Thai Journal of Health Education

Factors Influencing the Intention of Female Staff to Participate in Cancer Screening Programs at the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health

2026-03-31T13:56:54+07:00

This research aimed to study the intention to undergo cervical cancer and breast cancer screening among female personnel at the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study using questionnaires for data collection. Female personnel aged 25 - 60 years were selected through proportional stratified random sampling, yielding a sample of 280 participants. Data were collected between December 2025 and January 2026. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which yielded a value of 0.95. Factors associated with cancer screening intention were analyzed using Multiple Linear Regression.

The results showed that female personnel aged 25-60 years accounted for 43.2% of the sample, with a mean age of 39.03 years. The majority were single (61.4%), held a bachelor's degree (76.1%), were government officers (63.6%), worked in nursing (42.1%), had 1 - 5 years of service (35.4%), and earned between 20,001-30,000 baht per month. Knowledge regarding cervical cancer and breast cancer was reported at 98.3% and 98.1%, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that variables significantly predicting screening intention at p < 0.05 were: breast cancer examination by a physician, nurse, or specialist (β = 0.344, p < 0.001), age (β = 0.319, p < 0.001), personal norms (β = 0.244, p < 0.001), marital status (β = 0.214, p < 0.001), and education level (β = 0.126, p = 0.023), respectively. The findings should be used as a guideline for developing training programs on cervical and breast cancer awareness for personnel, in order to promote self-health care. Additionally, on-site screening services by physicians or specialists such as mobile screening units should be organized to reduce barriers to healthcare access for female personnel.

Factors Associated with Drug Relapse among Patients Treated in a Drug Addiction Clinic

2026-06-05T16:51:46+07:00

This correlational analytical study aimed to examine factors associated with relapse among patients who had completed treatment at the Drug Dependence Treatment Clinic, Ban Kruat Hospital, Buriram Province. The sample consisted of 125 patients selected using simple random sampling. Data collection instruments included a demographic questionnaire, a stress assessment, a knowledge test on the harmful effects and consequences of drug use, an attitude toward drug use questionnaire, and relapse data. The reliability coefficients of the instruments were 0.82, 0.79 (KR-20), and 0.88, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression, with the level of statistical significance set at 0.05.

The results showed that 12.8% of the participants relapsed within three months after completing treatment. After controlling for age, stress was significantly associated with relapse. For each one-point increase in the stress score, the odds of relapse increased by 1.33 times (Adjusted OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.13 - 1.56, p = 0.001). In contrast, age was not significantly associated with relapse (Adjusted OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.98 - 1.08, p = 0.247). These findings highlight the importance of stress assessment and management, together with continuous follow-up care after treatment, to monitor and reduce factors associated with relapse.

Factors Associated with E-Cigarette Use among Vocational Students in Kanchanaburi Province

2026-06-02T12:45:11+07:00

The prevalence of e-cigarette use among Thai youth has continued to increase, particularly among vocational students, who represent a high-risk population. This cross-sectional survey aimed to examine personal, predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors associated with e-cigarette use behavior among students from a vocational education institution under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, based on the PRECEDE Framework. A total of 301 students were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were used for data analysis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

The results showed that 41.20% of the participants (n = 124) were current e-cigarette users. Among these users, the mean age of initiation was 14.89 ± 2.01 years, and the majority reported occasional use (1-14 days during the past 30 days) (71.77%). Analysis of factors associated with e-cigarette use behavior during the past 30 days among the 124 e-cigarette users revealed that personal factors, including sex, age, educational level, grade point average, monthly income, source of income, residence, cohabitation status, history of conventional cigarette smoking, and substance use, were not significantly associated with e-cigarette use behavior (p >0.05). Self-efficacy in refusing and controlling e-cigarette use was negatively associated with e-cigarette use behavior at a low level (r_s = −0.398, p <0.001). In contrast, product diversity (r_s = 0.693, p <0.001), marketing promotion (r_s = 0.342, p < 0.001), and access to e-cigarette-related information (r_s = 0.208, p = 0.020) were positively associated with e-cigarette use behavior. No significant associations were found between reinforcing factors and e-cigarette use behavior.

