INSTITUTE FOR URBAN DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION JOURNAL

Unsafe vegetable and fruit: A Review

2023-08-08T08:23:37+07:00

Consuming fruits and vegetables is fundamental to a healthy diet, given their role in supplying essential nutrients crucial for well-being. Nonetheless, the ingestion of contaminated produce carries inherent health hazards. Awareness of these potential perils is indispensable, not only to safeguard public health but also to ensure food security. This article aims to study of deleterious chemical residues within fruits and vegetables and their associated health ramifications. Data was collected from previous studies, government reports and research studies from academic databases, drawing upon a comprehensive review and content analysis. This study confirms the persistent issue of pesticide residues in Thai fruits and vegetables. The infiltration of these hazardous substances into the human body can significantly compromise consumer health. Consequently, it is imperative for individuals to adopt rigorous food safety protocols, including thorough washing of fruits and vegetables, sourcing produce from reputable suppliers, and adhering to regulatory standards and guidelines. These proactive measures are essential to ease the risks associated with the consumption of unsafe fruits and vegetables, irrespective of whether they are conventionally grown or marketed as organic alternatives.

Epidemiology of COVID-19 Death Case between 1 April – 30 June 2021 in Bangkok

2023-09-21T14:49:16+07:00

The objective of this study was to inform the situation, demographic, and epidemiological characteristics
of the deaths from COVID-19 during the third phase of the outbreak (April 1 - June 30, 2021) in Bangkok. The study is a cross-sectional study. Data is secondary data from the database of death cases from the COVID-19 investigation report of the Institute for Urban Disease Control and Prevention between April 1 to June 30, 2021, a total of 1,159 cases were analyzed by percentage, mean, standard deviation and compare the difference by Chi-square statistic. The result of COVID-19 death cases was male (55.91%) more than female (44.09%), mean of age 65.88 ± 15.44 years old. Patients received endotracheal intubation 74.89%, pneumonia 89.82%, received antiretroviral therapy (87.66%), died at a hospital (99.05%), and some people died during transport to the hospital. (0.95%). When classifying COVID-19 death cases by age group less than 60 years old and more than or equal 60 years old. It was found different age groups had the different occupations (p-value<0.001). The most patients over 60 years old are not employed (69.49%), while the patient less than 60 years old are company employee (22.75%). Patients had different underlying diseases in each age group. The most common underlying condition in both groups of deaths was hypertension (p-value<0.05). Symptoms were various including fever, cough, sore throat and headache (p-value<0.05). It was found that receiving tracheal intubation was different between two groups (p-value<0.001). Therefore, reducing the death rate from COVID-19 should encourage increasing vaccination coverage among people, especially those with chronic diseases and the elderly, also known as group 608. The group should receive the vaccine most. Accessible services to people at all levels should be provided. Ministry of Public Health should enforce the campaigns for people to comply with public health measures for COVID-19 prevention. This should also include basic first-aid care training, observation of symptoms that could be potential be form COVID-19 infection for local health personnel as well as the public in order for prompt treatment. This can subsequently reduce the death rate in patients infected with COVID-19.

Factors associated with successful treatment outcomes in Pulmonary tuberculosis among older people in Bangkok

2023-06-08T13:18:26+07:00

The incidence and mortality rates of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) have been steadily increasing among the older population. This study aimed to identify factors associated with treatment success in older people with pulmonary TB in the Bangkok metropolitan area. A nested case-control study design was employed, with a 1:1 ratio, using retrospective data from the National Tuberculosis Information Program (NTIP) database. The study population consisted of 245 successfully treated patients (cases) and 245 treatment failure patients (controls). Conditional logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with treatment success. The results showed that two factors were significantly associated with treatment success in older people with pulmonary TB in Bangkok. The absence of comorbidities, specifically diabetes mellitus, was found to be significantly associated with treatment success (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 11.36, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 4.64- 27.80). Additionally, patients with negative acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear results during the second month of treatment had a higher likelihood of treatment success (AOR: 13.73, 95% CI: 4.02-46.94). Based on these findings, it is recommended to implement policies and strategies for screening and closely monitoring older people with pulmonary TB, particularly those with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, and patients with positive AFB smear results during the intensive phase of treatment. This approach aims to enhance access to effective treatment and ensure close follow-up, ultimately improving treatment success rates for pulmonary TB in the older population.

