Journal of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani University

Nursing care of Leprosy patient: case study

Preeyanan Thanakun — 2024-01-19

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic communicable disease caused by a type of bacteria Mycobacterium leprae, transmitted via droplets from repriratory tract and skin wounds and prolonged close and frequent contact with untreated cases. The symptoms may begin within one year or may take up to 20 years. The disease predominantly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Leprosy is curable with multidrug therapy (MDT), the best way to prevent the spread of leprosy is through early diagnosis and treatment. The disease may cause progressive and permanent disabilities. This article discusses the nursing care of patients with leprosy, providing an overview of key symptoms, current illness history, symptom characteristics, health status information, treatment history, and laboratory test results. The nursing process is employed to assess health conditions, diagnose nursing care needs, plan nursing care, implement nursing interventions, and evaluate outcomes. The case study involves a 46-year-old Thai male with a rash appearing in various areas such as the face, trunk, back, arms, forearms, and legs for the past month. Dermatologists conducted a slit skin smear, revealing mid-borderline leprosy infection. The patient received treatment with a combination of multiple drugs and monthly follow-ups. The presented information can serve as a guideline for planning comprehensive nursing care for leprosy patients, covering physical, mental, social, and spiritual aspects to ensure a better quality of life for the patients in the future.

The impact of electronic waste on the environment and health

Suvimon Sarntichartsak — 2024-01-19

According to the increasing quantity of electric and electronic waste (E-waste or WEEE) annually worldwide, further problems have arisen from its inappropriate disposal in Thailand. E-waste contains hazardous substances which affect the environment and human health. The impacts of these toxic substances in the production, manufacturing process, dismantling, and improper management, resulted in acute and chronic health effects. E-waste surveillance of both environmental and human health is essential for government and private sectors to protect humans and the environment from the toxic chemicals that might be released from E-waste. This article provides a comprehensive summary of types of E-waste, hazardous substances, environmental and health impacts, surveillance, and related laws.

Hearing loss among handloom weavers; Pakthongchai, Nakhon Ratchasima

Pirutchada Musigapong — 2024-01-19

The purpose of this study was to examine noise exposure and hearing loss among weavers at two textile mills in Pak Thongchai. Statistical analysis was also used to investigate the comparative study of noise exposure among weavers using wooden and steel weaving, as well as the relationship between noise exposure (Max & Peak) and noise level of octave band frequencies (500 – 2,000 Hz) from wooden and steel hand-weaving. There were 12 weavers with over 20 years of experience. Over an 8-hour working period, the wooden and steel handloom weavers were subjected to noise levels of 61.3±9.4 and 62.4±14.7 dBA, respectively, which did not exceed the regulation limit (85 dBA for 8 hours). Also, the independent sample t-test results revealed that the noise exposure levels from both handloom weavings were not different (t = 0.03, p-value = 0.976). Further characteristics of several noise sources were identified in the intermittent noise, which demonstrated a cycle of high and low noise levels. When Pearson’s correlation and Spearman’s rank correlation were performed, noise levels in the 500 -2,000 Hz range were associated with Max and Peak levels (p-value < 0.05). According to the hearing level based on the speech frequency (500 – 2,000 Hz range), 50% of weavers have mild hearing impairments. These can be determined disorders of the middle ear, cochlea, auditory nerve, and brainstem pathway. Furthermore, the degree of hearing loss in the better ear (500 – 6,000 Hz) was classified in workers. There was hearing loss in as much as 66.8% of 12 weavers, with mild to severe hearing loss. Therefore, the company owner should have plans to monitor noise level and noise characterization (maximum and peak level), implement health surveillance, and perform annual health checks for weavers. Moreover, hearing protective equipment should be provided as a preliminary management for weavers.

Public participation in solid waste management in community tourism of lower south andaman islands: A case study of Koh klang and Koh sukron

Kannika Ruangdej Chaosuansreecharoen — 2024-01-19

Koh Klang, Krabi Province and Koh Sukorn, Trang Province are islands under the supervision of local administrative organizations, are promoted as a cultural community tourist attraction, and are in the "Clean Islands" action plan of the Andaman Sea. This cross-sectional survey research aimed to study public participation in solid waste management in the Lower South Andaman Islands community tourism. The samples were representations from 334 households of Koh Sukorn and 310 households of Koh Klang. This research was conducted using a questionnaire according to Cohen and Uphoff. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The research results revealed that the scores of public participations in solid waste management of Koh Klang were moderate both overall and in each dimension. The scores of public participations in solid waste management of Koh Sukron were moderate and low. When considering each dimension, it was found that the implementation dimension was the highest score. The average score of implementations at Koh Klang and Koh Sukron was 2.77 (SD = 0.54) and 2.65 (SD = 0.23), respectively. The next rating score was the received benefits. The average score of received benefits at Koh Klang and Koh Sukron was 2.83 (SD = 0.64) and 2.56 (SD = 0.38), respectively. The evaluation dimension was the lowest score. The average evaluation score at Koh Klang and Koh Sukron was 2.24 (SD = 0.50) and 1.86 (SD = 0.54) respectively. The Subdistrict Administrative Organization has legal authority responsible for collecting, transporting, and disposing of sewage and solid waste in the area. Therefore, the Subdistrict Administrative Organization should enhance public participation in waste management by enhancing people's knowledge and awareness of waste management. In addition, the Subdistrict Administrative Organization provides enabling factors, including budget allocation for waste management.

