INSTITUTE FOR URBAN DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION JOURNAL

The Role of Nurses in Caring for Tuberculosis Patients Receiving Video-Observed Therapy (VOT) in Urban Communities

Thanawut Karapakdee — 2025-12-08

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health challenge. Successful treatment of TB patients requires strict adherence to long-term medication regimens. Video-observed therapy (Video Observed Therapy: VOT) has emerged as a crucial tool in supporting TB treatment adherence. This academic article aims to review the existing literature on the role of nurses in the care of TB patients under VOT in urban community settings. A literature review was conducted by analyzing research studies, government reports, and standard practice guidelines from both domestic and international databases. Data were collected during April to May 2025. The findings revealed that the role of nurses in caring for TB patients using VOT in urban communities can be categorized into five key areas: 1) assessment of patients receiving VOT, 2) promotion of patient engagement in VOT use, 3) monitoring of medication adherence through VOT, 4) providing counseling and problem-solving, and 5) referring patients and reporting outcomes. Therefore, to improve TB care, it is essential to implement VOT for all eligible TB patients and to enhance the knowledge and skills of professional nurses in primary healthcare settings to effectively monitor and support patients through VOT. Additionally, there should be a national policy to support the integration of VOT, such as the development of government-based tracking applications, training for healthcare personnel, and collaboration with local administrative organizations to ensure continuous patient follow-up within the community.

Nursing Care Guideline for Infection Prevention and Control in Primary Care Unit

Suchanwat Somsorn — 2025-12-08

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a critical concern affecting the quality of healthcare services, particularly in primary care settings. This academic article aims to develop nursing guidelines for the prevention and control of infections in primary healthcare facilities. A literature review methodology was employed, synthesizing research studies, government reports, and standard practice guidelines from both domestic and international databases. Data collection was conducted from March to April 2025. The study found that effective infection prevention and control (IPC) in primary care requires continuous community infection surveillance, proper response protocols for exposure to blood and body fluids, hand hygiene practices, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization of medical instruments and devices, and appropriate management of infectious waste. Therefore, it is essential to promote adherence to standardized IPC guidelines by enhancing the knowledge and skills of professional nurses and healthcare personnel in primary care facilities. Additionally, it is recommended to develop infection control systems through local health development plans in collaboration with local administrative organizations. The article also emphasizes the importance of designing IPC training programs for nurses with the involvement of parent hospitals and networked primary care units to ensure sustainable collaboration. Moreover, transferring IPC knowledge to the community through educational manuals or outreach programs for village health volunteers and the public is crucial for fostering household and community-level infection control cooperation.

Rabies: A Comprehensive Review of Virology, Prevention Strategies, a Focus on Thailand

Panisa Kitkanjanakul — 2025-12-08

Rabies is a zoonotic disease with a nearly 100% fatality rate once symptoms appear. Although it is entirely preventable, it remains a significant public health concern in many countries—especially in low- and middle-income nations, including Thailand. In Thailand, domestic dogs are the primary carriers, responsible for over 99% of human rabies cases. Key challenges include insufficient dog vaccination coverage, limited access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and inadequate public awareness. This study reviews current knowledge on rabies virology, epidemiology, and prevention strategies, with a focus on Thailand's context and the application of the One Health concept, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. Data were drawn from academic databases and reports from the WHO and CDC. Between October 2022 and October 2023, 337 confirmed rabies cases in animals and four human deaths were reported in Thailand. While some areas achieved over 80% dog vaccination coverage, nationwide implementation remains inconsistent. The One Health approach shows strong potential to address these systemic issues. Effective rabies control in Thailand will require widespread vaccination, improved public education, better access to PEP, and sustained cross-sector collaboration to achieve the global goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Personnel in the Department of Disease Control