Study of factors related road traffic injury in Thaklong Town Municipality, Pathumtani province: A Comparison between before and during COVID-19 pandemic

2023-06-08T12:30:39+07:00

Traffic accidents are the major causes of death and disability, which affect the economy of the whole country. Previous studies showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of road traffic injuries tended to decrease as the disease control measures were announced. Therefore, this study aimed to compare factors related to traffic injuries in Thaklong municipality, Pathum Thani Province before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This retrospective analytical study was performed using data collected from the first response unit (FR), Thaklong municipality, Pathum Thani. The results showed 2,676 cases were collected in this study. There were statistically significant differences age, road user, accident patterns, response time, and incident dispatch code before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (p-value<0.05). The results of statistical analysis using univariable logistic regression and multiple logistic regression revealed that people under 20 years old (OR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.50-0.84) were 35% less likely to be injured in a traffic accident during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to those aged 20-39. Furthermore, during the COVID-19 epidemic, the results found that pedestrians/cyclists had 5.91 times greater effect on injuries from traffic accidents (OR=5.19, 95% CI: 2.92-11.95), while motorcycles 1.97 times greater effect on injuries from traffic accidents than four-wheel vehicles (OR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.30-2.80). For the pattern of accidents, vehicle crashes had 1.20 times greater effect on injuries from traffic accidents (OR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.01-1.44) whereas pedestrians hit by vehicles had 2.52 times greater effect on injuries from traffic accidents than in uninvolved accidents (OR=2.52, 95% CI: 1.78-3.56). It is important to noted that the results of this study can be implemented in policy planning for the further announcement to reduce losses of traffic accident in the future.

Knowledge and Attitude of Mpox disease of Quarantine, Immigration and Custom officers at International Airports in Thailand

2023-06-19T07:43:47+07:00

This descriptive research aimed to study knowledges and attitudes toward Mpox disease (Monkeypox disease). The developed questionnaire was provided to 273 quarantine, immigration and custom officers at International Airports in Thailand. Data were collected from April,19 2023 to May,20 2023. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, F-test, and Mann- Whinny U test product moment correlation.

The results showed that most samples were non-medical personnel (71.8%). Age of the samples was between 31 to 40 years old (33.3%). The education levels of those were mostly undergraduate (76.5%). Also, 54.9% of those samples worked at Immigration office. Knowledge toward Mpox disease was at high level ( = 6.32, SD = 1.54), while attitude was at moderate level ( = 19.73, SD=2.200.53). Comparison between the medical and non-medical personnel groups showed significant differences (p<0.05), for medical personnel obtained higher levels of both knowledges and attitudes than non-medical personnel. As our study provided relevant information against quarantine of Mpox disease at the international airports, the results of study can be used to promote knowledges and attitudes, also to promote practices to protect themselves from Mpox infection and to control emerging communicable diseases in the future.

Operational effectiveness of super-rider volunteers in a home care system for COVID-19 patients with telehealth at a health facility in Bangkok

2023-06-30T14:46:49+07:00

COVID-19, a communicable respiratory disease, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, was a pandemic and public health emergency of international concern. In Thailand, there were several waves of community-level outbreaks. The most severe situation was the outbreak during April - August 2021. The case report in mid-August found over 20,000 new patients and over 300 deaths per day. A raised number of patients who needed hospitalization was higher than the capacity of the public health system. Therefore, treating COVID-19 at home (Home Isolation) had been used to optimize medical resources. The Institute for Urban Disease Control and Prevention (IUDC), Department of Disease Control, set up a home care system for COVID-19 patients with telehealth in Bangkok. Super-rider volunteers were volunteers in a home care system for COVID-19 patients of IUDC. They delivered boxes of medications and medical equipment to the patient's home and specimens to the lUDC laboratory unit on their motorcycles within a short time. This study aimed to evaluate the operational procedures, workloads, and effectiveness of super-rider volunteers. The retrospective study was conducted by analyzing data collected between July 28 and November 1, 2021. This study recruited 38 super-rider volunteers who completed 961 missions. Line application had been used for assigning and reporting task performances. The type of tasks was mostly delivering medications and medical equipment to patients’ home (82.41 %). The destination area was mostly Bangkok (90.11 %). The operational effectiveness was mostly “pass” (85.43 %) and the mean+ SD was 3.84+0.46. The results of this study are beneficial for public health service units in Bangkok or other urban areas. Involving volunteers were effective in supporting the logistic system of home care with telehealth in a community, especially in a public health emergency when human resources are urgently needed. However, a public health service unit should provide a system for recording, tracking, and evaluating the performance of the volunteers to optimize effective management and show the value of volunteer work.

