Journal of Public Health and Health Sciences Research

Editorial

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orawan Keeratisiroj, Ph.D. (Clinical Epidemiology) — 2026-08-31

Caregivers’ experiences in caring for older adults in the new normal era

Kittisak Kumpeera — 2026-08-31

Thailand and the global community are rapidly transitioning into an aging society, facing challenges of health vulnerability, caregiver shortages, and the impacts of pandemics, which underline the necessity to develop appropriate care systems and nursing management in the new normal context. This qualitative research aimed to explore caregivers’ experiences in caring for older adults in the new normal era. A descriptive phenomenological approach, based on Husserl’s philosophy, was employed. Data were collected from 15 caregivers of older adults in Chom Thong Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phitsanulok Province, using in-depth interviews, non-participant observation, and field notes. Data analysis was conducted using Colaizzi’s method.
The findings revealed four key themes of caregivers’ experiences: 1) preventive competence of caregivers during the pandemic, 2) communication for building trust in caregiving amidst crisis, 3) development of digital skills and utilization of medical devices to support elderly care, and 4) financial management for older adults’ care during crisis situations. The results indicate that caregivers faced multiple burdens, challenges, and adaptation demands. Gaining insights into these experiences provides an in-depth understanding of older individual caregiving phenomena in the new normal era, and offers valuable evidence to inform nursing administration, health care system development, and policy planning to prepare for future emerging diseases in aging societies.

Effectiveness of a health preparation program for quality aging among the working-age population in Pa Sao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Uttaradit Province

Pongsak Onmoy — 2026-08-31

This quasi-experimental study with a two-group pretest-posttest design, aimed to examine the effects of a health preparation program for quality aging among the working-age population in Pa Sao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Uttaradit Province. The sample consisted of 100 working-age individuals aged 45-59 years, with 50 assigned to the experimental group and 50 to the control group. The experimental group participated in the health preparation program for quality aging, which comprised seven sessions conducted over eight weeks. Research instruments included 1) the health preparation program for quality aging, and 2) questionnaires. Data were collected before and after the intervention and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Inferential statistics included the paired sample t-test for within-group comparisons and the independent t-test for between-group comparisons, with a statistical significance level set at 0.05.
The results showed that after participating in the program, the experimental group had significantly higher mean scores in knowledge about older people, attitudes toward aging, perceived self-efficacy, social support, and health preparation behaviors compared to both the pre-test scores and the control group (p-value < 0.01). This demonstrates that the developed program is effective in promoting health preparedness for a high-quality transition into old age among the working-age population. Therefore, relevant agencies should organize skills development and educational activities on health preparation for entering seniority so that the working age is aware to prepare for the old age and can continue to have a good quality of life.

Dietary intake of Buddhist novices in a Phrapariyattidhamma school, Muang Sam Sip District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Penmat Sukhonthachit — 2026-08-31

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to describe the dietary intake behaviors of Buddhist novices and to compare their energy and nutrient intake with nutritional status and Thai Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). A total of 114 novices from a Phrapariyattidhamma school in Muang Sam Sip District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, were selected through simple random sampling. Research instruments
included a general information questionnaire, a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and a 24-hour dietary recall interview. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Kruskal-Wallis H test.
The results revealed that novices primarily consumed rice-based foods, with median frequencies of sticky rice and steamed rice consumption of three and four days per week, respectively. Frequent consumption of bread was observed (median five days per week), along with regular intake of fried foods and sweetened beverages (median 4-5 days per week). Comparison of energy and nutrient intake across nutritional statuses showed statistically significant differences between the underweight, normal, and overweight/obese groups (p-value < 0.001). The underweight group received calcium and iron significantly below the criteria (398.71 mg/day and 5.85 mg/day, respectively). Meanwhile, the overweight group had the highest energy intake (median 2,745.83 kcal/day), fat (120.60 g/day), and sugar (166.68 g/day). The average sodium intake was 6,503.29 mg/day and cholesterol was 734.63 mg/day, both exceeding Thai reference standards. These findings indicate imbalanced dietary patterns
among Buddhist novices, characterized by insufficient intake of essential nutrients among those with undernutrition and excessive intake of energy-dense foods among those with overnutrition. The study highlights the importance of culturally tailored, targeted nutritional promotion strategies to promote healthy eating behaviors and long-term well-being among this monastic population.

