Journal of Public Health and Health Sciences Research

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Journal of Public Health and Health Sciences Research — 2026-04-29

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Journal of Public Health and Health Sciences Research — 2026-04-29

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

Journal of Public Health and Health Sciences Research — 2026-04-29

Full Issue

Journal of Public Health and Health Sciences Research — 2026-04-29

Editorial

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orawan Keeratisiroj, Ph.D. (Clinical Epidemiology) — 2026-04-29

Results of the student potential development program to enhance health literacy and preventive behavior from electronic cigarette by a participatory learning program a school in Nakhon Pathom Province

Thanyawan Kerddonsai — 2026-04-29

This research used a two-group quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest measurements.The objectives were to 1) compare health literacy scores and e-cigarette smoking preventive behaviors among students in the experimental group before and after receiving the participatory learning program, and 2) compare health literacy scores and preventive behaviors against e-cigarette smoking between the experimental and control groups. The sample were 120 upper secondary school students from a school in Nakhon Pathom Province (60 in the experimental group and 60 in the control group), selected by purposive sampling. Selected. The instruments consisted of a 4-week participatory learning program: Week 1 focused on the harms of cigarettes and e-cigarette media literacy; Weeks 2-4, Enhance health literacy and decision-making. Questionnaires were used to measure health literacy and
preventive behaviors against e-cigarette smoking. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and independent t-test.
The results showed that after the intervention, the experimental group had higher mean scores of health literacy and preventive behaviors against e-cigarette smoking than before the intervention and the control group was statistically significant level 0.05. In conclusion, the participatory learning program was effective in enhancing health literacy and improving preventive behaviors against e-cigarette smoking among students. The program should be applied for the prevention and solution of e-cigarette use problems among youth.

A study of problems and guidelines for culturally sensitive public health services for elderly muslims in Tha Thong Mai Subdistrict, Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province

Toiyeebah Enarae — 2026-04-29

This study was qualitative research with the objective of exploring problems and barriers in accessing public health services and identifying approaches to improve health service delivery in ways that are culturally appropriate for older Muslim adults in Tha Thong Mai Subdistrict, Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province. The key informants consisted of 10 older adults with experience receiving health services at Kanchanadit Hospital, 5 community and religious leaders, and 5 public health personnel from the hospital, selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and contextual surveys
The findings revealed that the main problem in accessing healthcare services included the lack of separate kitchen facilities for halal and non-halal food in inpatient services, insufficient knowledge and understanding of halal food among health personnel, and inadequate facilities for religious practices. From the synthesis of culturally appropriate health service approaches, it was found that the capacity of health personnel should be developed to enhance their understanding of Islamic culture. Health service design should take into account the cultural practices of Muslims. The role of religious leaders, community leaders, and Muslim health volunteers should be strengthened to actively participate in health planning and activities. Additionally, long-term care systems and home visits for older adults should incorporate consideration of Muslim faith and lifestyle, with interdisciplinary teams receiving training on Islamic culture and religion. This study can be applied to develop culturally sensitive public health service systems that are appropriate to the local context and contribute to improving the quality of life of older adults in Muslim communities in a sustainable way.

Factors associated with preventive behaviors against Coronavirus disease 2019 among diabetic patients in Mae Phun Subdistrict, Laplae District, Uttaradit Province

Nopparat Wongrob — 2026-04-29

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the factors associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention behaviors among diabetic patients within the service area of Mae Phul Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Laplae District, Uttaradit Province. A total of 262 participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires covering personal information, knowledge about COVID-19 prevention, health beliefs, and COVID-19 prevention behaviors. The content validity index ranged from 0.86 to 0.93, and reliability coefficients ranged from 0.75 to 0.86. Descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used for data analysis.
The results showed that participants had a moderate level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 prevention. Perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived self-efficacy, and cues to action were at a high level, while perceived barriers were at a moderate level. COVID-19 prevention behaviors were at a high level. Factors significantly associated with COVID-19 prevention behaviors included perceived benefits of prevention (Beta = 0.433, p-value < 0.001), being a farmer (Beta = 0.165, p-value = 0.001), and perceived susceptibility (Beta = 0.045, p-value = 0.004). Therefore, promoting the perceived benefits of prevention measures such as mask-wearing, handwashing, social distancing, and vaccination should be emphasized among diabetic patients in health care settings. Additionally, enhancing risk perception through collaboration between local business owners and local organizations to implement COVID-19 prevention measures for agricultural workers, focusing on markets and social events, and supporting protective equipment provision is recommended. Risk reminders regarding COVID-19 should also be encouraged.

