Journal of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani University

Factors related to overweight and obesity among health science university students in Sisaket Province

Maiyara Setthamas — 2023-10-09

This study examined knowledge, attitudes, risk behaviors of overweight and obese students, and factors influencing overweight and obesity among 174 Health Science students of Sisaket Rajabhat University. The questionnaire was completed via Google Forms, and 211 volunteer students responded. The data was analyzed using prescriptive statistics, including percentage, average, and standard deviation. Pearson product-moment correlation, Spearman Rank-order Correlation, and Logistic Regression were applied to identify the relationship between overweight and obesity with a significant level of 0.05. The author found that the knowledge of the sample was at a high level (94.8%), the attitude was at a medium level (83.4%), and the risk behaviors of overweight and obesity were at a medium level (92.4%). A low negative relationship between knowledge and the risk behaviors of overweight and obesity was found r = -0.22 (95% CI: -0.09 to -0.35). Attitudes had a low positive correlation with risk behaviors for overweight and obesity r = 0.22 (95% CI: 0.09 to -0.35). The results also showed that regular or frequent stress-reducing activities prevented overweight and obesity OR = 0.19 (95% CI: 0.06 - 0.64). It was suggested that educating students was probably insufficient to build up good behaviors. Therefore, administrators and instructors should organize projects or provide activities during class that can create positive attitudes in the university. Group activities or tasks are also options to provide opportunities for students to do activities together.

Development of a participatory network model of partners in health care for social-bound elderly in the Kanchan sub-district health-promoting hospital, Dong Kammed sub-district, Khukhan district, Sisaket Province

Pemika Chaisrisa — 2023-10-09

This action research aims to study the development of the participatory network model in health care for social-bound elderly in the Kanchan sub-district health-promoting hospital, Dong Kammed sub-district, Khukhan District, Sisaket Province. The sample group consisted of local government organizations, community leaders, elderly families, villagers, the directors of sub-district health promoting hospitals, and health officers, arriving to a total of 41 people. The research utilizes the Kemmis & McTaggart (PAOR) process, which consists of three cycles, each comprising four steps: planning, action, observation, and reflection. Data analysis involves data collection, categorization, content analysis, and evaluation of the model's outcomes by comparing the average scores before and after using the paired t-test statistical method. The research findings reveal that the participatory network model in health care for social-bound elderly in Kanchan sub-district health-promoting hospital, Dong Kammed sub-district, Khukhan District, Sisaket Province contributes to 1) value creation, 2) health literacy, 3) family relationships, 4) family caregivers, 5) basic life support, and 6) networking. The experimental results demonstrate significant differences in the average scores of knowledge, perception, and involvement in the healthcare of elderly individuals after the implementation of the participatory network model, with a statistical significance level of 0.05. The developed model enhances the potential of the healthcare network for elderly individuals in the area of the Kanchan sub-district health-promoting hospital, Dong Kammed sub-district, Khukhan District, Sisaket Province, in line with the set objectives.

Adaptation of non-communicable disease services in Health Region 10 during the COVID-19 situation

Anuphan Suwanphan — 2023-10-09

This research is a qualitative study aimed at extracting lessons learned from adapting non-communicable disease (NCDs) services and assessing the sustainability of healthcare services in the context of the COVID-19 situation in Health Service Region 10, consisting of 9 facilities. The main data providers were individuals involved in NCDs services, totaling 62 people. Data were collected from June to November 2022 and analyzed through document analysis, semi-structured interviews, group discussions, content and structural analysis, and summarization of key findings. The research findings revealed that NCDs are a significant problem with many patients, despite the impact of new service arrangements. The results showed that the service outcomes remained unchanged. The service system adjustments included, 1) service delivery: expanding service channels, 2) health workforce: human resource capacity development in non-communicable disease services, 3) information systems: information systems utilizing the software at all levels but lacking in linkage, 4) medical products, vaccines, and technologies: medical technology advancements in medication delivery through private companies, private pharmacies, postal services, and village health volunteers, 5) financing: budget management, which was found to be sufficient for effective administration, 6) leadership and governance: system leadership and governance found that leaders initiated service adjustments and allocated resources adequately, and 7) community health system: the interconnected community health system. Sustainability can be achieved through five aspects: 1) health service area policies, 2) facility management, 3) collaboration networks at the district level, 4) interconnected data systems, and 5) community participation. Areas for development include: 1) enhancing information systems connectivity, 2) telemedicine systems, 3) expanding cooperation with community pharmacies, and 4) self-monitoring of patients at home.

Prevalence of HIV-1 antiretroviral drugs resistance and viral gene mutations in patients of Sunprasitthiprasong Hospital

Jiraphorn Nilsakul — 2023-10-09

This study investigates the prevalence of antiretroviral resistance, viral gene mutations, and behaviors of HIV-infected individuals in Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital, which has been closely monitored regarding treatment and the appropriate adjustment of treatment regimens. The study focuses on a group of infected individuals who received medical care and examination from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022, with 4,018 participants. The study found that 3,771 had undetectable virus levels among the infected individuals in the examination, with less than 40 copies/ml. There were 163 individuals with a viral load in the bloodstream ranging from 40 copies/ml or more. Furthermore, there were 84 individuals with a viral load equal to or exceeding 1,000 copies/ml. Among the 84 individuals tested for drug resistance, it was discovered that there were cases of drug-resistant virus found out of the 38 individuals diagnosed with antiviral drug resistance. These drug-resistant viruses belonged to the NRTI and NNRTI groups, the main antiviral drugs used for treating infected patients in Thailand. Based on the analysis of drug-resistant gene positions, it was found that the virus had mutations in the M184V and K103N gene positions, respectively. Furthermore, from studying the behavior of individuals receiving this group of antiretroviral drugs, it was discovered that infected individuals exhibited irregular antiretroviral drug intake behavior. This information can be used as a guideline for treating and monitoring HIV-infected patients to ensure their return to a state where the virus is undetectable. This will lead to an improved quality of life for the infected individuals and minimize the transmission rate to others as much as possible.

