of child development promotion behavior of newborn to 2 years (Mean = 2.43, S.D. = 0.50). Factors influencing the promotion of child development behaviors among caregivers of newborns to 2-year-olds include engaging in playtime with children, knowledge about child development promotion, being at a junior high school education level, perceiving benefits in promoting child development, marital status, access to healthcare services, and years of childcare experience. These factors collectively account for 13.2% (R2 = 0.148) of the predicting developmental promotion behaviors from birth to 2 years old among caregivers. The study recommends that public health sectors and other organizations should provide training to enhance knowledge related to promoting child development, design activities aimed at fostering perceived benefits of promoting child development and encourage playtime for children, particularly among caregivers with a junior high school education or higher. Furthermore, healthcare authorities should improve accessibility to health services to encourage caregivers to engage in appropriate child development practices for children aged 0-2 years old.

The lessons learned from the integrated sub-district economic and social upgrading project by University to Tambon (U2T): A case study in the Lower Northern Region, Thailand

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The process of the lesson learned from the integrated sub-district economic and social upgrading project (1sub-district per 1 university): A case study in the lower northern region aims to study the operational processes, outcomes, factors influencing the success, and guidelines for the development of operational processes. The sample, which includes project team members and stakeholders, consists of 21 participants. The data collection included documentary analysis, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions utilizing guidelines for in-depth and focus group interview questions. Data were analyzed by content analysis.
The study findings revealed that community problem identification and needs assessment were carried out through surveys, on-site visits, and community meetings. All these approaches led to operational processes, which included planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, with participation from the community and all relevant stakeholders. Additionally, the community organized the Talad-saam-witee community tourism market and initiated creative community-based tourism projects. The objectives of these projects were to enhance the local economy and promote sustainable tourism. Social capital resources involved in the project included cultural tourism destinations, local food, wicker products, and agriculture. Key individuals engaged in the project implementation encompass the project coordinator, subdistrict administrative organization team, community leaders, local community representatives, students, graduates, and project-hired community members. The project received main funding support from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Research. Essential skills employed during project implementation include participatory management. The project resulted in increased livelihoods and income for the community. Important factors contributing to the project's success included community participation, involvement, and budget allocation.The developmental direction emphasized the
involvement of relevant stakeholders at all stages and quality control of the products, requiring continuous implementation.

Factors affecting prevention behaviors related to COVID-19 infection among village health volunteers in Doi Luang District, Chiang Rai Province

Chompoonut Intanon, Anukool Manotone — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to study health literacy, social support, health beliefs, knowledge, attitudes, and prevention behaviors related to COVID-19 infection among 216 village health volunteers, Doi Luang District, Chiang Rai Province. Stratified random sampling, using two strata (sub-districts and villages), was employed. Data were analyzed using inferential statistics and multiple regression analysis.
The study found that the sample had a good level of health literacy on COVID-19 prevention (Mean = 4.10, S.D. = 0.53). Social support for COVID-19 prevention was at a high level (Mean = 4.23, S.D. = 0.38). The overall health belief pattern regarding COVID-19 prevention was high (Mean = 2.88, S.D. = 0.35). The overall knowledge of COVID-19 prevention was at a high level (Mean = 4.34, S.D.= 0.43). The overall attitudes (Mean = 4.24, S.D. = 0.44) and behavior (Mean = 4.59, S.D. = 4.71) toward COVID-19 prevention were at good level . The multiple regression analysis found that attitude (B = 0.450, p-value < 0.001) and social support (B = 0.174, p-value = 0.028) significantly influenced the COVID-19 preventive behavior among village health volunteers, with a statistical significance level of 0.05. The results of this study recommend that primary care units should be focusing on improving knowledge, attitude, and social support among village health volunteers for monitoring and preventing epidemics and emerging diseases.

The development of surveillance and care model for psychiatric diseases based on community participation, Kaolieo District, Nakhonsawan Province

Preyapat Lekphet, Kritsada Lekphet , Juntima Nawamawat — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This participatory action research aimed to develop a surveillance and care model for psychiatric diseases based on community participation in the Kaolieo District, Nakhon Sawan Province, and evaluate its effectiveness. The study subjects included the director group comprising the district chief, senior deputy district chief, superintendent police, hospital director, and public health executive, and the operational group comprising nurses, health officers, district health board, village health volunteers, community leaders, caregivers, and relatives. Tools utilized included a semi-structured focused group discussion guideline, semi-structured interview guideline, a questionnaire, and Kaolieo’s model. Data analysis employed percentages, means, and paired t-tests for quantitative data, and content analysis for qualitative data.
The results showed that the surveillance and care model for psychiatric diseases based on community participation is composed of two parts: 1) the supporting center, which comprises the director center, the data center, five buddy teams, and the emergency response team; and 2) the guidelines on surveillance and care, which consist of community surveillance, patient referral system, and community preparation. The effectiveness of model implementation demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the need for care, higher drug compliance, and reduced aggressive behaviors and relapses of the patients at p-value < 0.05. Consequently, the surveillance and care model for psychiatric diseases based on community participation can effectively support the surveillance and care of psychiatric patients requiring more participation from other organizations, thus enabling patients to live appropriately with their families.

Editorial

Asst. Prof. Dr. Orawan Keeratisiroj, Ph.D. (Clinical Epidemiology) — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Guidelines for Authors

Journal of Public Health and Health Sciences Research — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Author Declaration Form for Publication in Journal of Public Health and Health Sciences Research

Journal of Public Health and Health Sciences Research — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Thesis/Independent Study Author Declaration Form

Journal of Public Health and Health Sciences Research — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700