INSTITUTE FOR URBAN DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION JOURNAL

Report on the study of international surveillance and prevention of Communicable Disease : Case study of yellow fever surveillance at Division of International Disease Control Ports and Quarantine, Don Mueang Airport, between 2015 – 2019

2023-09-19T08:56:47+07:00

The objective of this descriptive study was to identify the current status of the international communicable disease surveillance situation in case of yellow fever. Secondary data were collected from the yellow fever surveillance documents using screening travelers forms which took them from infectious regions or regions affected by yellow fever during 2015-2019 by the Division of International Disease Control Ports and Quarantine, Don Mueang Airport. The primary data and secondary data were gathered from the screening for the travelers traveling from yellow fever infectious regions or regions affected by yellow fever during 2015-2019 via E-screening system and a questionnaire about the difficulties of the five staff at Don Mueang Airport Quarantine Office.

Research results showed that during 2015-2019 about 116,086 travelers traveled from yellow fever infectious areas. Most of them traveled during January (12.14%) and the least in September (5%) before increasing again towards the end of the year. The number of travelers with accurate and complete yellow fever vaccination certificates was 96,086 (82.77%), while 20,000 travelers (17.23%) did not have a certificate or were incomplete. In 2019, Brazilian were the largest number (48.20%) who traveled to Thailand and entered through Don Mueang Airport, followed by Argentinians (21.87%), whereas the least were Ecuadorian (1.63%). Problems and obstacles for officials carrying out screening work are: 1) The screening database system that can utilize data for joint development is still inefficient. Including, there is still no data connection with the immigration checkpoint. 2) The standard operation procedures (SOP) of yellow fever screening for travelers which use in the international disease control service point at Don Mueang Airport is not up to date. 3) Communicable channel among relevant institutions in any level who involve the screening process and follow travel information to prevent communicable diseases between country are limited. 4) Human resources to perform work during a period when there is a trend of large numbers of travelers entering the country are not sufficient.

The research suggested that 1) Develop and modernize the efficiency, screening system and traveler database, and integrate the databases of relevant institutions. 2) The Standard Operating Procedure Manual should be updated. 3) Strengthen the coordination channels of relevant institutions, screen and track travel information to prevent international infectious diseases. 4) Increase human resources to work during the high number of travelers’ period.

Transmission Dynamics of Zoonotic Pathogens from Swine to Human Populations: A Study of the Situation in Southeast Asia

2023-11-01T09:31:32+07:00

Zoonotic pathogens harboured by swine in Southeast Asia present a complex and pressing public health challenge. These pathogens exhibit diverse mechanisms of transmission, encompassing direct contact, consumption of contaminated products, and environmental exposure. The impact of swine-associated zoonotic pathogens on human health is profound, manifesting in a spectrum of clinical consequences and varying severity of illnesses. This comprehensive review explores the transmission dynamics of zoonotic pathogens from swine to human populations, focusing on the unique context of Southeast Asia. A multitude of zoonotic microorganisms emerge as critical players in this transmission nexus, based on the study of documents and academic works, reports from government sources, and research studies from relevant databases, the related academic journals that have been published within the last 5 years. As a result, zoonotic diseases from swine pose a significant threat to human health. Transmission dynamics are complex, involving various mechanisms, with impacts ranging from mild to severe illnesses. Risk factors include close contact with pigs, poor hygiene, and undercooked pork consumption. Treatment challenges linked to swine exposure are a concern. Epidemiological patterns vary based on pathogen species and geographical location. Control strategies involve the One Health approach, emphasizing collaboration for prevention. Continued research and surveillance are crucial for understanding transmission dynamics and developing effective prevention strategies against zoonotic pathogens associated with swine.