The findings indicate that e-cigarette prevention strategies targeting vocational students should emphasize enhancing self-efficacy in refusing and controlling e-cigarette use, while simultaneously strengthening regulations on online e-cigarette marketing, access to e-cigarette-related information, and the diversity of e-cigarette products. These measures may help prevent the initiation of e-cigarette use and reduce its prevalence among adolescents more effectively.

Factors Associated with Herbal Foot Care Behaviors with in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Foot Numbness which Under in the Area Bann Plai Kra Jub Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Phanom Sarakham District, Chachoengsao Province

2026-08-15T12:01:34+07:00

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic non-communicable disease that causes complications, particularly in the feet. Approximately 1% of diabetic patients face the risk of lower-limb amputation, leading to disability and mortality. However, foot complications can be prevented through herbal foot care, which stimulates blood circulation and reduces foot numbness. Phanom Sarakham District is a major source of herbal plant cultivation. This cross-sectional survey study aimed to investigate factors associated with herbal foot care behaviors among 156 type 2 diabetic patients experiencing foot numbness. Data were collected using questionnaires evaluating perceived susceptibility to foot complications, perceived severity of foot complications, perceived benefits of preventing foot complications, perceived barriers to preventing foot complications, exposure to information regarding herbal foot care, and herbal foot care behaviors in type 2 diabetic patients with foot numbness. Content validity was verified using the Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) evaluated by five experts. The overall reliability of the questionnaire was tested, yielding a Cronbach's alpha of 0.875. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and relationships were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

The results showed that exposure to information regarding herbal foot care had a high positive relationship with herbal foot care behaviors among type 2 diabetic patients with foot numbness (r_s = 0.657, p-value < 0.001). Perceived benefits of preventing foot complications showed a low positive relationship (r_s = 0.387, p-value < 0.001), and perceived susceptibility to foot complications showed a low positive relationship (r_s = 0.358, p-value < 0.001) with herbal foot care behaviors among type 2 diabetic patients with foot numbness, all of which were statistically significant at the 0.05 level. Therefore, promoting information dissemination on herbal foot care, the benefits of preventing foot complications, and the susceptibility to complications would enhance herbal foot care behaviors among diabetic patients.

Factors Influencing E-Cigarette Smoking Behaviors among Adolescents in a School in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

2026-06-30T13:24:11+07:00

This was a cross-sectional analytical research study aimed at studying factors affecting the e-cigarette smoking behavior of adolescents in a school in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The sample consisted of 312 upper secondary school students studying at a school in Nakhon Ratchasima Province during the 2025 academic year. The sample size was determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s formula, and participants were selected through proportional stratified random sampling. Data were collected between January and March 2026 using a self-administered questionnaire divided into 4 parts. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

The results revealed that majority of the sample had a low level of knowledge regarding e-cigarettes (63.1%), followed by a moderate level (33.3%) and a good level (3.53%). Regarding health beliefs about e-cigarettes, most participants had a moderate level (58.7%), followed by a good level (39.7%) and a low level (1.6%). In terms of smoking behavior, the majority had never smoked (67.31%), followed by former smokers who had quit (20.51%), and current smokers (12.18%). Among the 102 participants who were current or former smokers, 38.24% had never used e-cigarettes, 38.24% were current e-cigarette users, and 23.53% were former e-cigarette users who had quit The final regression model showed three factors significantly associated with e-cigarette smoking behavior at .05 level: overall grade point average (GPA) in the previous semester (AOR = 0.15, 95% CI; 0.05 - 0.46, p = 0.001), weekly income/allowance for school (AOR = 10.61, 95% CI; 4.22 - 26.71, p < 0.001), and e-cigarette use among people around them (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI; 0.10 – 0.58, p = 0.002).

Exploring Predictive Determinants of Parental Behavior Regarding Childhood Routine Immunization Uptake (Aged 0 – 5 Years) Based on the Health Belief Model in Mueang District, Nonthaburi Province

2026-06-07T11:05:19+07:00

This study aimed to analyze predictors of parents’ behavior in bringing their preschool children aged 0 - 5 years to receive basic immunization according to the schedule, based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). A cross-sectional design was used. Data were collected from 230 parents in five subdistricts in Mueang Nonthaburi. The research instrument was a four-part questionnaire consisting of demographic data, HBM perceptions, immunization behavior, and a basic immunization record form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis.