Factors associated with depression in nursing students

Satreerat Boonya — 2026-04-29

This quantitative study aimed to examine the factors associated with depression among undergraduate nursing students. The sample comprised 228 first- to fourth-year students who were selected through stratified random sampling. Research instruments comprised the demographic questionnaire, the social media addiction questionnaire, the self-esteem questionnaire, the resilience scale, the stress scale, and the 9-item depression screening questionnaire (9Q). The reliability coefficients ranged from 0.810 to 0.958. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.
The results revealed that the nursing students exhibited a very low level of depression, as measured by the 9Q (Mean = 5.03, S.D. = 4.46). Moreover, stress showed a significant positive correlation with depression (r = 0.727, p-value < 0.01). Self-esteem had a significant negative correlation with depression (r = –0.431, p-value < 0.01). In contrast, social media addiction exhibited a significant positive correlation with depression (r = 0.411, p-value < 0.01), while resilience demonstrated a significant negative correlation with depression (r = –0.225, p-value < 0.01). Therefore, nursing education institutions should organize activities that promote psychological resilience, self-esteem, emotional regulation skills, and appropriate social media use among nursing students. They should also provide knowledge on coping strategies and stress management techniques to foster good mental health, prevent depression, and enhance students’ happiness during in the Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science program.

Development and effectiveness of an assistive equipment for longan stem removal to reduce ergonomic risks: A case study of longan farmers in Phaya Mengrai District, Chiang Rai Province

Chaloemphan Kaewkanta — 2026-04-29

This study aimed to 1) investigate musculoskeletal symptoms 2) assess ergonomic risks among longan harvesters, and 3) evaluate the effectiveness of a developed ergonomic longan-picking device. This quasi-experimental research was conducted among 38 longan farmers in Mae Tam subdistrict, Phaya Mengrai district, Chiang Rai province. Research instruments included a demographic questionnaire, a body discomfort form, a musculoskeletal symptom assessment questionnaire, an ergonomically designed longan-picking device, and an ergonomic risk assessment using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics with Paired t-test
The results showed that, the most frequently reported musculoskeletal symptoms among farmers (left, right) were shoulder (89.5%, 84.2%), followed by lower back (78.9%, 78.9%), knee (76.3, 78.9%), and wrist (76.3%, 76.3%). The ergonomic risk assessment using Rapid Upper Limb
Assessment (RULA) indicated that most farmers were at a medium-risk level (28.9%) and a high-risk level (71.1%). The most critical high-risk postures identified were bending to pick and plucking longans. After using the developed ergonomic longan-picking device, ergonomic risk levels decreased to a moderate level, with a statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.001). The findings demonstrate that the ergonomic longan-picking device was effective in significantly reducing ergonomic risk among longan harvesters.

Needs and decision - making on health learning through online media of village health volunteers, Chumphon Province

Junjira Klaybut — 2026-04-29

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the needs and decision-making processes regarding online health learning, as well as the influencing factors, among Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in Chumphon Province. The target population consisted of 12,795 VHVs aged 18–59 years.
A sample of 373 participants was selected using multistage sampling. The research instrument was a researcher-developed questionnaire, which demonstrated a total Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.96. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis.
The results showed that needs and decision-making regarding online health learning were at a high level (81.6%; Mean = 81.95, S.D. = 2.60). Smartphone literacy was at a moderate level (50.1%, Mean = 7.09, S.D. = 1.11). Most VHVs had more than 15 years of experience (30.2%; Mean = 11.33, S.D. = 9.27) and were able to access the internet independently (70.2%; Mean = 6.82, S.D. = 1.30). Regarding technology acceptance, perceived usefulness had the highest mean score, followed by perceived ease of use. Analysis of factors influencing needs and decision-making in online health learning revealed that education level, years of work experience, smartphone literacy, internet access, and all components of technology acceptance significantly affected online health learning needs and decisions at the 0.05 level, collectively explaining 73.0% of the variance.