Behaviors to prevent infection with COVID-19 of residents in slum communities, Bangkok area

2024-01-31T15:23:10+07:00

This analytic cross-sectional study aimed to study behavior to prevent infection with coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) and factors related to behavior to prevent infection with COVID-19 of residents in slum communities in the Bangkok area. Data was collected from 12 slum communities during January - June 2022. The total number of respondents was 1,820 people. The research tool in this study was a questionnaire consists of 3 parts: part 1 general information, part 2 health information, and part 3 behavior to prevent infection with COVID-19. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. The results of the study found that the respondents’ behavior to prevent infection with the COVID-19 was at a fair level of 82.54 percent and a good level of 17.46 percent. Factors related to behavior to prevent infection with COVID-19 included congenital diseases and history of infection with COVID-19. People with congenital diseases and have a history of infection with COVID-19 they have behaviors of preventing infection COVID-19 not as good as it should be. The reason why behavior to prevent COVID-19 disease is at a fair level may be due to the physical limitations of the community making it difficult to adhere to actions. For example, limited living space for physical distancing and handwashing in places where public utilities are not good. This can be used as suggestions for designing suitable options for the slum community.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to surpass the challenges in diagnosing infectious diseases

2024-03-08T07:33:50+07:00

Infectious diseases present a global risk, and diagnostic tools are crucial for identifying infections. Accessing traditional methods, especially in remote hospitals, is difficult. Point-of-care testing (POCT) is efficient, although their interpretation is prone to inaccuracies and prejudice. The aim of this review article is to demonstrate the significance and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in aiding the diagnosis of infectious illnesses.

AI has the potential to enhance disease surveillance, although it is currently constrained by constraints. Machine learning (ML) can address these challenges. AI and ML might become the main emphasis in medical diagnosis, treatment, and assessment. Challenges such as restricted data availability, the requirement for supplementary models, and a lack of understanding among AI professionals impede the use of AI technologies in healthcare.

In conclusion, AI has the ability to help diagnose infectious diseases using machine learning approaches, offering accuracy, effectiveness, and data accessibility, with opportunities for additional progress.

Personality traits involved in Driving Behaviors and Traffic accident

2023-10-09T14:45:18+07:00

Traffic accidents can result in significant loss of life and property. Various types of behavior and personality are important factors leading to traffic accidents. Previous research has studied and summarized the relationship between personality and the risk of traffic accidents in various ways. This academic work is an exploration and literature review with the objective of investigating the personality traits and expressions related to the occurrence of traffic accidents to the greatest extent possible. Through the review of various literature and the use of scientific instruments, it serves as an indicator of the trends in personality traits that have been reviewed for their correlation with traffic accidents. The study will employ a comprehensive literature review, statistical data, research papers, and relevant academic works. The study found that the anti-social personality group tends to be more involved in traffic accidents than the general population. Furthermore, individuals with a risk-seeking personality, which is one of the anti-social personality traits, have a specific correlation with a higher likelihood of traffic accidents. In summary, assessing individuals with anti-social personality and risk-seeking personality traits before driving can serve as a screening process to identify those at risk of traffic accidents and provide appropriate guidance on risk management for the driving public with these specific personality characteristics.

Surveillance Evaluation of Hand Foot Mount Disease at Ban Rai Hospital Uthai Thani Province; 2022