Yaowalak Kaeokaemchan — 2025-12-08

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the ergonomic risk of 2,637 office-based personnel of the Department of Disease Control, who use desktop computers for more than four hours per day. Data were collected using the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) technique, an ergonomic risk assessment tool for computer users. The assessment evaluated sitting posture and workstation components, including the chair, monitor, mouse, and keyboard, to identify risk factors and scores that could lead to musculoskeletal injuries. The results showed that 1,619 individuals (61.40%) had no or low risk, while 1,018 individuals (38.60%) were at risk. Furthermore, an assessment of lighting and air quality in 30 central agencies of the Department of Disease Control revealed that 62.00% of the 2,685 measured points for lighting did not meet the standard. Therefore, it is recommended that workplaces and working postures be appropriately improved to reduce and prevent office syndrome. It is also suggested that the design of workstations and the working environment be optimized according to ergonomic principles to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

Case‑specific epidemiological investigation: A patient infected with Listeria monocytogenes at a private hospital in Bangkok, February 2025

Bang-ern Pumipak — 2025-12-08

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium that can cause listeriosis, an infection with an incubation period of 3–70 days. It is a severe illness, especially dangerous for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, infants, the elderly, obese individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. This bacterium is commonly found in the environment and can survive in cold conditions, making it a frequent contaminant of refrigerated and processed foods. The aim of this study was to investigate a specific, confirmed case of Listeria monocytogenes infection in a patient with a history of consuming food from street vendors or in public areas—typically sold from stalls, carts, or food trucks. Data were collected on clinical symptoms, food consumption history, environmental exposure, and laboratory results. Although the exact source of infection could not be definitively identified, the investigation suggests that eating fresh street food sold from stalls, carts, or food trucks was a major risk factor. This investigation highlights the importance of establishing food traceability systems and enhancing food safety surveillance. It also proposes control and prevention strategies at the healthcare and community levels, includes international cooperation, and emphasizes the need for widespread communication to high-risk groups. These measures aim to prevent future outbreaks and strengthen public health security.

The Effect of Education and Practice Development Program for Basic Water Life-saving for Care-giver Volunteers in The Early Childhood Development Centers in Nong Chok District, Bangkok

Mila Issarasongkhram — 2025-12-08

This quasi-experimental study, One-Group Pretest-Post test Design aimed to evaluate on the effect of education and practice development program for basic water life-saving for 105 care-giver volunteers in the early childhood development centres in Nong Chok District, Bangkok. The training was conducted for 5 days. The tool for this study is Measurement of knowledge, attitude, and practices. The questionnaires were applied before (1^st Measurement), immediately after the training (2^nd Measurement) and 1 month after the training (3^rd Measurement) by using Chi-square statistics. Data were collected between October 2023 and February 2024.

The results showed that for knowledge, attitude, and practices for basic water life-saving the average scores from immediately after the training and 1 month after the training are significantly higher than the scores from before the training. Moreover, for practices the average scores from 1 month after the training are significantly higher than immediately after the training while for knowledge and attitude the average scores are not significantly different. In conclusion, the effect of education and practice development program for basic water life-saving is effective to enhance knowledge, attitude, and practices for care-giver volunteers, which is part of helping victims of water disasters to receive care quickly. and safely and efficiently before reaching the hospital. Suggestions: Care-giver Volunteers have completed Basic Water Life-saving workshops should prioritize passing on their knowledge and skills to students, family members, or community members.

Influenza Surveillance and Disease Burden in Bangkok, 2020–2024: A Contemporary Analysis

Kanokrat Paitool — 2025-12-08

This descriptive study employed secondary data on influenza cases from 2019 to 2024, retrieved from the Digital Disease Surveillance Platform operated by the Bureau of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control. The data were obtained by the Surveillance and Emergency Response Section, Urban Institute for Disease Prevention and Control. The objectives were to analyze the influenza situation in Bangkok and to review current control measures and provide recommendations for influenza prevention and control in the area. Data analysis was conducted using STATA version 19.