Assessment milk characteristics of postpartum mothers according to the Kum-Pee-Pathom-Jinda with a study of culture and wisdom care postpartum mothers in Ban Huaina community, Loei Province

Supakorn Heebthong — 2026-04-29

This study aimed to assess the characteristics of breast milk among postpartum mothers using Thai Traditional Medicine based on the Kum-Pee-Pathom-Jinda and to study the culture and local wisdom related to postpartum care in the Ban Huai Na community, Chiangklom Subdistrict, Pakchom District, Loei Province. This qualitative research was conducted as a case study, selecting a specific sample
group consisting of one traditional healer and fifteen postpartum mothers.
The results showed that postpartum mothers had 67% finer milk (Nam-Nom-Toe) and 33% finest one milk (Nam-Nom-Ake), respectively. Regarding culture and local wisdom, postpartum mothers in Ban Huaina demonstrated strong traditions of familial support and mutual care. Practices included preparing a Five Aggregates offering set to inform ancestors and call back the spirits of the mother and newborn, consuming restricted foods such as pork, small white fish, ginger, and galangal to promote good milk flow and prevent adverse reactions, and avoiding taboo foods believed to cause dizziness, musculoskeletal pain, or other discomforts. Local wisdom also involved the use of a traditional herbal recipe to enhance breast milk production. Evaluation of the milk characteristics according to the Kum-Pee-Pathom-Jinda, which states that a healthy child requires breast milk of good quality and sufficient quantity for protection and health promotion. In conclusion, the group of postpartum mothers in the Ban Huaina community continues to preserve cultural practices and inherited wisdom, including postpartum confinement, dietary practices, avoidance of taboo foods, and the use of traditional herbal recipes in maternal care

Effectiveness of motion graphics media on knowledge and satisfaction regarding stroke prevention among young adults

Olan Isariyapan — 2026-04-29

The objective of this developmental research was to develop a 3-minute motion graphics media for stroke prevention, to compare the effects of using the motion graphics media on knowledge levels before and after viewing, and evaluate user satisfaction with the media among 95 early adulthood volunteers (aged 20-40 years) residing in Phitsanulok Province. The research instruments included: 1) a motion graphics media tool, developed and refined based on expert recommendations; and 2) a 20-item knowledge assessment questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated by three neurology experts, yielding an Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) of 0.76. Reliability was established via test-retest with a pilot group of 30 participants with similar characteristics to the target group, resulting in a reliability coefficient (r) of 0.66.
The results revealed a statistically significant difference between the pre and post viewing scores of the motion graphics media (p-value = 0.001). The mean and standard deviation of the pre-viewing scores were 12.01 ± 3.80, while the post-viewing scores increased to a mean of 17.83 ± 2.49. Furthermore, participants reported the highest level of satisfaction with the media. These findings suggest that motion graphics media is an effective tool for promoting stroke prevention knowledge and achieving high user satisfaction among young adults.

Incidence and factors influencing achievement of treatment goal in gout patients with allopurinol

Naphaporn Maneechai — 2026-04-29

This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the incidence and factors associated with achieving treatment targets in gout patients receiving allopurinol. A total of 401 patients were included, all of whom received allopurinol at the outpatient rheumatology clinic of Banphaeo General Hospital between 2012 and 2023. The inclusion date and initiation of follow-up were defined as the date the patient first received allopurinol, starting on July 1, 2012. Patient enrollment ended on December 31, 2023, and follow-up continued for one year after allopurinol initiation, with the final follow-up date being December 31, 2024. The characteristics of the sample were described by mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage. A modified Poisson regression model was used to investigate the association between factors and the achievement of the treatment goal.
The results showed that the incidence of achieving the treatment target within one year was 58.1% (95% CI: 53.2–62.9). Baseline serum uric acid level was the factor influencing the achievement of treatment targets in gout patients receiving allopurinol. Patients with a very high baseline uric acid level (> 9 mg/dL) were 23% less likely to achieve the treatment target compared to those with high baseline levels ( 6 to 9 mg/dL) (RR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.64-0.93). Therefore, closely monitoring of serum uric acid levels and appropriate dose adjustment are crucial for successful treatment outcomes in gout patients.

Health status of Buddhist monks in Uttaradit Province: A study of non-communicable diseases situation

Seubtrakul Tantalanukul — 2026-04-29

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major public health problem in Thailand. Buddhist monks are at risk of developing these diseases due to their unique lifestyle and religious practices. This study aimed to examine the situation of non-communicable diseases among Buddhist monks in Uttaradit Province. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 298 monks selected using multi-stage sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire validated for content validity and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient = 0.89). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, t-test and One-way ANOVA.
The results showed that 78.5% of monks had at least one non-communicable disease. The most common diseases were obesity (59.7%), hypertension (48.7%), and dyslipidemia (37.6%), respectively. 52.3% of monks did not exercise regularly, and 45.0% frequently consumed sweet, salty, and fatty foods. Significant associations were found between age (p-value = 0.001), physical activity (p-value = 0.001), and dietary behaviors (p-value = 0.019) and the occurrence of non-communicable diseases In conclusion, Buddhist monks in Uttaradit Province have a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases. There is a need to develop an integrated healthcare system appropriate for the context of Buddhist monks, focusing
on prevention and promoting healthy behaviors. The findings can be used as baseline information for establishing public health policies for Buddhist monks.