2023-11-02T06:59:17+07:00

Hand Foot Mouth disease is a group of symptoms caused by infection with a group of Enteroviruses. Common types of them are Coxsackie virus A 16, Coxsackie virus A, Enterovirus 71 which can be transmitted by breathing through droplets from coughing and sneezing of sick or infected people and germs, also eaten through the mouth directly from hands contaminated with mucus, saliva, and feces of a patient or an infected person or fluid in the patient's blisters or wounds. Hand Foot Mouth disease is mostly found in children under 5 years and most children have minor symptoms for 7-10 days such as fever, headache, nausea, aches, etc. Some will have severe symptoms depending on the type of virus being infected. Hence, surveillance evaluation of Hand Foot Mouth disease at Ban Rai Hospital Uthai Thani Province is needed. This is a cross-sectional study. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 1 January - 31 December 2022 of patients with symptoms according to the surveillance definition of hand foot mouth disease that receives both outpatient and inpatient services. The objectives were to describe the flow of data reporting, study quantitative and qualitative characteristics and provide recommendations for developing Hand Foot Mouth disease surveillance system. It was found that the data reporting process in the outpatient cases, doctor will also enter a diagnosis code (ICD-10) and if communicable diseases need to be monitored, the system will have a notification (Pop up) for the doctor to confirm the information that must be reported in the system (R506). For inpatient cases, the medical statistician will be responsible for entering the diagnosis code (ICD-10) in the system. Then, the epidemiological staff will check the data every day and send the data to the Uthai Thani Province Public Health Office 3 times per week and will send the data to Division of Epidemiology. In addition, the results quantitative characteristics found sensitivity was 73.2%, positive predictive value was 91.5%. Representativeness, the proportion of data reporting between medical records and the system (R506), was similar. Timeliness of data reporting to the Uthai Thani Province Public Health Office in 3 days was 100.0%. The results of qualitative characteristic were the difficulty of the system, reporting information was not difficult. Flexibility of reporting system, if the definition of disease surveillance was changed, variables or operational guidelines can be learned and adjusted, Acceptability of the surveillance system, most can operate according to normal systems. System stability, it was found that there we sufficient resources in terms of people, money, and hospital administrators had policies to support operations and budgets for disease surveillance. Therefore, evaluating the disease surveillance system will reveal the effectiveness of the surveillance system. A disease reporting system can be developed to obtain information that can be used for disease control in a timely manner. It can also be applied to other infectious diseases that require surveillance.

Development and evaluation of a home isolation care model for COVID-19 patients among village health volunteers, Uthumphon Phisai district, Sisaket province, Thailand

2023-12-14T08:32:39+07:00

This research investigated factors associated with the behavior of prevention and home isolation care of COVID-19 patients and developed and evaluated a model for home isolation care of COVID-19 patients among village health volunteers in Uthumphon Phisai district, Sisaket province. The research consisted of three phases: phase 1, an analytical cross-sectional study aimed to demonstrate factors with the behavior of prevention and home isolation care of COVID-19 patients; Phase 2, the action research aimed to develop a home isolation care model for COVID-19 patients among village health volunteers based on the PDCA model; and Phase 3, a quasi-experimental study aimed to assess the effect of the developed model from Phase 2. Data were analyzed using multivariable linear regression, content analysis, and independent t-test statistics. The results indicated 4 predicted factors of the behavior of prevention and home isolation care of COVID-19 patients including the education level more than primary school (Mean diff =2.17, 95% CI= 1.46-3.18), history of COVID-19 illness (Mean diff =2.76, 95% CI= 2.34-7.82), a good level of COVID-19 knowledge (Mean diff =3.36, 95% CI= 1.73-8.92) and a good level of COVID-19 health literacy (Mean diff =3.78, 95% CI= 2.84-7.62). A model for home isolation care of COVID-19 patients among Village Health Volunteers contains a knowledge-based, people empowerment, coordination & networking, coacher, self-care, staff & system, social support, and follow-up. After an experiment, the score of knowledge, attitude, health literacy, and behavior of prevention and home isolation care of COVID-19 patients of the experimental group was significantly more than the comparison group.

Plasmodium knowlesi Human Malaria, Songkhla Province, 2021 – 2022

2023-12-13T07:21:36+07:00

This research aimed to 1) describe the epidemiology of Plasmodium knowlesi malaria 2) examine the clinical symptoms of P. knowlesi malaria patients 3) analyze ecology, animal reservoir and entomology of P. knowlesi malaria. 4) summarize the diagnosis, blood parasites, and treatment of P. knowlesi malaria. The study design was a case report combined with retrospective descriptive survey research. A total of 34 study subjects were patients with a confirmed diagnosis of P. knowlesi malaria who received treatment at hospitals and vector-borne disease control units in Songkhla Province during 2021 – 2022. The results of the epidemiological study unveiled the majority of the samples were male, had a history of staying overnight in the forest before becoming sick, the source of the infection was in the forest, and the season during which they were sick was mostly summer. The average length of time from the onset of illness until receiving a blood test was 3.8 days. The average length of hospital stay was 4 days. Patients were treated with Chloroquine Phosphate, Primaquine, Artesunate, Quinine, and Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (40 mg DHA-320 mg PPQ). There was one patient died. All remaining patients recovered and responded to treatment. All symptoms improved after drug administration. No treatment failures were found. The recommendation from this study was that the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method should be used in conjunction with the Thick/Thin Film test and blood parasite test (Parasitaemia) for the specificity of the infection, accuracy of diagnosis, leading to treat disease in a timely manner and be effective in disease control.