The results showed that most participants were female (80.0%), with a mean age of 35 years. More than half of the children were male (56.52%). Child Health Record Books were available for 87.83% of the children. Most parents demonstrated appropriate behaviors in bringing their children to receive basic vaccinations according to the recommended schedule. Vaccination coverage among children aged from birth to 1 year and 6 months was 100%. However, the coverage of booster vaccinations declined among children aged 4 – 5 years. Among 4-year-old children, 16.9% had not received the fifth dose of diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis (DTP5) and oral polio vaccine (OPV5). Among 5-year-old children, 1.0% had not received the second dose of Japanese encephalitis vaccine (JE2), and 3.8% had not received DTP5/OPV5. All Health Belief Model constructs were positively associated with parental vaccination-related behaviors at a statistically significant level (p < 0.001). Self-efficacy ( = 0.269, p = 0.015)
and perceived susceptibility to vaccine-preventable diseases ( = 0.231, p = 0.047) were significant predictors of parental vaccination behaviors. Together, these variables significantly predicted parental vaccination behaviors (F = 8.75, p < 0.001) and explained 16.9% of the variance (Adjusted R² = 0.169).

The findings suggest that strengthening parents' perceived susceptibility to vaccine-preventable diseases and self-efficacy may improve parental adherence to the recommended childhood vaccination schedule among preschool children. Public health agencies and child development centers should implement appointment reminder systems and strengthen risk communication regarding vaccine-preventable diseases to encourage parents to complete all recommended booster vaccinations for children aged 0 - 5 years.

Prediction of Obesity Risk Associated with Sweetened Beverage Consumption and Exercise among University Students

2026-04-28T08:33:56+07:00

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to examine obesity, sweetened beverage consumption, and exercise, as well as their association with obesity risk of 146 university students. It was conducted from January 2024 to March 2025. The research process comprised four key stages, and using four types of research instruments: weight scales, stadiometers, sweetened beverage consumption and exercises questionnaires, and sweetened beverage consumption record forms. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, and logistic regression.

The findings revealed that most of the samples were 81.51% of female, with an average age of 20 years. Approximately 29.43% of the samples were classified as obesity. Risk analysis indicated that students who consumed sweetened beverage two or more days per week had a 2.92 times higher risk of obesity compared to those who consumed them less than two days per week. Furthermore, the group with a daily sugar intake exceeding 24 grams faced a 2.36 times higher risk than those who consumed 24 grams or less. Notably, individuals with inadequate exercise or less than three days per week had a 3.33 times higher risk of obesity compared to those with adequate exercise, a finding that was statistically significant.

The research indicated, the three key risk factors contributing to the highest probability of obesity in the samples were inadequate exercise, regular consumption of sweetened beverage, and excessive sugar intake, respectively. One in four students in the sample was found to be obesity, partly due to a lack of exercise and a preference for sweetened beverage, particularly those containing caffeine. Therefore, developing health promotion programs that incorporate appropriate technologies for this age group will stimulate interest, enhance knowledge, and raise awareness. This enables individuals to effectively manage their own health and prevent obesity independently in the future.

Effect of Dental Health Literacy Promotion Program with Social Support on Gingivitis Prevention Behavior of Caregivers for Elderly

2026-04-21T08:01:49+07:00

This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the effect of a dental health literacy promotion program combined with social support on gingivitis prevention behavior among caregivers of older adults and on the dental plaque index of the older adults under their care. The sample comprised caregivers of older adults divided into an experimental group (n = 34) and a comparison group (n = 34). The experimental group received a 10-week program consisting of activities to develop the six dimensions of dental health literacy, combined with the use of an intraoral camera and social support provided by the researcher, whereas the comparison group received usual services. Data were collected using a questionnaire and a dental plaque index record form and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the independent t-test, and the paired t-test.

