Journal of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani University

Factors associated with road accident prevention behavior from motorcycle driving among people in Waritchaphum subdistrict, Waritchaphum district Sakon Nakhon province

2025-06-23T12:38:22+07:00

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to investigate road accident prevention behaviors and the factors associated with such behaviors among motorcycle riders in Waritchaphum Subdistrict, Waritchaphum District, Sakon Nakhon Province. The sample consisted of 345 individuals aged between 40 and 70 years. Data were collected using a questionnaire with a content validity index of 0.95 and a reliability coefficient (Cronbach’s alpha) of 0.70 Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The inferential statistics included chi-square and Spearman’s rank correlation. The results showed that most participants were female (64.35%), with a mean age of 53 years (SD = 8.24). The majority had completed primary education (36.22%) and had more than 10 years of motorcycle riding experience (81.16%) Road accident prevention behaviors were found to be at a high level among participants 87.82% ( = 67.90, SD. = 5.59) Factors significantly associated with road accident prevention behaviors included age (rₛ = –0.109, p < .05) income (rₛ = 0.110, p < .05), knowledge of traffic laws (rₛ = 0.199, p < .001), and perception of road accidents (rₛ = 0.146, p < .01). Therefore, measures should be implemented to assist low-income groups, such as distributing free helmets and conducting safety campaigns, especially targeting high-risk groups like the elderly.

Factors associated with mortality in HIV patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP)

2025-07-15T16:15:54+07:00

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a significant opportunistic infection and a major cause of mortality in HIV-infected patients. Understanding clinical characteristics that increase mortality risk is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. This exploratory prognostic factor research employed a retrospective observational cohort design, collecting data from medical records of HIV patients diagnosed with PCP who received treatment at Pakchong Nana Hospital between 2021-2023. Sixty patients were analyzed for relationships between various characteristics and mortality using the Chi-squared test and multivariable logistic regression. Among 60 patients (mean age 34.4±12.5 years, 53.3% male), 15 patients died (25%) and 45 survived (75%). Multivariable analysis revealed characteristics significantly associated with increased mortality: not receiving antiretroviral therapy (OR 18.75, 95%CI 2.47-142.35, p=0.005), severe disease stage (OR 12.54, 95%CI 1.83-85.97, p=0.010), acute respiratory failure (OR 8.92, 95%CI 1.42-56.21, p=0.020), poor treatment compliance (OR 7.35, 95%CI 1.11-48.65, p=0.039), and ground-glass opacity on chest radiography (OR 6.28, 95%CI 1.02-38.74, p=0.048). Continuous antiretroviral therapy, prevention of respiratory failure, and promotion of treatment compliance are key factors in reducing mortality rates in this patient population. These findings provide valuable insights for improving clinical management and outcomes in HIV patients with PCP in community hospital settings.

Thai Prevalence of EGFR mutations and their association with demographic factors in non-small cell lung cancer patients: a provincial hospital case study in Northeastern Thailand

2025-09-01T05:40:33+07:00

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations are critical biomarkers in managing non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly among Asian populations. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of EGFR mutations and their association with demographic characteristics in NSCLC patients in northeastern Thailand. A retrospective analytical study was conducted on 220 NSCLC patients who underwent EGFR mutation testing at Sappasitthiprasong Hospital between 2021 and 2022. Mutations in EGFR exons 18–21 were detected using Super ARMS PCR. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that the overall prevalence of EGFR mutations was 35.9%, with the most common subtypes being exon 19 deletions (18.6%) and L858R in exon 21 (13.2%). Female patients had a significantly higher mutation rate than males (p = 0.035). One-year survival was significantly higher in EGFR-positive patients (63.8%) compared with EGFR-negative patients (40.5%). These findings highlight a prevalence of EGFR mutations consistent with other Southeast Asian countries and emphasize the value of molecular diagnostics in provincial settings to improve equitable access to targeted therapy.

Thai Prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis among working-age personnel at Ubon Ratchathani University

2025-08-21T08:49:43+07:00

Thailand is rapidly transitioning into an aging society, leading to an increase in health-related problems, particularly osteoporosis, a major cause of disability. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of osteoporosis among personnel at Ubon Ratchathani University, as part of a national initiative to prevent disease. A total of 256 staff members aged 45 years and older were screened using the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA) and additional risk factors based on the Ministry of Public Health guidelines. Of these, 115 participants (44.9%) were identified as at risk, with the most common risk factor being a family history of osteoporosis or fragility fractures (7.03%), followed by early menopause before the age of 45 (5.86%) and history of steroid use (5.08%). Among the volunteers, 73 individuals with a mean age of 51 years underwent Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan. The results showed that 72.6% had normal bone mass, 24.7% had osteopenia, and 2.73% had osteoporosis, which are lower than prevalence rates reported in both Asian and global populations. These findings underscore the importance of proactive screening to identify individuals at risk and prevent early bone loss. They also highlight the need for community-based preventive programs and further long-term studies to reduce the burden of osteoporosis in aging societies.