Factors predicting nutrition status of heart failure patients

2023-07-12T08:26:26+07:00

Heart failure and nutritional status are major public health problems in Thailand. Knowing the factors that influence the nutritional status of heart failure patients can protect malnutrition and improve the quality of life of heart failure patients. This research is aimed to explore factors influence nutritional status including Perceived benefits of food consumption, Health Literacy, Co-morbidity and Nutrition status among heart failure patients. This is descriptive predictive research. The sample consisted of patient’s diagnosis of heart failure. They received treatment at Heart failure-clinic in outpatient. Randomly selected by systematic random sampling technique between July to October 2022 comprised of ninety-four heart failure patients. The research instruments utilized for data elicitation consisted of demographic questionnaire, Perceived benefits of food consumption, Health Literacy, Co-morbidity and Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital Nutrition Triage (BNT) nutrition status assessment form. Descriptive statistic and stepwise multiple regression were used to analyze the data collected.

The results revealed that the heart failure patients had no risks of malnutrition (88.3%). 59.6% perceived benefits of food consumption at moderate level (M = 59.1, SD = 5.2). Health literacy at the marginal and adequate levels was 46.8% and 38.3% respectively (M = 15.7, SD = 2.5). In addition, only 29.8% had heart failure and 26.6% had 3 co-morbidities (myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome and hypertension). Factors influencing nutrition status among heart failure patients were co-morbidities likely to significantly predict of the variance in nutrition status (ß = 0.232, p < 0.001).

This study found that co-morbidities are factors that can predict the nutritional status of heart failure patients. The results of this study can be used to manage co-morbidities, myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome and hypertension to prevent malnutrition in patients with further heart failure.

The health literacy related to preventive behaviors on PM2.5 among urban community: A survey study at Nong Khaem Bangkok, Thailand

2023-07-07T10:54:38+07:00

This study is a cross-sectional survey from February to March 2023. The aim of this study is to focus on health literacy and preventive behaviors related to particulate matter with diameter of less than 2.5 microns (PM_2.5) in Nong Khaem District, Bangkok. The sample size was calculated by program G*Power 3.1.9.74 with a confidence level of 95% and a questionnaire confidence value of 0.87. To explain the characteristics using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression statistics were used to test the relationship between personal factors and health literacy and behavior to prevent PM 2.5 at the significance level (p-value < 0.05). Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package (SPSS), version 28

The results of the study consisted of a sample of 530 people. Overall, the health literacy in prevention score was moderate at 56.8%. Overall, the prevention behavior score was moderate 51.9%. The results of the association between personal factors showed that age and occupation were statistically significant (p-value < 0.05). In addition, those who know the laws, measures, rules, and regulations of the government in supervising public health from the impact of dust in the Nong Khaem area, Moving along, the results of the association between health literacy and protection behavior against dust less than 2.5 microns were not associated. In this regard, relevant agencies can use the research results as guidelines for determining measures for public health care that may be affected by particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns.

Key word: health literacy, preventive behaviors, PM_2.5Bangkok

PM2.5 related knowledge and preventive behavior among grade 10-12

2023-07-27T10:04:52+07:00

The particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 micron occurs every year and tends to increase resulting in health problems for individuals. At last, people should have good knowledge to protect themselves from exposure to particulate matter of PM 2.5. This research aims to explore the knowledge about PM 2.5 and preventative behaviors against the particulate matter in order to study the predictive factors towards preventative behaviors and knowledge. This was a predictive research study. An online questionnaire (Google Forms) was developed to study the population of students among grade 10-12 participants which are infinite number of population, the sample size of 346 was calculated by Cochran formula. However, there were 918 students voluntary and completed an online questionnaire. The data from the Google Form was collected from June 1, 2023 to June 15, 2023. As the data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, including frequency, mean, percentages, standard deviation, and inferential statistics such as multiple regression analysis.