The findings revealed that Bangkok reported the second-highest number of influenza cases nationwide, with an incidence rate of 1,856.12 per 100,000 population. The majority of cases were female (52.47%).
The highest incidence was observed in the 6–12 years age group (5,428.13 per 100,000 population), followed by the 2–5 years and under-2 years age groups (5,199.15 and 3,687.24 per 100,000 population, respectively).
The top three districts with the highest incidence rates were Ratchathewi (11,499.90 per 100,000 population), Bang Rak (10,521.50 per 100,000 population), and Phaya Thai (8,678.10 per 100,000 population). Most outbreaks occurred in schools and correctional facilities. In 2024, the peak in influenza cases occurred from June to October, earlier than the 5-year median (2019–2023). This trend is likely associated with the early onset of the rainy season in Bangkok, as forecasted by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). Vaccine coverage in Health Region 13 (Bangkok) remains below the target level. Currently, the key effective measures for influenza prevention and control include social distancing, mask-wearing, and vaccination. Policy recommendations based on field assessments indicate that continued policy-level advocacy is necessary to maximize the effectiveness of influenza prevention and control measures in Bangkok.

Prevalence of Heat-Related Illnesses from Occupational Heat Exposure Among Motorcycle Riders in Bangkok

Thidarat Khamhaengphol — 2025-12-08

This study aims to examine the prevalence of heat-related illnesses among motorcycle riders in Bangkok using a cross-sectional study design. Data were collected from 417 riders who primarily work outdoors and
are exposed to high temperatures. The study employed a questionnaire to assess individual factors, health status, behaviors, Work, environmental conditions, and symptoms of illness.

The results indicate that the majority of participants were male 94%, aged 45 - 59 years 43.6%. Most worked as full-time motorcycle riders 96.2%, worked more than eight hours per day 94.0%, and primarily worked outdoors 71.2%. The heat index in Phaya Thai District reached a maximum of 56.4°C. Regarding heat-related symptoms, on the day of the study, the most commonly reported conditions included confusion or difficulty speaking, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat 17.3%. Within the past month, the most prevalent symptom was headache 38.8%, while within the past year, headache remained the most frequently reported condition 37.9%.

The findings of this study provide valuable insights for developing effective strategies to mitigate heat-related health risks among motorcycle riders. This includes implementing preventive measures, particularly in urban areas where accumulated heat from road surfaces and buildings exacerbates temperature conditions. Moreover, the study highlights the need to raise awareness about appropriate health management practices during extreme heat conditions.

A Study of Factors Associated with Public Awareness of E-Cigarette Use Among Youth: A Case Study of Saraburi Province

Yodchai Suwannawong — 2025-12-08

The use of e-cigarettes among youth has been increasing in recent years. Addressing this issue requires a collective effort from all sectors of society. Shared public awareness plays a vital role, serving as the foundation for effective social participation and collaboration in preventing youth from the risks associated with e-cigarette use. This mixed-method research aimed to examine social awareness and the factors associated with social awareness regarding e-cigarette use among youth, as well as to propose guidelines for promoting social participation in monitoring and preventing youth e-cigarette use in Saraburi Province. The study sample comprised 694 members of the general public aged 15 years and above, selected through snowball sampling, and 15 stakeholders involved in e-cigarette-related activities, selected through purposive sampling. Research instruments included an online questionnaire and a set of guided questions for discussions. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and content analysis. The results showed that the majority of respondents were female (50.29%), aged 20–29 years (26.37%), single (54.76%), with a high school education (36.46%), employed in companies or the government sector (35.59%), living in urban areas (50.86%), non-smokers (63.54%), and not affected by cigarette use (71.61%). Overall, social awareness regarding youth e-cigarette use was at a high level (𝑥̅=4.24), particularly in terms of the social role (𝑥̅=4.47) and readiness to participate in problem-solving (𝑥̅=4.42). Statistically significant factors associated with social awareness included gender, age, education level, smoking history, and type of community (p<0.005). Guidelines for promoting social participation include establishing youth role model networks, developing an app-based reporting system, organizing creative alternative activities, and enhancing the capacity of parents, teachers, and communities.

