Journal of Public Health and Health Sciences Research

Integrating the fault tree analysis and analytic hierarchy process for assessing the probabilistic risk to airborne infections from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in the operating room

Nutthanakrit Tongdonhun — 2025-08-29

Airborne infections in operating rooms significantly impact patient health, potentially leading to complications and extended recovery times. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a crucial role in preventing these infections. However, any malfunction in the HVAC system can increase the risk of airborne infections. Therefore, this research applied fault tree analysis (FTA) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to assess the risk of airborne infections in operating rooms. The FTA was used to identify the causes of HVAC system failures, while AHP was used to assign important weight (scale 1-9) to each contributing factor.
The findings revealed low airflow with a failure probability of 99.4%, with the possible cause being the air conditioner fan defective at 67.4%, the air duct system defective at 73.8%, the air filter defective at 75.8%, and
the cooling coil defective at 80.4%, which were important factors that increased the risk of airborne infections in operating rooms. Therefore, regular inspection and testing of HVAC system performance according to the National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) standards are essential. This includes testing for airflow, HEPA filter leakage, air pressure, dust levels, and the control of temperature and humidity. In conclusion, integrating FTA and AHP techniques can be used to assess the risks of airborne infections in operating rooms, thereby enhancing the quality and safety of patient care in the operating room.

The development of the health literacy model to obesity prevention among junior high school students, Wangthong District, Phitsanulok Province

Thitirat Rasiri — 2025-08-29

This mixed-methods study aimed to: 1) Identify factors influencing health literacy for obesity prevention among junior high school students, 2) developing a health literacy model, and 3) evaluating the health literacy model. The study was conducted in three phases: 1) Identifying factors influencing health literacy for obesity prevention: The sample included 214 junior high school students, selected using Krejcie and Morgan's sample size formula. 2) Developing the health literacy model: A purposive sample included 5 public health officers, 5 teachers, 10 health volunteers, and 10 parents. 3) Evaluation of the health literacy model: The same 214 students from Phase 1 were involved. Data were collected through questionnaires and focus group discussions. The analysis was conducted using stepwise multiple regression, content analysis, and Paired t-test.
A study found that age, family income status, and body mass index statistical significantly influenced health literacy for obesity prevention among junior high school students (p-value < 0.001). The developed model to enhance health literacy for obesity prevention (KAPW Model), comprised four components: K: Knowledge, A: Activate, P: Practice, and W: Word of Mouth. After implementing the model, students' health literacy scores and obesity prevention behaviors were significantly higher with statistical significance at 0.05. The participants demonstrated improved health literacy for obesity prevention and better self-care behaviors, reducing the incidence of obesity in the future.

Health literacy towards self-protection behavior from the use of chemical pesticides among watermelon farmers, Kham Kaeo Subdistrict, Sophisai District, Buengkan Province

Tivapron Kombusadee — 2025-08-29

This cross-sectional descriptive research examined the effect of health literacy on self-protective behaviors against pesticide use among watermelon farmers in Kham Kaeo Subdistrict, Sophisai District, Bueng Kan Province. The sample consisted of 213 watermelon farmers selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires comprising three parts: personal factors, health literacy, and self-protective behaviors against pesticides use. Content validity was assessed by three experts, with item-objective congruence (IOC) scores ranging from 0.67-1.00. Reliability analysis using Cronbach's alpha showed coefficients of 0.760 for health literacy and 0.765 for self-protective behavior. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analysis, witha significance level of 0.05
The results showed that the farmers had a high level of self-protective behavior against pesticides use (Mean = 40.8, S.D. = 0.37) and a moderate level of health literacy (Mean = 139.56, S.D. = 0.96). Regression coefficients showed that the health literacy predictors including media literacy (Beta = 0.268, p-value < 0.001) and self-management (Beta = 0.245, p-value < 0.001) were significant predictors of self-protective behavior against pesticide use among farmers, with statistical significance at the 0.05 level. The research suggests organizing activities that promote media literacy and self-management skills to enhance appropriate self-protective behaviors when using pesticides.

Expose of particulate matters (PM10) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at passenger transport stations in Surat Thani Municipality