Prevalence and factors associated with blood cholinesterase enzyme safety levels among farmers under the implementation on development quality of life levels at Khong Chai district, Kalasin province

Mayuree SuwunnaKhot — 2024-01-19

Pesticide residues in food are among the leading risk factors for cancer and health problems that can lead to death. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study aimed at determining the prevalence and factors associated with safe levels of cholinesterase in the blood of farmers involved in the operation to develop the quality of life in the Khong Chai District, Kalasin Province. The study included a group of 270 farmers, and a systematic random sampling method was employed. Data were collected through a questionnaire consisting of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment, abbreviated form (WHOQOL – BREF – THAI), with a reliability score of 0.91. The safety level of cholinesterase enzyme in the blood was assessed using cholinesterase reactive paper. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and relationships were explored using Fisher's exact test. The results revealed the prevalence of safety levels of blood cholinesterase enzyme, with normal levels at 22.22%, safety levels at 38.52%, risk levels at 29.63%, and unsafe levels at 9.63%. Factors associated with blood cholinesterase enzyme safety levels among farmers included health insurance (p-value=0.033), smoking (p-value=0.012), consumption of energy drinks (p-value=0.010), and underlying disease (p-value=0.034). Therefore, knowledge should be promoted to reduce the risk factors for farmers who have risky and unsafe levels of cholinesterase enzyme in their blood. Leading to driving operations in line with the local strategy of the Khong Chai District Quality of Life Development Committee.

Comparison of viral load among patients with or without COVID-19 pneumonia Delta variant

Wichunun Kunchai — 2024-01-19

This research aimed to compare viral load among patients with or without COVID-19 pneumonia Delta variant. This study is a retrospective descriptive study of 249 COVID-19 patients admitted to Chaiyaphum Hospital between October and December 2021. There were 166 COVID-19 patients without pneumonia and 83 COVID-19 patients with pneumonia. Chest radiographs were evaluated using the Brixia scoring system. Differences in continuous and categorical variables between the two groups were assessed using a Wilcoxon rank sum test and Chi-square test or Fisher exact test, respectively. The viral load Ct value was described by mean and standard deviation (SD) and used a two-sample independent t-test to compare between two groups. The determined risk factor associated with pneumonia in COVID patients was used logistics regression at a significant level of 0.05. The results show that the group of COVID-infected patients with pneumonia had a significantly lower viral load Ct value than the group of COVID-infected patients without pneumonia (mean ± SD; 19.1 ± 4.3 vs. 20.9 ± 6.0, P = 0.01), respectively. Ct value < 23 is associated with COVID-19 pneumonia Delta variant (sensitivity 85.5%, specificity 27.1%). Viral load results vary according to the CXR severity score. The risk factors associated with COVID-infected pneumonia were age ≥ 60 years [aOR:7.30 (95% CI: 3.57-14.94)], BMI ≥ 25 [aOR:1.90 (95% CI: 1.01-3.59)], hypertension [aOR:3.11 (95% CI: 1.22-7.97)] and Viral load Ct value < 23 [aOR:2.22 (95% CI: 1.02-4.83)]. Viral load is associated with pneumonia in COVID-19 patients with the Delta variant and correlates with the CXR severity score. There should be consideration for testing the viral load in COVID-infected patients with risk factors for the development of pneumonia for the purpose of planning treatment and subsequent follow-up with chest radiography.

Online media literacy with covid-19 preventive and controlled behaviors among village health volunteers in agricultural areas of Chanthaburi province

Thadchatha Tuayjad — 2024-01-19

Online media is important for the work of village health volunteers (VHVs) in preventing and controlling of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). If VHVs are online media literacy, they will be able to increase their work efficiency and contribute to preventing the spread of COVID-19 even further. The purpose of this cross-sectional survey was to investigate online media literacy with COVID-19 preventive and controlled behaviors among village health volunteers in agricultural areas of Chanthaburi province. There were 435 VHVs in the sample. Data was obtained during July and August of 2022. Questionnaires were used as study instruments. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The Chi-Square statistic and Fisher's Exact test were used to examine the association. The results revealed that the average age of VHVs was 46.8 years, 50.1% work in agriculture, the average duration of being a VHV is 12.1 years, the average use of online media is 3.7 hours per day, online media literacy is high at 56.6 percent, and 96.3 percent of VHVs had the appropriate level of COVID-19 preventive and controlled behaviors. The analysis of the associations between various factors and COVID-19 prevention and control behaviors showed that marital status (p = 0.01), family income (p = 0.01), access to online media (p = 0.01), online media evaluation (p = 0.01), online media creation (p = 0.01), and online media literacy (overall) (p = 0.01) were all significantly associated with COVID-19 prevention behaviors. As a result, capacity development for COVID-19 prevention and control is needed for VHVs. Ministry of Interior Ministry of Public Health and related agencies should focus on online media literacy for VHVs, particularly in terms of access to online media, online media evaluation, online media creation, in order to assist VHVs develop sustainable COVID-19 prevention and control behaviors that can be effectively communicated to the people in the area.