A Study of Immune Response and Associated Factors after Hepatitis B Booster Vaccination in Personnel of Institute for Urban Disease Control and Prevention

Khammakorn Thiangthangthum — 2025-12-08

This study aims to examine the immune response after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine and compare the factors associated with the immune response following a booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine among the personnel of the Urban Disease Prevention and Control Institute. A sample group from personnel who underwent blood tests for HBs Ag and anti-HBs using a rapid test kit for hepatitis B virus immunity (HBsAb), with negative HBs Ag results indicating no immunity, and who received either one or three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine between January and September 2024. A total of 64 individuals were included in the study. Data were collected using a modified data recording form based on the hepatitis B virus infection screening form from the Department of Disease Control. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-test for analytical statistics. The research findings revealed that the sample group consisted of 64 individuals, 79.7% of whom were female. The majority were aged between 20 and 32 years (48.4%), with 71.9% being single. The majority (34.4%) held positions classified as "other staff" with low risk. 37.5% had underlying health conditions, with the most common being allergies (29.2%), followed by hypertension (16.7%). In terms of vaccination, 59.4% had received one dose and 40.6% had received three doses. Results from the post-vaccination hepatitis B virus immunity test showed a positive result in 93.7%. Testing the hypothesis, it was found that staff with underlying health conditions, the time interval before blood sampling, and the number of hepatitis B vaccinations had a statistically significant effect on post-vaccination immunity at a 0.05 significance level. The study found that 93.7% of those who received the hepatitis B vaccine developed detectable immunity. It also identified that factors such as pre-existing health conditions, the timing of immunity testing, and the number of vaccine doses administered significantly influenced the detection of immunity. Based on these findings, the study suggests that post-vaccination immune testing may not be necessary as part of the immunization process. Further study should be conducted on the details of each risk group that shows a negative immune response after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine within one month, in order to identify additional factors.

Performance results of Community-Based Proactive Screening of Hepatitis B and C Infection Among At-Risk Populations under Collaboration with Local Administrative Organizations in Health Region 4

Kattalee Hankuno — 2025-12-08

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to examine the performance of community-based proactive screening for hepatitis B and C infections among at-risk populations under the collaboration with local administrative organizations in Health Region 4, Thailand. The sample comprised 2,207 individuals aged 30 years and older whose screening data were recorded in the national hepatitis B and C screening database maintained by the Division of AIDS and STIs, Department of Disease Control. The results revealed that 2.13% tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and 1.04% tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies. The majority of positive cases were aged 60 years and older (48.94% for HBsAg, 52.17% for anti-HCV) and were born before 1992 (94.00% and 100%, respectively). To enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of hepatitis B and C prevention and control, it is recommended to develop and integrate the screening data system with existing health service platforms, implement continuous and proactive public communication strategies, and ensure adequate resources—including diagnostic kits and budgets—are provided by local administrative organizations across all levels. Additionally, capacity building for local health personnel and community-based staff should be strengthened, particularly in screening, counseling, and referral processes. A follow-up care system using community mechanisms or care coordinators should also be established to ensure long-term disease management and prevention.

Factors Related to Preventive Behavior for Leptospirosis of the people in Thon Hong Sub-district, Phrom Khiri District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Wipaporn Tewitchanon — 2025-12-08

Leptospirosis remain a major public health issue in the Southern Thailand. Both rural and urban areas reported cases of leptospirosis especially in the rainy season at the flooding areas. Reservoir animals (especially rats) also increase the chance of outbreaks. However, few studies focus on the perception based on health belief model theory in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province and the Southern Thailand. This research is a cross-sectional survey to study preventive behaviors for leptospirosis, and identifying the relationship between perception and preventive behavior for leptospirosis of the sample group consists of 269 people aged 25 to 65 living in Thon Hong Subdistrict, Phrom Khiri District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. selected by stratified and simple random sampling methods. Data were collected via questionnaires consisting of 47 items, which had a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.91. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data.

The results showed that participants have a high level of the overall perception regarding leptospirosis prevention (90.70%). Similarly, they had high levels of all perceived domains, including perceived benefits of prevention (95.17%), perceived severity of the disease (93.68%), perceived susceptibility (71.38%), and perceived barriers to prevention (69.89%). Preventive behavior for leptospirosis was also reported at a high level (97.77%). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between perception and preventive behavior at the 0.05 level. These included perceived susceptibility (r=0.263), perceived severity (r=0.244), perceived benefits (r=0.371), perceived barriers (r=0.159), and overall perception (r=0.363).