This study comprised a total of 918 participants. Most of the participants were female (n= 612, 66.8%) and had no underlying diseases (n= 750, 81.7%). In terms of receiving health news, most are from internet channels/social media (n= 736, 80.2%). The subject participants revealed a moderate level of knowledge about PM 2.5 (n=411, 44.8%), moreover, looking more precisely at each question, the top question with participants answering correctly was about the impact on the respiratory system from exposure to the particulate matter of PM 2.5. Conclusion, the participants showed a moderate level of knowledge about PM 2.5. In addition, it was found that the participants showed a good level of preventative behavior toward PM 2.5. Therefore, there should be an increased level of knowledge about the health effects of PM 2.5 exposure to improve students' preventative behavior and habits on a regular basis.

Folk Wisdom Management of Herbs for Postpartum Women’s Healthcare in Communities in Buriram Province

2023-08-21T09:32:49+07:00

This qualitative research aimed to investigate community contexts and the inherited form of the folk wisdom of healthcare and herb utilization. The study areas were Ban Sanuan and Ban Sawai Chik Communities in Buriram Province, where herbs were often utilized. The data were collected from October 2020 to April 2021. The samples selected by using purposive sampling consisted of 20 persons, including herbal specialists, folk healers, and herb-inherited relatives, and 30 postpartum women with experience in herb utilization. The research instruments were an in-depth interview, a focus group, and an open-ended questionnaire. The questionnaire content included the folk wisdom of healthcare based on the sufficiency economy philosophy, the community contexts, the form of herb utilization, and the form of inheriting the folk wisdom of herbs.

The research findings revealed that 1) people in both communities have migrated from other areas, such as Surin and Nakhon Ratchasima, and most of them communicate in Khmer. As time passed, their cultures were integrated, resulting in more use of both Khmer and Thai. Moreover, herbs are used for curing diseases, nourishing the body, and enhancing beauty; 2) regarding utilization, most of the herbs used in the family are for curing allergies, poisonous animal bites, and relieving swelling and pain. The forms of utilization are drinking boiled herbal water, eating fresh herbs, masking and compressing, crushing and inhaling, and chewing herbs together with using alcohol to reduce pain and swelling. In addition, some families also combine herbs with the use of magic to treat ailments with unknown causes. It can boost morale and make the patients feel better. With the COVID-19 pandemic from 2019 onwards, herbs have gained more popularity, especially ones that help clear the airway, enhance the body’s immune system and eliminate phlegm, etc.; 3) for the forms of inheriting the folk wisdom of herbs, it is managed by teaching and demonstration without written records. This process of transferring knowledge only takes place in families through telling, teaching, and demonstrating one-on-one because the wisdom of herbs is considered a treasure of each family that should be preserved, and disseminating it to any other person is strictly prohibited. When there is a lack of transfer or a lack of interest, the wisdom of herbs is gradually disappearing.

Effect of Intervention for Smoking Cessation on Smoking Cessation Behavior in Older Persons with Pulmonary Tuberculosis

2023-08-21T10:31:59+07:00

This quasi-experimental research aimed to examine effect of the intervention for smoking cessation on quit smoking behavior among older persons with pulmonary tuberculosis. Using a purposive sampling, 60 older persons with pulmonary tuberculosis were recruited from Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital. The study samples were divided into a control group (n =30) and the experimental group. The control group was given conventional nursing care, whereas the experimental group was given brief advice for smoking cessation and referred to Thailand National Quitline for intensive counseling. The instruments for data collection were the demographic data form, the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence, and the smoking cessation behavior questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (t-test). The results showed that after the intervention, the mean scores of smoking cessation behavior in the experiment group were significant higher those before the intervention and the control group (p-value <0.05). In addition, a reduction of cigarette smoked per day in the experimental was higher than that of the control group (p-value < 0.05)

The Development of the management model for prevention and control of COVID-19 outbreak among migrant workers in medium and large construction camps in urban areas. A case study at Huai Khwang district, Bangkok, Thailand