Factors influencing to health behavior 3E–2S–1F among older adults in Ban Tak District, Tak Province

Sirikarn Nokphueng — 2026-08-31

This study employed a cross-sectional research design to assess the 3E-2S-1F health behaviors (Eating, Exercise, Emotion, Smoking, Alcohol, and Dental Health) of older adults and factors influencing these health behaviors among older adults in Ban Tak District, Tak Province. The participants consisted of 292 older adults aged 60-69 years. Data were collected using questionnaires. The instrument quality had Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients as follows: health literacy, social support, and 3E-2S-1F health behaviors were 0.92, 0.95, and 0.74, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum and multiple linear regression analysis.
The results showed that 64.4% of the older adults had 3E-2S-1F health behaviors at a moderate level, while 35.6% were at a good level (Mean = 58.6, S.D. = 5.44). Health literacy was at a fair level for 37.3% of the participants (Mean = 81.3, S.D. = 21.4, and social support was at a moderate level for 53.4% (Mean = 29.4, S.D. = 5.95). Factors significantly influencing the 3E-2S-1F health behaviors at the 0.05 level included being female (Beta = 0.159, p-value = 0.007), marital status (Beta = 0.145, p-value = 0.008), having chronic diseases (Beta = 0.175, p-value = 0.001), good oral health (Beta = 0.203, p-value < 0.001), health literacy (Beta = 0.361, p-value < 0.001), and social support (Beta = 0.108, p-value = 0.043). These factors collectively predicted 22.4% of the variance in the 3E-2S-1F health behaviors. These findings were utilized to design health behavior promotion activities for older adults.

Factors associated with noise-induced hearing loss among workers in a wood processing factory in Pathum Thani Province

Amata Outtama — 2026-08-31

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to investigate hearing loss and identify factors associated with noise-induced hearing loss among workers at a wood processing factory in Pathum Thani Province. The study included 112 wood processing workers. Data were collected using an audiolyzer, sound level meter, and questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test.
The results revealed that the majority of the wood processing workers had abnormal hearing (59.8%). The 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) noise levels in the workspace ranged from 63.5 dB(A) to 87.9 dB(A). Two areas exceeded the legal limit of 85 dB(A): the Sawing Department (87.9 dB(A) and the Trimming and Sharpening Department (85.6 dB(A). Furthermore, age (p-value = 0.002), work experience (p-value = 0.036), and the use of hearing protection devices (p-value = 0.044) were significantly associated with noise-induced hearing loss at the 0.05 significance level. The research findings highlight the importance of enhancing the work environment to mitigate noise exposure, educating and training workers on the proper use of hearing protection devices, and conducting regular hearing assessments to prevent hearing loss among workers in wood processing factories.

Prevalence and factors affecting musculoskeletal disorders of hospital porters working in hospitals, Mueang District, Phitsanulok Province

Sirioon Khonsom — 2026-08-31

This study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors affecting musculoskeletal disorders among 93 hospital porters working in hospitals in Mueang District, Phitsanulok Province. Data were collected using a questionnaire. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was assessed using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires, and ergonomic working posture risk was evaluated using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Factors affecting musculoskeletal disorders among hospital porters were analyzed through multiple regression analysis.
The study results found that the majority of the participants were male (93.5%) With a mean age 33.46 ± 8.90 years. Most of them had 1-10 years of work experience (50.5%) and worked in government hospitals (71.0%). The top three highest mean weighted scores for musculoskeletal disorders were the lower back, the right lower leg, and the neck, respectively. Factors significantly affected musculoskeletal disorders at a statistical significance level of 0.05 included chronic diseases (p-value = 0.028), average working hours per week (p-value = 0.010) type of hospital (p-value = 0.006), and risks from working posture (p-value = 0.013). Therefore, to reduce musculoskeletal disorders among hospital porters, based on these findings, it is recommended to organize educational activities for hospital porters, such as demonstrations of proper techniques for assisting patients. Additionally, implementing health risk behavior modification programs could help reduce the incidence of chronic diseases, ultimately leading to the prevention and mitigation of musculoskeletal disorders among hospital porters.

Factors associated with electronic health literacy among older adults in Khun Thale, Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani

Thanakrit Thongrak — 2026-08-31

This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study aiming to examine the level of electronic health literacy (eHealth literacy) and its associated factors among older adults in Khun Thale Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surat Thani Province. A total of 332 older adults were selected using two-stage random sampling. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study variables’ characteristics, while multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the associations between variables.
The results revealed that only 24.4% (95% CI: 20.06–29.33) of the older adults had a good level of eHealth literacy. When controlling for the effects of other variables, it was found that occupation, personal health conditions, and attitude toward electronic health information were significantly associated with good eHealth literacy. Older adults engaged in business or retired from the civil service were 4.10 times more likely to have good eHealth literacy than those in agriculture or trade (p-value = 0.001). Older adults without any underlying medical conditions were 2.94 times more likely to have a good level of electronic health literacy than those with underlying medical conditions (p-value = 0.003). Moreover, individuals with moderate and high attitudes toward electronic health information were significantly more likely to exhibit good eHealth literacy (Adj OR = 11.98 and 24.39, respectively; p-value < 0.001) compared with those with low attitudes. These findings demonstrate that occupation, personal health conditions, and attitude are associated with the level of eHealth literacy among older adults. Therefore, the promotion of literacy should focus on the group with personal health conditions, the agricultural or merchant occupation groups, and the group with low attitude levels for future operations and activities.