These findings can be integrate into the development of program and the formulation of policies to prevention and control of leptospirosis in both urban and rural areas.

Evaluation and Follow-up of Urban Disease Surveillance, Prevention, and Control Program for Local Administrators

Jarunee Rabaisri — 2025-12-08

This study was mixed-methods evaluation research aimed at evaluating and following up on the effectiveness of the "Urban Disease Surveillance, Prevention, and Control Program for Local Administrators," Cohort 1. The CIPP Model was applied to assess four dimensions: Context, Input, Process, and Product. The sample, selected through purposive sampling, consisted of 44 individuals, including the curriculum development committee and program graduates. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and questionnaires, with quantitative data analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data analyzed thematically.

The research findings were as follows: Context: The program was evaluated at a "high" level. It effectively responded to urban health challenges with up-to-date information and case studies. Key strengths included learning from distinguished experts and sharing practical experiences. Input: The evaluation ranged from "high" to "highest." Strengths were the high quality of instructors, who demonstrated continuous academic development, and the comprehensive learning support resources, including an excellent environment and sufficient budget. Process: The evaluation ranged from "high" to "highest," reflecting systematic program management, a logical course structure, and a transparent and fair evaluation process. Product: Participants' knowledge significantly increased post-training (p-value < 0.001). Follow-up assessments revealed that graduates applied their knowledge in their work, such as by integrating inter-agency collaboration and improving local disease surveillance systems. Overall satisfaction was exceptionally high, with 100% of participants confirming they would recommend the program to others.

Key recommendations include adapting content and activities to better fit specific local contexts, increasing practical exercises, and creating separate tracks for policy-level and operational-level administrators. Furthermore, a 6-month post-training follow-up is suggested to assess the sustainable application of knowledge.

Attitude toward Synthetic Biology Vaccine among Thai people Aged 15-60 years

Kanpitcha Kaewkongkaew — 2025-12-08

Synthetic biology is revolutionizing vaccine development, particularly through innovations like mRNA-based vaccines that offer rapid production and strong safety profiles. Despite these advancements, public acceptance of synthetic biology-based vaccines remains uncertain in low- and middle-income countries such as Thailand, where awareness is limited and acceptance is influenced by skepticism and socio-cultural factors. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge about synthetic biology vaccines among Thai individuals aged 15–60 years, explore their attitudes toward vaccine acceptance, and identify key predictors influencing their willingness to accept such vaccines. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 894 participants using purposive and snowball sampling methods. The questionnaire collected demographic data as well as responses related to knowledge and attitudes toward synthetic biology vaccines. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression to explore associations and predictive factors.

The research results found that the most participants demonstrated low knowledge (66.33%), yet a majority (54.14%) held moderately positive attitudes toward synthetic biology vaccine acceptance. Knowledge was a significant predictor of acceptance (p < 0.001), while demographic variables such as gender, age, and income were not statistically significant. Discussion highlighted the role of external factors like trust and media exposure in shaping attitudes, despite limited scientific literacy.

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that public acceptance of synthetic biology vaccines in Thailand is moderately favorable, even with low awareness. This suggests that trust, effective communication, and cultural relevance may outweigh scientific knowledge in driving vaccine attitudes. Tailored outreach strategies are essential for promoting acceptance of emerging biotechnologies.

The effects of a self-management program using line application on medication adherence and sputum conversion in persons with retreatment pulmonary tuberculosis

Niphaporn Fangkam — 2025-12-08

This study aimed to compare medication adherence among persons with retreatment pulmonary tuberculosis before and after receiving a self-management program via the LINE application, compare medication adherence between the group receiving the self-management program and the group receiving routine nursing care, and evaluate sputum test results (from positive to negative) after receiving the self-management program via the LINE application. The study employed a quasi-experimental, two-group pretest-posttest design. The sample consisted of male and female patients aged 20–60 years diagnosed with retreatment pulmonary tuberculosis and receiving care at the tuberculosis clinic of a tertiary hospital. The experimental group (n=30) received a self-management program consisting of health education, counseling, and medication adherence tracking through the LINE application for 8 weeks, between April 2025 and June 2025. The control group (n=30) received routine nursing care. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, A t-tests for comparative analysis and The Fisher exact probability test.