Zoonotic disease knowledge and preventive behavior among Thai people aged 15-60 years old in Bangkok

2024-01-15T11:27:34+07:00

Abstract

The emergence and spreading of zoonotic diseases affects humans and pets in many ways, mostly negative effects. Studying the behaviors and knowledges amongst pet owners will help us better understand the transmission of zoonotic diseases and help us preserve and protect one health. This study aims to study zoonotic disease prevention related knowledge and preventive behaviors and factors affect zoonotic disease preventive behaviors. This is a cross sectional survey research that studied Thai people aged 15-60 years old. The data was collected by an online survey (Google from) between 1-31 October 2023. From the result, participants showed a good level of zoonotic disease prevention related knowledge (M=11.60, SD=2.06 ) and a good level of zoonotic disease prevention behavior (M= 34.94, SD=36.10). Predictive factors for zoonotic disease prevention behaviors were gender (Beta=1.344, p<0.05) and zoonotic disease prevention related knowledge (Beta=0.44, p<0.05). In conclusion, the study not only highlighted the satisfactory levels of knowledge and behavior exhibited by the participants in preventing zoonotic diseases but also identified gender and knowledge as influential factors in shaping these preventive behaviors. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and educational campaigns to further enhance zoonotic disease prevention practices among the population, ultimately contributing to the overarching goal of fostering a healthier coexistence between humans and their animal companions.

Lesson learned from the success of management according to the strategic structure of the medical and public health emergency operation center at Institute for Urban Diseases Control and Prevention

2024-01-05T08:21:17+07:00

This qualitative research employs the POSDCoRB management framework, a principle widely used in both public and private organizational management. The objective is to examine supporting factors, obstacles, and key success factors in managing the COVID-19 crisis within the Emergency Medical and Public Health Operations Center structure. The study selectively involved representatives from the institution practicing under this structure, specifically focusing on the COVID-19 case between December 2019 and December 2022, with 25 participants. Data collection took place through in-depth interviews conducted during January 16-24, 2023. The tool used was a deep interview questionnaire, and content analysis was performed following the POSDCoRB management process. The study findings indicate that effective crisis management involves integrating the event command system with a networked distribution of power. It emphasizes the need for artful decision-making, ordering, and task delegation to subordinates, requiring leadership skills to motivate and guide subordinates in executing orders. Clear command and control by superiors play a crucial role in organizational success, fostering mutual understanding among staff, regular meetings to enhance comprehension, and follow-up to ensure assigned tasks meet the set objectives. Additionally, having a clear chain of command is highlighted as pivotal in achieving success.

Epidemiological Characteristics and Risk Factors of Cluster Outbreaks Food poisoning and Acute diarrhea in Thailand during the Year 2018 - 2022