Factors associated with mortality of new tuberculosis patients in Phetchabun Province, fiscal year 2023

Thanyarat Wongchana — 2026-08-31

This research aimed to study factors affecting mortality among new tuberculosis patients in Phetchabun Province. A retrospective cohort study design was utilized. The study population consisted of 634 new tuberculosis patients registered for treatment in government hospitals within Phetchabun Province during the fiscal year 2023 (October 1, 2022-September 30, 2023). Data were obtained from the national Tuberculosis Database of Thailand using a data recording form developed by the researchers. Factors affecting mortality were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression.
The results revealed that among the 634 new tuberculosis patients, 123 patients died (19.4%). Most patients were male (72.2%), with a mean age of 55.36 years (S.D. = 16.37), and 41.8% were aged over 60 years. Factors significantly associated with mortality (p-value < 0.05) included diabetes mellitus (AHR = 5.388, 95% CI: 1.893-15.334), refusal of HIV testing (AHR = 5.633, 95%CI: 1.997-15.889), overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m²) (AHR = 2.163, 95% CI: 1.088-4.302), obesity (BMI 30 kg/m²) (AHR = 3.590, 95% CI: 1.030-12.515), underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²) (AHR = 2.126, 95% CI: 1.416-3.191), chronic kidney disease (AHR = 3.176, 95% CI: 1.497-6.738), and age over 60 years (AHR = 1.820, 95% CI: 1.219-2.718). These findings suggest that healthcare facilities at all levels should strengthen the management of newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients by prioritizing those with comorbidities, individuals whose body mass index does not meet the standard criteria, and older adults, in order to help reduce the risk of mortality during treatment.

Factors influencing depression among older adults living alone in the community, Hangzhou, China

Jiaxiang Zhou — 2026-08-31

Depression in older adults is a significant public health issue with broad impacts on individuals, their families, their communities, and society. It is often underrecognized, especially among older adults living alone in the community, which can lead to loneliness, unhappiness, and a potential suicide risk if left untreated. Therefore, identifying risk factors is crucial for early intervention. This predictive correlational research study aimed to examine factors influencing depression among older adults living alone in the community in Hangzhou, China. The samples consisted of 321 older adults living alone in the community in Hangzhou, China, who were recruited via random sampling. Data were collected from January 1 to March 30, 2025, using the following instruments: 1) a demographic questionnaire, 2) the Self-Rated General Health scale, 3) the Barthel Index, 4) Loneliness Scale, 5) the Social Support Rating Scale, 6) the Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire (IPA-I), and 7) the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression.
The findings showed that 38.0% of the participants had suggestive symptoms of depression, while 1.6% met the criteria for depression. Multiple regression analysis showed that activities of daily living (ADL), perceived health status, and loneliness collectively accounted for 41.1% of the variance in depression (F (3, 317) = 25.714, p-value < 0.05). The strongest predictor was ADL ( = -0.341, p-value < 0.001), followed by perceived health status ( = -0.256, p-value < 0.001), and loneliness (= 0.235, p-value < 0.001). The study results provide foundational knowledge regarding depression and its predictive factors. Therefore, to reduce the likelihood of depression among community-dwelling older adults living alone, healthcare providers should consider incorporating factors such as ADL, perceived health status, and loneliness into the design of interventions or programs to prevent depression in elderly people living alone in the community.

Factors predicting electronic cigarette preventive behaviors among secondary school students in Mueang Nakhon Sawan District, Nakhon Sawan Province

Jenjira Lekutai — 2026-08-31

This cross-sectional quantitative study aimed to examine e-cigarette prevention behavior and identify predictors of e-cigarette prevention behaviors among secondary school students in Mueang District, Nakhon Sawan Province. The participants were 424 students aged 13-18 years studying in the 2025 academic year, obtained through stratified random sampling. Data were collected via an online questionnaire between August and October 2025. The research instruments included questionnaires on personal factors, perceived factors, cue-to-action factors, and e-cigarette smoking prevention behavior with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.80, 0.82, and 0.72, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The level of statistical significance was set at 0.05.
The results indicated that the overall e-cigarette smoking prevention behavior among secondary school students were overall at a high level (Mean = 4.31, S.D. = 0.73). Significant predictors of e-cigarette smoking prevention behaviors were health promotion campaigns or activities ( = 0.323, p-value < 0.001), experience related to e-cigarettes ( = -0.237, p-value < 0.001), perceived severity of the consequences of e-cigarette use ( = 0.212, p-value < 0.001), and perceived barriers to e-cigarette smoking prevention ( = 0.091, p-value = 0.037). These variables jointly explained 21.8% of the variance in e-cigarette smoking prevention behavior among secondary school students in Mueang District, Nakhon Sawan Province. Therefore, educational institutions and partner networks should collaborate to foster awareness, cultivate refusal skills, and establish a protective environment to sustainably reduce the risk of e-cigarette use among students.