Lucksanatid Pingcarak — 2025-08-29

This study aimed to assess the exposure levels of particulate matter with a diameter of less than 10 microns (PM₁₀) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and to compare the levels of PM₁₀ and VOCs at passenger transport stations in Surat Thani Municipality. Measurements were conducted at two stations: the local minibus (Songthaew) station and the public van station. For each station, samples were collected from three locations: the driver parking area, the ticket booth, and the passenger waiting area. Descriptive statistics including percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used for data analysis. Comparisons between PM₁₀ and VOCs exposure levels at passenger transportation were made using the t-test.
The results showed that the highest PM₁₀ concentration was found at the ticket booth of the minibus station (0.14 ± 0.04 mg/m³), and at the driver parking area of the public van station (1.65 ± 0.61 mg/m³). The highest VOC concentrations were observed at the driver parking areas of both stations, with levels of 794.34 ± 0.14 μg/m³ at the minibus station and 798.84 ± 0.05 μg/m³ at the public van station, indicating high exposure risk. Comparatively, PM₁₀ concentrations at both the driver parking area and ticket booth of the public van station were significantly higher than those at the minibus station (p = 0.000 and p = 0.021, respectively). When comparing the concentration of PM10 at the parking area and the ticket selling point in the public van transportation, it was higher than the minibus station (p-value < 0.001 and p-value = 0.021). VOC concentrations at the driver parking area were slightly higher than those at the minibus station (p-value = 0.340). Therefore, it is recommended to provide training to staff about the hazards of PM₁₀ and VOCs, occupational diseases, preventive measures, and awareness of the dangers associated with these exposures.

Preparations for active aging among pre-aging population in Thatako District, Nakhon Sawan Province

Pratchaya Samerhmuen — 2025-08-29

This Cross-sectional survey research aimed to study preparations the level of preparation for active aging and factors affecting the preparations for active aging among pre-aging population in Thatako District, Nakhon Sawan Province. The sample comprised 380 individuals aged 45-59 years. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analysis.
The results showed that the overall level of preparation for active aging among the pre-aging population was moderate. The highest level of readiness was found in the domain of housing and environment. The factors affecting the preparations for active aging among pre-aging population at statistically significant level 0.05 including: the social support (β = 0.303, p-value < 0.001), education (β = -0.280, p-value < 0.001), income (β = 0.267, p-value < 0.001), perception (β = 0.195, p-value < 0.001), sex (β = 0.135, p-value < 0.001), debt (β = 0.122, p-value < 0.001), attitudes (β = 0.102, p-value = 0.007). These variables collectively predicted 63.3% of the variance in readiness for active aging. This study recommends that public health agencies and other relevant organizations should implement training activities and educational programs to enhance preparation for aging among pre-aging population, both within organizations and communities.

Prevalence of carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii complex in Mae Sot Hospital, Tak Province

Onphailin Luanphailin — 2025-08-29

Acinetobacter baumannii complex is a significant cause of hospital-acquired infectionsand is often resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents, particularly carbapenems. The most common resistance mechanism is the production of carbapenemases that inactivate the drug. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii complex using the disk diffusion method and to detect carbapenemase production using the CarbAcineto NP test in isolates from patients at Mae Sot Hospital, Tak Province, in 2023.
The study found that the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii complex was 78.6% (180/229). The highest number of resistant isolates was found in the medical ward, followed by the surgical ward and Intensive Care Unit, accounting for 43.9% (79/180), 27.8% (50/180), and 20.0% (36/180), respectively. The most common specimen types were sputum, pus, and urine, representing 66.1% (119/180), 13.3% (24/180), and 11.7% (21/180), respectively. Most carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii complex isolates remained susceptible to tigecycline 92.2% (166/180). Carbapenemase production was detected in 64.6% (113/175) of the isolates tested. These findings can be used as a guideline for physicians in patient treatment and for the control and prevention ofthe spread of drug-resistant bacteria at Mae Sot Hospital.

Factors influencing health service utilization behavior among the elderly in Uttaradit Province

Piyanart Yamano — 2025-08-29

This research is survey research aimed to study the level of health service utilization behavior among the elderly and the factors influencing health service utilization behavior among older adults in Uttaradit Province. The sample consisted of 370 older individuals aged 60 years and above in Uttaradit Province. Data was collected between October and December 2022. Theresearch questionnaire covered personal characteristics, social support, health literacy, health care service provision, and health care service utilization behavior. The reliability of the questionnaire components was confirmed with Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.75, 0.89, 0.88, and 0.74, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation) and stepwise multiple linear regression.
The results showed that the level of health service utilization behavior among older adults in Uttaradit Province was moderate (Mean = 3.39, S.D. = 0.76). Factors influencing health service utilization behavior among the older adultsin Uttaradit Provinceat statistically significant level 0.05 including service staffs (β = 0.637, p-value < 0.001), services (β = 0.119, p-value < 0.001), facilities (β = 0.118, p-value < 0.001), access to health information and services (β = 0.090, p-value = 0.005) social support from family (β = 0.088, p-value = 0.001), predict 81.9 percent at the level of p-value < 0.05.