2024-01-11T13:43:09+07:00

Food poisoning and acute diarrhea are caused by contamination with pathogenic microorganisms or toxins. The pathogens that cause food poisoning are Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, etc. The pathogens that cause acute diarrhea are protozoa, helminths, parasites, bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, or viruses such as Rotavirus, Norovirus etc. Food poisoning and Acute diarrhea are also classified as gastrointestinal and waterborne diseases that are still important public health problems, ranking among the top 10 with the highest number of cases and cluster outbreaks throughout the year. Therefore, there is a gathering of epidemiological studies on characteristics and risk factors of cluster outbreaks of food poisoning and acute diarrhea in Thailand during 2018-2022. This is a descriptive and analytical study purpose to study the epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of cluster outbreaks of food poisoning and diarrhea in Thailand during the year 2018 -2022. The epidemiological study of cluster outbreaks identified 18,837 patients, with 26.03% males, 62.38% outpatient treatments, 97.45% Thai nationals, and 23.77% presenting with diarrhea as the most common symptom. There were 27 deaths, with 55.56% being female. Inpatient treatment accounted for 85.19%, and all of them were of Thai nationality. Nausea and vomiting were the most common symptoms in 25.00% of cases. The outbreaks could occur throughout the year, with the highest incidence in the 1st Public Health Region and Chiang Mai Province at 8.92%, and residences were the most common outbreak locations at 34.71%. When classifying the pathogen/toxin types, it was found that the majority were unidentified at 21.85%. Furthermore, the study identified statistically significant food-related risk factors for cluster outbreaks of food poisoning and acute gastroenteritis in Thailand. These included spicy curries, egg dishes (such as preserved eggs, boiled eggs, and steamed eggs), seafood, and the personal hygiene of food handlers as risk factors for foodborne and acute gastroenteritis cluster outbreaks. Therefore, policy determination or food sanitation measures include creating awareness and knowledge about personal hygiene. It is also important for the prevention and control of food diseases and acute diarrhea in Thailand.

Effect of Motivational Interviewing Program on Health Literacy of New Case of Type 2 Diabetes Patients

2024-03-05T08:33:19+07:00

This was a quasi-experimental research two-group pretest-posttest design. The objective is to study the effects of a motivational interviewing program on the health literacy of new cases of type 2 diabetes patients in Thamai Hospital. The sample group consisted of 56 new patients with type 2 diabetes. The study was conducted between October 2022 and March 2023. The tool used in the intervention was a motivational conversation program. to create health literacy in 5 phases. These include 1) creating a partnership between the therapist and the patients through conversation, 2) finding and strengthening motivation to change behavior, 3) providing information and offering options for behavior change that is the goal of the patients 4) following up on the results of actions and 5) reflecting on the results of behavior change. The self-report questionnaire used to collect data includes the demographic data questionnaire, motivational conversation recording form, HbA1C level recording form, and health literacy measure. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and health literacy scores and HbA1c levels were compared within the experimental and control groups using paired t-tests, and health literacy scores and HbA1C levels were compared between the experimental and control groups using independent sample t-tests.

The results showed that the experimental group had significantly better mean HbA1C and overall health literacy scores were better than before receiving the motivation interviewing program on health literacy at a statistical significance of 0.05 (t = 4.02, p < 0.001; t = -9.77, p < 0 .001). As for the control group, HbA1C levels and overall health literacy score before and after the intervention were not different at the 0.05 significance level (t = 0.55, p = 0.587; t = 0.120, p = 0.905). The experimental group had better HbA1C levels and overall health literacy scores after the intervention than the control group at a statistical significance of 0.05 (t = -4.07, p < 0.001; t = 9.45, p < 0.001). This study suggested that the importance of motivational interview in increasing health literacy among new case of type 2 diabetes patients enabling them to practice appropriate health behaviors to control disease severity.

Predicting Factors of Health Literacy for Cannabis Prevention among Students in the Private University, Bangkok

2024-02-14T11:52:43+07:00

This research is a predictive research with the objectives to find factors predicting health literacy for cannabis prevention among students in the private university, Bangkok. The sample consisted of 100 undergraduate students in the private university in Bangkok who were selected by multistage random sampling. In addition, this research collected data using a questionnaire developed according to the concept of health literacy, which has been verified for content validity by 3 experts and reliability (KR 21) for cannabis attitude test, cannabis prevention test and health literacy for cannabis prevention test were 0.89, 0.92 and 0.97, respectively. The data was collected during August - September 2023. The statistics were used for data analysis including number, percentage, mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics, using stepwise multiple regression analysis.

The results found that health literacy for cannabis prevention among students in the private university, Bangkok was at a high level. The factors that significantly predicted health literacy for cannabis prevention were attitude towards cannabis (β =0.475 p<0.001), and income (β = 0.200 p = 0.027). These variables together explained 24.60 % of the variance in health literacy for cannabis prevention (R²= 0.246, p=0.027). The results of this study suggest that how to prevent shall be promote attitude more to lead to better health literacy for cannabis prevention.