2023-07-21T08:30:42+07:00

The purpose of this research was to develop a management model for the prevention and control of the spread of COVID-19 among migrant workers in construction camps in urban areas. The study used mixed method both quantitative and qualitative study and was divided into 2 phases: Phase 1 was a study of readiness for public health emergencies of the Center for Disease Control Operations in Huai Khwang district, Bangkok and the second phase is a study to develop a management model for disease prevention and control in public health emergencies among migrant workers in medium and large construction camps in urban areas. The sample consisted of working group according to the structure of the Huai Khwang Disease Control Operation Center public health personnel, public health service center 25, Huai Khwang, construction camp’s chief safety officers or those in charge of occupational health, medium and large construction camps by selecting a specific sample. The data collection was done by using questionnaires and interview method. Quantitative data were analyzed using basic statistics and qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis. The results of the study showed that (1) The Overall readiness for public health emergencies of the Huai Khwang Disease Control Operation Center in Bangkok was moderate in the field of information systems, important information and incident management and response. (2) The management model for disease prevention and control in public health emergencies among migrant workers in medium and large construction camps in urban areas must have an incident command system structure. The Regional Disease Control Operations Center consists of (1) Incident Commander and Deputy Incident Commander, (2) Operation Section, (3) Planning Section, (4) Support Section, (5) Finance and Administration Section, (6) Strategy and Technical Section, and (7) Risk Communication Section in order to increase the efficiency of management in disease prevention and control.

The results of the study showed that (1) The Overall readiness for public health emergencies of the Huai Khwang Disease Control Operation Center; Bangkok was moderate in the field of information systems important information and incident management and response. (2) The management model for disease prevention and control in public health emergencies among migrant workers in medium and large construction camps in urban areas must have an incident command system structure. The Regional Disease Control Operations Center consists of (1) Incident Commander and Deputy Incident Commander, (2) Operation Section, (3) Planning Section, (4) Support Section, (5) Finance and Administration Section, (6) Strategy and Technical Section, and (7) Risk Communication Section In order to increase the efficiency of management in disease prevention and control.

Perception of fried foods and consumption behavior among Thai people aged 18-60 years old

2023-08-10T11:05:46+07:00

Fried food is very popular in all ages. Eating fried foods that are not properly fried increases health risks while properly fried foods are beneficial to the body. The objective of this study was to study perceptions, attitudes and behaviors of fried food consumption and to study factors affecting fried food consumption behavior. This study is a survey research study of people aged 18-60 who have access to the Internet. Data was collected with an online questionnaire, Google Form, examined by 3 experts. There were 503 respondents in this study, most of them were female (71.60%), age group 31-40 years old (25.00%). Majority of respondents graduated with a bachelor's degree (57.10%), worked as a full-time employee / state enterprise / civil servant (33.20%). Most of them have a monthly income of 20,001 -40,000 baht (37.00%). Most of them cooked their own meals less than 3 times a week, 49.90% received information about health care from social media/internet 78.50. The respondents had a moderate perception of fried food consumption at 47.20%, good attitude towards fried food consumption at 88.80%, and a good level of fried food consumption behavior score at 58.05%. From the analysis of predictive factors for fried food consumption behavior, it was found that age (Beta = 0.143, p-value < 0.01), awareness about fried food (Beta = 0.111, p-value < 0.01), and attitude toward fried food consumption (Beta =0.428, p-value < 0.01) were statistically significant predictors of behavior. Respondents have a perception about fried food and safe fried food consumption behavior regarding general knowledge about the characteristics of fried food and diseases caused by eating fried food, and not reusing frying oil. They lack awareness and practice about frying food safely, how frequently they can eat fried foods, carcinogen produced by frying. Therefore, the specific knowledge of how to cook and eat fried food safely should be educated to consumers.

Factors associated with perceived of stroke disease in people who exercise at public parks, Bangkok

2023-09-07T08:23:46+07:00

Stroke disease has long been a leading cause of death for Thai people and around the world and currently the death statistics have not decreased. This survey research aimed to study the factors associated with perception of stroke disease in people who exercise at public parks. 380 samples were peoples who exercise at public parks, Bangkok. They were recruited with multistage random sampling. Data was collected using questionnaire, created by the researcher. The questionnaire of perception of stroke risk factors and perceived warning signs had reliability (KR-20) at 0.91 and 0.92 respectively. Data were analyzed by percent, means, standard deviation, c²-test

The results showed that the samples had moderate level of overall perceptions of stroke disease and categorized by aspect, including perception of stroke risk factors, perceived warning signs at moderate level and they had moderate level of knowledge of cerebrovascular disease.