Effectiveness of web application in identifying hazards and assessing occupational health risks and safety of a wooden furniture factory in Chonburi Province

Suraphol Khotearsa — 2025-08-29

The objectives of this research are as follows: 1) To develop a hazard identification tool using a checklist, 2) To study the consistency between the occupational worker group and the expert group, 3) To develop a web application for hazard identification and risk assessment, and 4) To evaluate user satisfaction with the web application. Data were collected in two phases: 1) The development of the hazard identification tool using a checklist and its effectiveness evaluation by testing the consistency of the tool between 27 occupational workers and 3 experts, and 2) The development of the web application, followed by an evaluation of its effectiveness through a user satisfaction survey after using the application.
The results of this study are divided into two phases. In phase 1, the development of the hazard identification tool using a checklist. The experts were all male, with an average of 21.76 ± 2.89 years of work experience and at least a bachelor's degree. The majority of occupational workers were female (55.6%), with an average age of 41.96 ± 12.20 years. Among the 50 checklist items, five items had more than 50% agreement for a "not a hazard" response, three of which were statistically significant (p-value < 0.05), and two were not (p-value ≥ 0.05). In Phase 2, the web application was developed based on design thinking principles. The overall user satisfaction level was rated as "high" level. Therefore, the checklist and the web application for hazard identification and risk assessment can be applied to occupational health and safety in wood furniture manufacturing factories.

Effects of mobile health communication program on promoting nutritional literacy among 9th grade students in Nakhon Pathom Province

Chanwut Sawangsri — 2025-08-29

A quasi-experimental with a two-group pretest posttest design aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile health communication programin improving nutrition literacyamong Grade 9 students under the Secondary Educational Service Area Office in Nakhon Pathom Province. The sample consisted of 47 students, with 24 assigned to the experimental group and 23 to the comparison group. The experimental group received health communication content via the LINE application, based on a nutrition literacy framework, while the comparison group participated in regular health education classes. The intervention lasted 10 weeks. Data on activity acceptance and nutrition literacy were collected using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Paired sample t-test, Independent t-test, and qualitative content analysis. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05.
The results showed that the majority of students in the experimental group rated the activity acceptance as high (70.8%). All aspects-interest, content, perceived benefits, and appropriatenessreceived high mean scores (Mean = 4.33-4.56). After the intervention, the experimental group showed a statistically significant increase in mean nutrition literacy scores compared to their pretest scores (p < 0.001), and also scored significantly higher than the comparison group post-intervention (p-value < 0.001). The results indicate that health education teachers can incorporate themobile health communication programto enhance nutrition-related school health education. However, mobile health communication programs need to be strengthened, and further research on its effectiveness is recommended

Distribution of Staphylococcus aureus in food, hands, and mobile phones among food handlers in university cafeterias

Natthawipa Sidthanong — 2025-08-29

This study aimed to examine the use of mobile phones and the distribution of Staphylococcus aureus in food, hands, and mobile phones of food handlers. Food samples, hand swabs, and mobile phone swabs were collected from food handlers in 51 university cafeterias. S. aureus was isolated using standard culture methods and confirmed by PCR. Additionally, interviews were conducted to assess mobile phone usage habits and personal hygiene practices of the food handlers.
Among the 153 samples collected, 34 isolates of S. aureus (22.2%) were detected, including 7 from food, 16 from hands, and 11 from mobile phones. Contamination was highest in ready-to-eat restaurants (90.5%), followed by fast-food restaurants (56.3%) and other types of restaurants (42.9%). S. aureus was simultaneously detected in samples from the same restaurant in three patterns: hand and mobile phone, hand and food, and mobile phone and food. Most food handlers used touchscreen or smartphone devices (98.0%), placed their mobile phones on food preparation tables (32.0%), regularly cleaned their phones (90.2%), washed hands before handling food (96.1%), and wore gloves every time they handled food (78.4%). This study demonstrates the presence and distribution of S. aureus in food, hands, and mobile phones of food handlers, highlighting the risk of pathogen transmission. These findings can be used as a basis for developing guidelines and surveillance strategies to prevent the spread of foodborne pathogens. Furthermore, it is recommended to conduct molecular genetic analysis to confirm the relationships and identify the sources of contamination, thereby enhancing foodborne disease surveillance.

Factors influencing the roles of village health volunteers in the surveillance and prevention for coronavirus disease 2019 in the border area of Bankhok District Uttaradit Province

Tanongsak Saengon — 2025-08-29

This cross-sectional survey research aimed to examine the roles and factors influencing the surveillance and prevention of coronavirus disease 2019. The sample consisted of 192 village health volunteers in the border area of Bankhok District, Uttaradit Province. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analysis.
The findings showed that the volunteers' roles in surveillance and prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 were at a high level (76.0%). The factors that significantly influenced their roles were: social support for evaluation (Beta = 0.391, p-value < 0.001), social support for information (Beta = 0.339, p-value < 0.001), personal life support (Beta = 0.190, p-value < 0.001), job stability (Beta = 0.153, p-value = 0.003), and compensation and welfare (Beta = 0.079, p-value = 0.047). Together, these factors predicted the performance of village health volunteers at 75.8 (Adjusted R² = 0.758), with statistical significance at the 0.05 level. The research results can be used to plan and develop a model to promote the roles of village health volunteers in line with the competency standards.

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Editorial

Assoc.Prof.Dr.Orawan Keeratisiroj, Ph.D. (Clinical Epidemiology) — 2025-08-29