Brain health related knowledge and brain health behaviors among adolescents aged 15-22 years old in Bangkok

2024-02-27T07:50:29+07:00

Adolescence is a critical period for brain development, with lifestyle choices impacting cognitive function. Understanding brain health knowledge and behaviors among teenagers is crucial for comprehensive development assessment. To assess brain health-related knowledge and brain health behavior and to study predictive factors for brain health behaviors. This is a cross-section online survey research, a study of adolescents aged 15-22 years old in Bangkok, Thailand. A questionnaire was developed to collect data in this study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage were used to analyze participant characteristics. A generalized linear model was used to analyze predictive factors. There were 1,225 adolescents participating in this study. The results showed that the majority of respondents (52.24%) have a good level of knowledge of brain health, and most of them (58.69%) engage in brain health behaviors at a moderate level. Factors predicting behavior include household income (Beta=0.168, p-value=0.05) could predict 16.80%, receiving health knowledge through news channels (Beta= 0.091, p-value= 0.05), could predict 9.10%, and possessing brain health knowledge (Beta= 0.084, p-value=0.05) could predict 8.40%, respectively. To improve brain health behaviors, focus on enhancing education and awareness campaigns, ensuring accessibility to health information for all income groups, targeting interventions to address specific challenges, improving the environment by reducing pollution and congestion, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders for comprehensive solutions.

Correlation between knowledge, attitude, and behavior to the prevention and control of hypertension and diabetes with health status among elderly 60-69 years old in Thawi Watthana district, Bangkok

2024-03-01T08:59:44+07:00

The purpose of this survey research was to measure the level of knowledge, attitude, and behavior in preventing high blood pressure and diabetes and find correlation between factors and health status among elderly 60-69 years old in Thawi Watthana district, Bangkok. The samples consisted of 300 elderly people. Used the questionnaire to collect data between August 1 and September 30, 2023. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to analyze the data. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the participants was 64.1 ± 2.6 years. The majority were females (58.3%), educational level: Bachelor's degree and high school. The most common underlying diseases were hypertension (21.7%), hyperlipidemia (15.3%), and diabetes (10.3%). The participants had a good level of knowledge (91.0%) and attitudes (75.3%) towards the prevention of hypertension and diabetes. However, their behaviors were only at a moderate level (52%). The knowledge and attitude scores were positively correlated (r = 0.26, p < 0.05). However, they were negatively correlated with the behavior scores (r = -0.02, -0.03, p > 0.05). For health status, the knowledge score was positively correlated with HDL cholesterol and negatively correlated with triglyceride levels (r = 0.12, r = -0.14, respectively, p < 0.05). The behavior score was positively correlated with HDL cholesterol level (r = 0.16, p < 0.05). The participants with a good knowledge score had lower fasting blood sugar and triglyceride levels and higher HDL cholesterol levels than those with a moderate or low knowledge score (p < 0.05). The participants with a good attitude score had lower body mass index and fasting blood sugar levels than those with a moderate or low attitude score (p < 0.05). The participants with a good behavior score had lower triglyceride levels and higher HDL cholesterol levels than those with a moderate or low behavior score (p < 0.05). The healthcare system should be developed to promote the interpretation of health status, knowledge of disease progression, symptoms, and complications. It is important to improve the attitude of the elderly towards self-care and provide caregivers with an understanding of how to provide appropriate food. The local government should have public policies in place to manage health factors, such as easy access to healthy food sources and places to increase physical activity.

Expanded program on immunization and COVID-19 vaccination in migrant children under 12 years old at the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC): Chonburi, Rayong and Chachoengsao provinces

2024-02-20T14:27:25+07:00

Despite Thailand's efforts to provide protection for migrant children, including birth registration and vaccination, many migrant children still lack documentation. They are not covered by health insurance. This puts them at risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. Moreover, the current system fails to reach migrant children who are not registered as dependents of migrant workers or who live outside the system. This study aimed to expanded program on immunization and COVID-19 vaccination in migrant children under 12 years old at the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC): Chonburi, Rayong and Chachoengsao Provinces. The objectives were to determine the coverage of basic and COVID-19 vaccination in migrant children under 12 years old. Also, Identify the barriers to accessing basic and COVID-19 vaccination services in this population. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a questionnaire and data collection form. The parents were interviewed. Data were collected from October,1 2022 to September, 30 2023. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson's Chi-square test.