The effectiveness of herbal heating belt on primary dysmenorrhea pain relief among female students at Rajamangala University of Technology Isan Sakhon Nakhon Campus

Phenphicha Worachin — 2026-08-31

This quasi-experimental research aimed to 1) to compare pain scores before and after using a herbal heating belt (Chut Yoo Fai), and 2) study user satisfaction among female students at Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Sakon Nakhon Campus. The participants were selected
using purposive sampling, consisting of 30 individuals. The research instruments included a herbal heating belt: Chut Yoo Fai (temperature 40-45°C), the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain assessment, and a satisfaction questionnaire. The study was a one-group pretest-posttest design. Participants applied herbal heating belt to the lower abdomen (suprapubic area) for 15 minutes, three times daily (before breakfast, lunch, and dinner), for 1-3 days prior to menstruation. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Paired t-test.
The results revealed that most participants experienced monthly menstrual pain, which adversely affected their concentration in class. After the trial of the herbal heating belt, the menstrual pain level decreased statistically significantly at the 0.05 level, with the mean pain score decreasing from 5.20 ± 0.76 points to 1.63 ± 0.99 (p-value < 0.001). Furthermore, participants reported a high level of overall satisfaction with the herbal heating set (Mean = 4.26, S.D. = 0.72). The herbal heating belt is effective in alleviating primary dysmenorrhea and serves as a viable alternative for self-care among women of reproductive age.

Factors Predicting Stress among Young-old Adults in Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok Province

Chalalai Changraveang — 2026-08-31

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine stress levels and identify factors predicting stress among young-old adults. The samples consisted of 420 young-old adults aged 60-69 years residing in Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok Province, selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires. The research instruments included a personal factors questionnaire, an environmental factors questionnaire, a health factors questionnaire, a cognitive impairment screening test for older adults, a self-esteem scale, a family and social factors questionnaire, and the Suanprung Stress Test (SPST-20), with reliability coefficients ranging from 0.71 to 0.73. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis.
The findings indicated that most young-old adults had low levels of stress (40.0%). The significant predictors of stress among young-old adults (p-value < 0.05) included falling in the past 6 months ( = 0.236, p-value < 0.001), economic loss ( = 0.213, p-value < 0.001), cognitive impairment ( = 0.179, p-value < 0.001), physical environment around the residence ( = 0.154, p-value < 0.001), income adequacy ( = 0.134, p-value < 0.001), housing ( = 0.130, p-value = 0.001), age ( = 0.091, p-value = 0.013), health insurance scheme ( = -0.108, p-value = 0.002) and self-esteem ( = -0.248, p-value < 0.001). These factors collectively explained 50.0% of the variance in stress levels among young-old adults. It is recommended that appropriate and safe living environments be provided for older adults to prevent falls and reduce stress.

Efficacy of an innovative lotion containing nanoparticle-formulated fermented rice extract from Lueam Pua glutinous rice variety in enhancing skin integrity among bedridden elderly

Ratthapol Sillaparassamee — 2026-08-31

This research aimed to develop and study the efficiency of increasing skin barrier enhancement in bedridden older adults by using an innovative lotion containing fermented Luam Phua glutinous rice extract in nanoparticle form. The study was conducted in two phases: Phase 1 involved the development of the innovative lotion with antioxidant activity by extracting active compounds from fermented Luam Phua glutinous rice in nanoparticle form, studying the antioxidant efficacy, and developing it into a lotion product. Phase 2 focused on evaluating the efficacy of innovation. The participants consisted of 60 bedridden older adults divided into an experimental group of 30 individuals who received the innovation for 8 weeks, and a control group of 30 individuals who received standard care. The instruments used for data collection were a personal information questionnaire, a trans epidermal water loss assessment device, and a skin hydration assessment device. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, specifically the independent t-test and paired t-test, at a 95% confidence level.
The findings revealed that: 1) the fermented rice extract demonstrated antioxidant activity with an value of 3.14, and the innovative lotion showed no phase separation with good stability, and 2) the experimental group showed statistically significant improved mean skin strength of the skin barrier and skin hydration after using the innovation (p-value = 0.001 and 0.019, respectively). Based on these findings, the innovative lotion with antioxidant properties has proven effective in enhancing skin strength and can be utilized as a guideline for improving the quality of life among patients.

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