Factors affecting Coronavirus disease 2019 self-preventive behaviors among elderly club members in Bangkok metropolis

Chirawut Punnawit — 2026-04-29

This research aimed to identify factors affecting Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preventive behaviors among elderly club members in Bangkok metropolis. A cross-sectional analytica study design was employed. A stratified random sampling technique was used to recruit 403 participants from eight elderly clubs in Bangkok metropolis. Data analysis involved both descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis.
The results showed that 1) The overall COVID-19 self-prevention score among elderly club members in Bangkok metropolis was 82.0 points. The highest self-preventive behavior score was for wearing a face mask consistently and maintaining social distancing of at least 1.5-2 meters in public areas (99.9 points), while the lowest score was for immediate bathing and changing clothes upon returning from outdoor activities (47.5 points). 2) Factors that significantly and positively affected COVID-19 self-prevention behaviors among the elderly were access to information via online media (Beta = 0.196, p-value < 0.001), age (Beta = 0.167, p-value < 0.001) and health literacy (Beta = 0.143, p-value < 0.001). Therefore, supporting health literacy and encouraging the elderly to use online media
to receive useful information can help them to take appropriate care of their health and prevent disease.

Assessment of stress and depression among migrant workers in factories, Mae Sot District, Tak Province: A cross-sectional study

Suthat Aphaikunchorn — 2026-04-29

This cross-sectional survey study aimed to investigate the levels of stress and depression, as well as factors associated with stress, among migrant workers employed in factories in Mae Sot District, Tak Province. The sample consisted of 523 migrant workers selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires developed by the Department of Mental Health, comprising: 1) general information (13 items); 2) the Stress Test (ST-5); and 3) screening tools for depression and suicidal tendency. The data collection process began with the two-item depression screening questionnaire. Participants who were identified as being at risk of depression were further assessed using the nine-item depression questionnaire. When depressive symptoms at a mild level or higher were identified, an eight-item suicide risk assessment was subsequently administered. Data were analyzed using the
chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test.
The results showed that 66.5% of the participants were female, with a mean age of 30 years (S.D. = 7.9). Regarding stress levels, 97.3% of the participants experienced low stress, and the prevalence of stress was 2.7 per 100 population. Analysis of the associated factors revealed that sex, age, marital status, educational level, underlying diseases, and duration of residence in Thailand were not significantly associated with stress (p-value > 0.05). Regarding depression, 8.8% of the participants were identified as an at-risk group; among these individuals, 13.0% exhibited mild depressive symptoms, and 0.4% of the total sample demonstrated a low level of suicide attempt. The findings of this study can inform the monitoring and surveillance of mental health among migrant workers. However, this study was conducted in factories with legally registered migrant workers and employed a cross-sectional design, which limits its ability to determine causal relationships and did not control for confounding variables. Therefore, the application of the findings should be interpreted with caution.

The Association of age and assistive device use with fall risk in older adults

Sasithorn Putfak — 2026-04-29

Increasing age and the use of assistive walking devices are internal and external factors associated with fall risk in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between age, the use of walking aids, and fall risk among individuals aged 60 years and above residing in Mueang District, Phitsanulok Province. A total of 200 participants who were able to walk at least 10 meters without the use of assistive devices and who passed a preliminary cognitive screening using the Thai version of the Mental State Examination T10 (MSET10) were included. Fall risk was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Data on age and the use of assistive devices were collected through interviews. This cross-sectional study employed logistic regression analysis to examine the associations between age, assistive device use, and fall risk as measured by the TUG test. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05.
The results showed that both age and the use of assistive devices were significantly associated with fall risk among older adults, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.06 (95% CI: 1.00-1.12) and 0.07 (95% CI: 0.02-0.23), respectively. These findings suggest that increased age is associated with higher fall risk. Furthermore, among older adults who require assistive walking devices, using them can help reduce the risk of falling. Therefore, assessing the need for assistive devices in older adults is important and should be considered when planning health promotion and fall prevention strategies.