A total of 445 parents of migrant children under 12 years old were interviewed. The coverage of BCG and HB vaccines at birth exceeded the target in all three provinces (96.9% and 95.5%, respectively). The coverage of DTP–HB3, OPV3, and IPV was 90.1%, 88.8%, and 81.0%, respectively, while the coverage of MMR1 was 87.0%, which was below the target of 95%. Only Rayong province was higher the target for MMR1 coverage (96.8%). For children aged 2-3 years, the coverage of DTP4, OPV4, and LAJE2 vaccines was 72.6%, 71.6%, and 64.4%, respectively, which was below the target in all three provinces. For children aged 3-4 years, the coverage of MMR2 and LAJE vaccines was 67.4% and 64.4%, respectively, which was below the target for both vaccines. The coverage of COVID-19 vaccine in migrant children under 12 years old was low, with only 25.4% having received the vaccine. Factors affecting access to vaccination services: Personal factors (e.g., travel costs, lack of time, forgetting the vaccination schedule, and lack of awareness about the need for vaccination) were found to be associated with access to basic vaccination services (p-value < 0.05). Additionally, service factors, such as lack of health insurance coverage and distance to vaccination facilities, were also found to be associated with access to basic vaccination services (p-value < 0.05).

This study found that migrant children under 12 years old in the three provinces had not received complete vaccinations according to the recommended schedule. Especially, the first and second doses of the MMR vaccine were below the target for both times. The coverage of OPV3, IPV,DTP4, OPV4, and LAJE2 vaccines was below the target and the COVID-19 vaccine was below the target too. However, the factors such as travel costs, moving of residence, lack of health insurance coverage, service and distance to vaccination facilities are part of the reason access to basic vaccination services is lower than the target. Therefore, relevant agencies, especially those in the public health sector, should accelerate public relations efforts and conduct outreach activities to ensure that this group of children has greater access to vaccination services. Local administrative organizations should also be encouraged to support vaccination services to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases from spreading to Thai children in the future.

Factors related to occupational safety behaviors in Myanmar migrant workers working in small and medium enterprises (SMEs): A case study of an electro-deposition plating factory in Chachoengsao province, Thailand

2024-03-12T07:58:24+07:00

Thailand tends to import more workers from neighboring countries due to labor shortage problems and often relies on this group of workers for jobs that most Thai workers rarely choose to do. However, studies on occupational safety behavior among migrant workers coming to work in Thailand are still rare, especially in the small business group. The purpose of this research is to study factors related to the work safety behavior of migrant workers in small and medium enterprises. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 84 Myanmar migrant workers who came to work in Thailand under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in a steel parts plating factory in Chachoengsao Province. Data were collected using questionnaires, facilitated by the use of interpreters. Descriptive statistics were employed using numbers, percentages, means, medians, and standard deviations. For analytical statistics, Chi-Square and the Fisher Exact Test were utilized.

The study results revealed that personal factors of the sample group of Myanmar foreign workers related to length of stay in Thailand, the length of employment at the factory, overtime work, safety training history, and proficiency in Thai listening and speaking skills were identified as factors significantly associated with work safety behavior at the 0.05 significance level. (c²= 3.909 p-value = 0.048, c²= 7.591 p-value =0.006, c²= 4.598 p-value =0.032, c²= 4.508 p-value =0.034, c²= 6.364 p-value =0.012, and c²= 4.054 p-value =0.044, respectively). Other factors, including sex, age, the highest level of education attained, marital status, shift rotation, receipt of work safety training at this factory, near-miss incidents, and experiences of actual accidents or injuries during work were not related to safety behaviors. Furthermore, Thai reading and writing skills, safety knowledge, safety attitude, and perceptions of safety culture were found no significant relationship to safety behaviors.