The factors associated with perceived of stroke disease: Variables of age, marital status, education level, occupation and income, history of chronic non-communicable disease, regularity of exercise and knowledge of cerebrovascular disease were related to perceived of stroke disease in exercise people with statistical significance at the level of 0.05. Suggestions: The public and private organizations of health teams should promote knowledge and perceived of stroke disease in people who exercise at public parks with promoting knowledge using media applications enter information on your mobile phone because most of them can use online media well.

Immunization related Knowledge and Attitude toward getting vaccination among Thai people aged 18 years old and above

2023-09-07T08:29:45+07:00

Background: Building immunity against diseases and disease prevention is a fundamental cornerstone of public health and has a significant impact on reducing the burden of infectious diseases worldwide, especially during disease outbreaks, which can be done through vaccination. From the studies conducted, it has been found that there is hesitancy in accepting vaccines and resistance to vaccination, which poses a significant danger and threat to public health. Objective: To explore knowledge about building immunity, attitudes towards receiving disease-preventive vaccinations, and factors predicting vaccination attitudes among individuals aged 18 years and older. This study employed a cross-sectional study design and focuses on a population with internet access, aged 18 years and above. Data was collected by an online questionnaire (Google Form) via social media platforms from May 10th to June 28th, 2023. Result: A total of 853 people participated in this study, female 70.10%, age group 41-50 31.07%, graduated a bachelor degree 46.07%, worked as an employee 27.20%, monthly income less than 20,000 Baht 35.17%, no medical condition 76.67% and receive health news from internet / social media 75.50%. The study results revealed that among the sample group, 48.89% had a high level of knowledge about immunity building. The sample group exhibited a high level of positive attitude towards disease-preventive vaccination, with 61.70% of participants holding this viewpoint. Predictors of attitudes towards disease-preventive vaccination within the sample group were found to be significant. Knowledge about immunity building (β=0.268, p<0.01) and monthly income (β=0.096, p<0.05) were identified as statistically significant factors that predicted vaccination attitudes.

Prevalence and factors relating to carpal tunnel syndrome among staff in educational institution

2023-08-22T07:24:17+07:00

This cross-sectional study aims to explore the prevalence and factors associated with the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among personnel at an educational institution. The study employed a purposive sampling method to select a representative sample of 252 individuals. Respondents were chosen based on their complete and accurate responses to a comprehensive questionnaire. The findings of the study reveal a significant prevalence of CTS symptoms among the sample group. Specifically, 82.9% (209 individuals) reported experiencing CTS symptoms in the wrist area, while 17.1% (43 individuals) did not experience CTS symptoms. Among those with CTS symptoms, 52.0% (131 individuals) reported infrequent occurrences, and 48.0% (121 individuals) described their symptoms as mild. In terms of hand functionality, 65.1% (164 individuals) exhibited normal ability to perform work-related tasks, whereas 34.9% (88 individuals) faced limitations in hand functionality. The presence of carpal tunnel syndrome was confirmed through the application of Phalen's test, which identified 13.1% (33 individuals) experiencing pain specifically in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. The study's findings also revealed noteworthy statistical associations between carpal tunnel syndrome and several factors. These factors include gender, education levels and specific job characteristics, as well as alcohol consumption.

Capability of Public Health Emergency Management amidst the Covid-19 pandemic in Nonthaburi Province

2023-09-07T13:07:32+07:00

Qualitative research aimed to evaluate the capability of Public Health Emergency Management in cases of COVID-19 at Nonthaburi Province with the tool development for evaluating the capability of Public Health Emergency Management in cases of COVID-19 at the provincial level, to explain the management procedures and work processes under the Public Health Emergency Operations Center, Nonthaburi Province, and to determine factors associated with Public Health Emergency Management. The study was carried out in a sample group including incident commanders, section chiefs, and the operators at the provincial level, covering 12 function groups. The results found that Public Health Emergency Operations Center of Nonthaburi Province had the capability to emergency management according to the structure of the Incident Command System (ICS) consisting of 12 functions, with all functions clearly defined responsibility. All functions had the same goal to control the spread of the COVID-19 in Nonthaburi, with the introduction of Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM), which important component of the EOC consisting of (1) Staff, surge capacity manpower from all levels, all departments, all work groups and all aspects to carry out surveillance, prevention and control of the COVID-19 under the same measures in provincial level. (2) Stuff, In each mission group, technology was introduced in the operation which may have different technology details to meet the goals of each mission group and (3) System, Public Health Emergency Operations was established in a special format; operators in each function performed their regular responsibilities along with their roles within the structure of the incident command system, and directly reported to the incident commander. The incident command system of the public health emergency operations center, Nonthaburi is top-down; the incident commander will relay commands down to the incident commander system (ICS) of Nonthaburi Province. Leaders' decisions based on strong public health information sy.0stem and the cooperation of all sectors, including the government, private sector, and civil. This is important for helping to control the spread of COVID-19 or Emerging Infectious Diseases that may occur in the future efficiently and in a timely manner.