Development of health literacy programs and self-defense behavior from liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma with community participation

Suchaya Seehavong — 2023-10-09

This study was action research using PAOR (Planning, Action, Observation, and Reflection). The purpose was to develop a health literacy and self-protective behavior program for liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma with community participation in Tambon Tansum, Tansum district, Ubon Ratchathani province. The sample group was selected by random sampling of 94 people and by a purposive selection of 40 people. Quantitative data were collected by questionnaire, while qualitative data were accumulated through a focus group. The statistics used for analyzing data were frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and paired t-test, and content analysis was applied to qualitative data. The developed program applied the health literacy and health education concept of the Division of Health Education, Department of Health Service Support. The program consisted of 5 learning activity plans: 1) access to information and health services, 2) truly know, understand, and be safe from disease, 3) communicate, ask questions, and exchange knowledge, 4) decide to reduce and stop risky behaviors, and 5) plan, set the goals to create health behaviors. After carrying out the activities according to the program, the results showed that the average score of knowledge (Mean diff. = 3.47, 95%CI: 2.75-4.19), health literacy (Mean diff. = 29.39, 95%CI: 25.04-33.75), prevention behavior (Mean diff. = 34.14, 95%CI: 32.49-35.79), and participation in problem management (Mean diff. = 9.24, 95%CI: 7.35-11.14) increased statistically significantly at the 0.05 level. This study illustrated that health literacy and the self-Protective behaviors program for liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma was suitable for promoting accessibility, understanding, inquiry, validity assessment for decision making and using the information to modify behavior, which resulted in a reduction in liver fluke infection rates in the area.

Respiratory symptoms and lung function prevalence among street sweepers in Bang na district

Lakkhana Kamphak — 2023-10-09

This cross-sectional descriptive study investigates the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function among street sweepers in the Bangna district of Bangkok. The study includes 176 street sweepers working for at least six months. Data will be collected through questionnaires, lung function tests using a spirometer, and assessment of exposure to personal particulate matter not exceeding 2.5 microns. The data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the relationship will be analyzed using chi-square statistics with a significance level of 0.05. The study revealed that most street sweepers were female, accounting for 78.4%. The average age was 45 years (SD=9.97). The average duration of employment was 16 years (SD=7.85). The results found that 76.1% of the participants used respiratory protective equipment. The mean value of exposure to particulate matter not exceeding 2.5 microns was 279.40 ± 263.98 µg/m³. The highest exposure was observed in the morning shift from 05:00 to 13:00 (310.71 ± 250.61 µg/m³), 7.6 times higher than the standard for particulate matter not exceeding 2.5 microns in the general atmosphere over 24 hours. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among street sweepers was 50.6%, with the top three symptoms being sneezing, nasal congestion/runny nose, and nasal irritation, accounting for 33.0%, 27.3%, and 22.2%, respectively. Abnormal lung function was found in 68.0% of the participants, mostly in the obstructive pattern. The analysis revealed that gender was significantly associated with cough and sputum production (p<0.001), and underlying diseases were associated with noisy breathing (p=0.006). Therefore, the Bangna district office should monitor small particulate matter exposure, conduct regular lung function tests for street sweepers, organize employee health promotion activities, and encourage the consistent use of respiratory protective equipment during work hours.

Knowledge about overnutrition, food consumption attitudes, and food consumption behaviors of grade 4-6 students in Pho Klang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Malisa Tonkla — 2023-10-09

This research aims to study knowledge regarding overnutrition, attitudes towards food consumption, and eating behavior. It also seeks to propose strategies for promoting knowledge about overnutrition and the eating behavior of students in grades 4-6 in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The study's sample consists of students in grades 4-6 in the academic year 2023, totaling 635 individuals in the Pho Klang Subdistrict, Mueang district of Nakhon Ratchasima province. Data was collected through questionnaires and analyzed according to the growth standards for children aged 6-19 in 2022. The study results reveal that among students in grades 4-6 in the Pho Klang Subdistrict, Mueang District of Nakhon Ratchasima province, 17.9% are either overweight or obese, with a total of 132 students. The majority of students in these grades have a high level of knowledge about overnutrition, with 66.2% having the highest level of knowledge. They have the best understanding that a varied diet is essential to obtain all the necessary nutrients. Their attitudes toward food consumption are also generally positive, with a mean score of 2.33 and a standard deviation of 0.64. Their best attitudes are related to consuming foods from all five food groups. Overall, their eating behavior is rated high, with a mean score of 3.71 and a standard deviation of 0.61. Their best behavior is related to consuming fish or chicken. To promote knowledge about overnutrition and improve the eating behavior of students, it is recommended to establish a systematic and continuous link between schools and families. This can be achieved by implementing monitoring and surveillance systems that emphasize parental involvement in problem-solving, conducting joint activities with parents at home, and integrating physical activities into the teaching process to sustain good nutritional habits in children.