Based on the study results, it is recommended to extend similar investigations to migrant workers across various types of SMEs. Regular studies should focus on activities promoting safety behavior, including an examination of mental health factors and background aspects that may influence factory work behavior. Additionally, fostering safety communication in the workplace is crucial, employing both the Thai language and the workers' ethnic language, along with symbolic communication. This approach aims to foster understanding and familiarity, eventually establishing a safety culture within the organization.

Risk Factors for Stroke in Thai Population

2024-03-15T13:55:26+07:00

Stroke is a global health problem and comprehending its risk factors is important in developing methods and mechanisms for effective disease prevention. This case-control study aims to identify risk factors for stroke in the Thai population, prevent disease in the public health, and enhance the health of Thai people. The volunteers participating in the study were 957 stroke patients and 997 without stroke. The risk of stroke among subjects was calculated as adjusted odds ratios. Age, gender, alcohol consumption, the habit of eating unhealthy food, and lack of physical activity are not significant risk factors for stroke. On the other hand, occupations related to agriculture and non-occupations, having a family history of stroke, high blood pressure, and low levels of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) were identified as risk factors for stroke. The finding may be utilized in risk prediction and in developing score-based stroke risk assessment.

Development and Scaling-up of Merit Maker Network to Prevent Drowning among children aged under 15 years in Nong Chok District, Bangkok

2024-03-13T07:51:47+07:00

This action research uses the PAOR cycle: planning, action, observation, and reflection in 4 steps. The purpose is to develop the community's potential to prevent and solve the problem of drowning in children under 15 years of age expanding the results of operations to prevent drowning in children under 15 years of age to other communities. The target group is personnel from government agencies: Golden Land Indarul Mina Community and Nong Chok Volunteer Foundation (Ratchaphruek Center) of 22 peoples, Study period was between 18^th October – 22^TH February 2024. The qualitative data was collected by in-depth interview. Data was analyzed according to the 4-step PAOR cycle. The results showed that the development of drowning prevention policies for teachers and related networks were able to expand and applied to the public sectors, including children in other areas. The goal is to build and develop skills for survival in the water providing knowledge on water safety and rescuing victims of drowning in children under 15 years of age, and creating cooperation between the public, private and public sectors with the following characteristics: 1. Having the same goals and objectives. 2. Using resources that are co-dependant. 3. Brainstorming and planning to work together. 4. Sharing or exchanging of data. 5. Structure of coordination and communication flow. 6. Cooperation in organizing activities, and 7. Joint evaluation. The recommendation is the government agencies should support the partnership of local community-level organizations eg. Local foundations, association, religious leaders, community leaders who will be involved in any community agendas that require pooling of resources.

HPV Vaccine in Thailand National Immunization Program

2024-04-11T07:30:45+07:00

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is provided by the government in the Expanded Program on Immunization aims to prevent HPV infection and reduce cervical cancer caused by HPV strains in the vaccine. The decision to introduce the new vaccine involved a comprehensive evaluation process at the policy level, which was facilitated by improvements and coordination within the Ministry of Public Health's mechanisms. One significant step towards utilizing the HPV vaccine in the disease prevention and immunization enhancement program is the implementation of a pilot project for HPV vaccination services. This project was carried out in the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, targeting fifth-grade female students. The vaccination schedule consists of two doses administered six months apart. Initial results from the first year of the vaccination service implementation showed high acceptance rates among staff, teachers, and parents, at 97.8%, 95.7%, and 91.2%, respectively. The coverage of completing both doses of the vaccine was 87.4%. The adverse events following immunization included pain at the injection site, fever, redness, and headache. No severe adverse events were reported. Following the successful pilot project, the expansion of HPV vaccination services nationwide was considered and incorporated into the disease prevention and immunization enhancement program in 2017. The coverage of completing both doses of the vaccine in the first year of nationwide implementation was 96.9%, with high acceptance rates from parents at 98.5%. While HPV vaccination has been well accepted by parents, providing knowledge about cervical cancer, prevention methods, HPV vaccination, and post-vaccination adverse reactions to the public remains crucial. This educational effort aims to foster accurate understanding and positive attitudes towards the vaccination program