Results showed that medication adherence significantly improved in the experimental group after the program, both compared to their own pre-intervention scores and to the control group (p < .05). Additionally, sputum test results in the experimental group showed a significantly higher rate of conversion from positive to negative compared to the control group (p < .05). In conclusion, the self-management program using the LINE application was effective in improving medication adherence among patients with recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis and should be integrated into routine care services.

The prevalence and factors associated the health problems among diabetic muslims of Pattani province, Thailand during Hajj pilgrimage 2023

Madinah Duera-oh — 2025-12-08

The Hajj pilgrimage is an important religious practice in Islam that gathers a large number of people at a single place and time. This can lead to health issues, particularly for individuals with diabetes, who experience higher rates of illness and mortality compared to the general population. Currently, a study on this issue is limited, which results in less effective disease prevention. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with health problems among Thai Muslim diabetics in Pattani province during the Hajj pilgrimage in 2023. A cross-sectional study was conducted, collecting data through questionnaires from participants in the first 14 days after returning from Hajj. The prevalence of health problems was reported using descriptive statistics, and factors related to health problems were analyzed using logistic regression.
A total of 187 eligible participants, 154 (82.40%) reported health problems. Respiratory symptoms were the most common (128 individuals). Factors associated with health problems included sleeping during Hajj less than 6 hours per day (Adjusted OR = 2.88, 95% CI 1.27-6.52, p=0.011) and living in Sai Buri district (Adjusted OR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.07-0.73, p=0.013). In conclusion, the majority of diabetic individuals participating in the Hajj pilgrimage from Pattani Province encountered various health problems. Therefore, enhancing education on adequate sleep and evaluating the health promotion system for Hajj pilgrims in Saiburi District, Pattani Province, may contribute to reducing the morbidity rate among diabetic pilgrims in future years.

Factors associated with overweight among college students at Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University Chanthaburi Province

Phakwarin Phattharasirisomboon — 2025-12-08

Overweight is a health problem that serves as the starting point for many dangerous complications, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension. This study used a cross-sectional survey design to investigate overweight conditions and the factors associated with overweight among college students Rambhaibarni Rajabhat University Chanthaburi Province. The sample group consisted of 377 undergraduate students in the regular semester of the academic year 2024 at Rambhaibarni Rajabhat University Chanthaburi Province. The sample was selected using stratified random sampling. Using a questionnaire covering general information, predisposing factors, enabling factors, and reinforcing factors. Data was collected between June and July 2024. Statistics used for data analysis are descriptive statistics and chi-square. The results showed that factors that the sample group consisted of 377 people; 33.4% were male and 66.69% were female, of whom 80.3 % were over 18 years old. 65.5% had normal weight, and 34.5% were overweight, 39.3% had a monthly income between 3,000–5,000 baht, 64.2% exercised only occasionally, 48.3% consumed alcohol. 9.5% smoked, 99.2% had a low level of knowledge about healthy eating, 70.3% had difficulty accessing food sources, and 42.4% received low levels of social support from friends. Factors significantly associated with overweight conditions among students were exercise (x² =6.474, p=0.039). According to the results of the study, activities should be organized to promote nutrition education and development of exercise programs to prevent overweight in students in the future.

Assessment of Indoor Air Quality and Surveillance of Legionella Pneumophila in Water at a Hospital in Bangkok

Piyatad Bumrungwech — 2025-12-08

Hospitals are high-traffic environments that primarily serve patients who may carry infectious agents, posing a significant risk of disease transmission. Effective indoor air quality management is therefore critical for infection control, particularly in preventing the spread of Legionella pneumophila, a bacterium that causes pneumonia and is commonly found in buildings with centralized ventilation systems. This study aimed to assess indoor air quality and monitor potential sources of L. pneumophila contamination in the water systems of a hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, with indoor air quality evaluated at 307 purposively selected sampling points across outpatient departments, inpatient wards, and critical/semi-critical care units. Additionally, water samples were collected from 67 high-risk locations for L. pneumophila colonization and potential transmission to patients and healthcare personnel. Data collection took place from January to September 2024, with sampling days randomly selected during operational periods.