A Study on the Incidence of Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Household Contacts Group and the Success Rate of Treating Latent Tuberculosis Patient with the 3HP Regimen in Surin Province, 2022

2023-10-16T08:20:36+07:00

Household contacts of tuberculosis (TB) patient are more exposed and have a higher risk of getting a latent TB infection than others. Recently, Surin province has discovered both new and recurrent TB diagnosis 816 patients accounting for 41.36 percent of its population, resulting in a much higher risk of transmitted cases among these TB patient’s household groups together but the lower rate of success in oral drug therapy. This study aims to study Surin’s prevalence rate of TB patient home residents and the success rate of 3HP formula treatment in 2022.

This study was a cross sectional descriptive study starting from January, 1st to December, 31st, 2022. Patients were examined with IGRA QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QF-Plus). Results found 169 patients with a latent TB infection from the overall 816 patients. One-fifth of the patients (20.72 percent) accepted drug treatment and 164 patients received latent TB medications (97.04 percent). The success rate of oral drug therapy was 90.85 percent (149 cases) with only 15 drug-termination cases due to fever (6 cases/3.66 percent) and body rash and itch (5 cases/3.05 percent). TB is a profound challenge for both Thailand and global public health system. TB patient home residents have a much greater exposure and latent TB cases can progressively turn into clinical TB cases. Therefore, a follow-up measure should be conducted annually in order to successfully forecast the future TB prevalence rate in advance.

Post-COVID Physical Rehabilitation through Nutrition and Exercise

2023-09-14T08:09:59+07:00

COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus disease 2019, first emerged in February of the year 2020 in the Thai calendar (2563 BE). It can be transmitted through inhalation of invisible droplets that carry the virus, which can enter the body. After treatment and the absence of detectable virus, residual symptoms may persist, collectively termed as Post-COVID Syndrome. These symptoms can range from one to several, and may be either pre-existing or newly developed. The purpose of addressing Post-COVID Syndrome is to restore both the physical and mental well-being of the patients. To aid in the recovery of patients experiencing Post-C COVID Syndrome, a collection of data and analyses have been assembled. This includes methods and recommendations focusing on physical rehabilitation, as well as the psychological state of patients. The emphasis lies in the physical recovery, utilizing exercises and nutritional principles, as there are diverse ways to restore the body. Both physical exercise and nutritional strategies play crucial roles. Physical exercises contribute to lung and overall health improvement. Consuming a comprehensive array of nutrients, including micronutrients and macronutrients, is essential. Various dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean Diet or a vegetarian approach, should be considered. However, it is important to evaluate personal health conditions and consult with medical professionals prior to embarking on exercise routines or dietary changes.

The relationship of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) and long-term effects (lung cancer) from exposure in Bangkok area

2023-09-12T09:23:12+07:00

Urbanization, economic growth, traffic and industry cause of air pollution problems which are effect on human health both short-term effects and long-term effects like lung cancer. This study aimed to study the changes in PM 2.5 dust and find the relationship between PM 2.5 and lung cancer patients in Bangkok area. Average PM 2.5 every 1 hour in yearly, monthly, and seasonally were used to study. The study was conducted for a period of 5 years (2018-2022) and the average number of lung cancer patients by month and season. The study found that the year 2018 had the highest PM 2.5 (26.75 micrograms per cubic meter) and 2022 had the lowest PM 2.5 (22.82 micrograms per cubic meter). Seasonal PM 2.5 found the winter has the highest PM 2.5 followed by summer and rainy season, respectively (35.58, 22.60 and 16.78 micrograms per cubic meter). The most lung cancer was found in summer followed by the rainy season and winter, respectively. The study of the relationship between PM 2.5 dust and lung cancer patients that showed PM 2.5 particulate matter was correlated with lung cancer (R² of 2020, 2021 and 2022 = 0.16, 0.02 and 0.19, respectively).