The results showed that PM_2.5concentrations met national standards in 90.2% of sampling points, carbon dioxide levels in 86.0%, air exchange rates in 84.2%, temperature in 73.9%, and relative humidity in only 45.3%. Notably, 54.7% of the areas had relative humidity levels exceeding standard thresholds, which may facilitate microbial growth. L. pneumophila was detected at 19 sampling sites, although all concentrations were below 100,000 CFU/L. Given Thailand’s tropical climate-characterized by persistently high temperature and humidity-ongoing monitoring and control strategies are essential. These should include effective humidity management and regular inspections of hospital water systems, such as water storage tanks, faucets, and showers, to mitigate infection risks, particularly for immunocompromised patients and healthcare workers.

Effects of a Self-Efficacy Program on Injury and Fatality Prevention from Road Traffic Accidents in High School Students at Very High-risk district, Surin Province

Manachai Sureram — 2025-12-08

Road traffic fatalities are a significant public health issue in Thailand. An integrated analysis of three mortality databases indicated that children and adolescents aged 10-19 years experienced the highest burden, with a total of 26,126 deaths over the past nine years, averaging 2,902 deaths per year. If no effective interventions are implemented, the number of road traffic fatalities among Thai youth is projected to increase to an average of 3,732 deaths per year. This study aimed to examine the effects of an awareness-enhancing program on injury and fatality prevention among secondary school students in a high-risk district of Surin Province. A quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design was conducted among 42 participants, randomly selected from secondary school students (Grades 7-12) who commuted to school by motorcycle. The study was carried out over 12 weeks in Mueang Surin District, a high-risk area, with participants selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Inferential statistics, including a Paired t-test, were used to compare the mean scores between dependent sample groups.

The results showed that the majority of participants were female (57.14%), aged between 14 and 18 years, with a mean age of 16.43 years (S.D. = 1.467). The average age at which students first rode a motorcycle was 12.31 years (S.D. = 1.854), with 35.71% beginning at 12 years old. Parents were the primary instructors for motorcycle riding (50.00%), followed by self-learning (26.19%) and guidance from relatives (16.67%). Most parents allowed their children to ride motorcycles to school during early secondary education (64.29%), and the majority did not possess a valid driving license (76.19%). Additionally, 52.38% of students had experienced at least one motorcycle accident, with 45.45% having had only one incident. Most injuries were minor and did not require hospitalization (63.63%). After the intervention, the students showed a significantly higher average score on self-perceived ability to prevent accidents, expectations about injury and death prevention from traffic accidents, and behaviors for road safety compared to before the experiment, (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that this intervention model could be applied in other educational settings to reduce motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities among children and adolescents.

Systematic Review: Wearable Devices for Health Monitoring and Their Application in Thailand

Rachata Kunakitkumjohn — 2025-12-08

Thailand’s rapidly aging population, projected to reach 31% by 2040, faces increasing rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes, which place significant strain on the healthcare system and diminish quality of life. Wearable health monitoring devices present a promising solution for early detection and chronic disease management, particularly when integrated with telehealth services. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these devices in elderly health monitoring, explore factors that facilitate or hinder their adoption, and assess their suitability for use in Thailand. Using the PRISMA framework, 35 empirical studies published between 2019 and 2023 were analyzed from databases including PubMed, Scopus, ThaiJo, and Google Scholar. The findings indicate that wearable devices contribute to improved health tracking and management of chronic conditions, especially diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and offer added value through real-time monitoring and telehealth connectivity. Nonetheless, several barriers hinder widespread use, including device inaccuracy, high costs, limited digital literacy, and discomfort during use-issues that are particularly pronounced among elderly individuals in rural areas. To unlock the full potential of wearable health technologies in Thailand, it is essential to address economic, technological, usability, and infrastructure challenges through targeted interventions and inclusive policies that promote equitable access and adoption among older adults.