After the intervention, the experimental group of caregivers had significantly higher mean dental health literacy scores than the comparison group across all six dimensions: access to information (Mean diff. = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.95 to 4.93, p <0.001), knowledge and understanding (Mean diff. = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.98 to 2.82, p <0.001), communication (Mean diff. = 4.39, 95% CI: 2.48 to 6.28, p <0.001), decision-making (Mean diff. = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.46, p <0.001), self-management (Mean diff. = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.55 to 2.98, p = 0.002), and media literacy (Mean diff. = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.58, p = 0.019). Their scores were also significantly higher than before the intervention within the caregiver group across all six dimensions: access to information (Mean diff. = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.75 to 3.78, p <0.001), knowledge and understanding (Mean diff. = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.62, p <0.001), communication (Mean diff. = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.59 to 3.88, p <0.001), decision-making (Mean diff. = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.46 to 4.06, p <0.001), self-management (Mean diff. = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.21 to 2.97, p <0.001), and media literacy (Mean diff. = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.53, p <0.001). The mean gingivitis prevention behavior score of the caregivers in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the comparison group (Mean diff. = 8.38, 95% CI: 6.55 to 10.21, p <0.001) and higher than before the intervention within the caregiver group (Mean diff. = 8.62, 95% CI: 6.97 to 10.27, p <0.001). The mean dental plaque score of the older adults in the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the comparison group (Mean diff. = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.19 to 1.98, p <0.001) and lower than before the intervention within the older adult group (Mean diff. = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.72 to 2.52, p <0.001), whereas the comparison group showed no improvement in any outcome variable.

Effectiveness of a Health Literacy Program to Promote Behavior to Prevent Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Nakae Health Promoting Hospital

2026-05-20T16:43:04+07:00

Diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) represent escalating public health challenges. In 2023, Na Yung District, Udon Thani Province, reported 1,861 registered cases of diabetes and 398 cases of CKD. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a health literacy program in promoting health behaviors to prevent CKD among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This quasi-experimental research involved 70 participants, divided into an experimental group (n = 35) and a comparison group (n = 35). The 10-week intervention included pre- and post-test assessments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and independent t-tests.

The results showed that, Following the intervention, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher health literacy scores across all four dimensions compared to both their baseline and the comparison group (p <0.001). The results were as follows: (1) Accessing information (Pre-post: MD = 3.23, 95% CI: 2.44 – 4.02; Between-group: MD = 3.43, 95% CI: 1.54 – 5.32); (2) Understanding information (Pre-post: MD = 3.17, 95% CI: 2.64 – 3.70; Between-group: MD = 3.11, 95% CI: 1.39 – 4.83); (3) Appraising information (Pre-post: MD = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.86 – 3.28; Between-group: MD = 3.57, 95% CI: 1.65–5.49); and (4) Applying information (Pre-post: MD = 2.91, 95% CI: 2.20 – 3.63; Between-group: MD = 3.54, 95% CI: 1.65 – 5.43). Furthermore, CKD prevention behavior scores in the experimental group were significantly higher than baseline (MD = 3.14, 95% CI: 2.57 – 3.71) and the comparison group (MD = 3.83, 95% CI: 1.75 – 5.90) at p < 0.001. The health literacy program effectively enhanced self-care behaviors for the prevention of renal complications in T2DM patients, demonstrating its practical utility as an intervention for health promotion.

Effects of a Health Literacy and Health Behavior Development Program among Employees at an Animal Feed Factory in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

2026-06-24T15:53:35+07:00

This quasi-experimental study employed a one-group pretest–posttest design to examine the effects of a health literacy and health behavior development program among employees of an animal feed manufacturing factory in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. The participants were 30 factory employees selected according to predefined eligibility criteria. The intervention consisted of a 12-week health literacy and health behavior development program comprising three phases: preparation, implementation through group-based activities and follow-up via the LINE application, and program evaluation. Data were collected using a health literacy questionnaire and a health behavior questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while differences between pre-intervention and post-intervention scores were analyzed using the paired-samples t-test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Following participation in the program, the mean overall health literacy score increased from 144.90 ± 15.42 to 167.67 ± 16.34 points, corresponding to a mean difference of 22.70 points (95% CI: 19.64 - 25.76; p <0.001). Significant improvements were observed across all dimensions of health literacy. The mean overall health behavior score increased from 62.33 ± 5.07 to 69.10 ± 4.41 points, with a mean difference of 6.77 points (95% CI: 5.29 - 8.24; p <0.001). In addition, significant improvements were found in dietary behavior, physical activity, and mental health management (p <0.05).

The findings indicate that the health literacy development program, combined with follow-up through a digital communication platform, was effective in improving health literacy and health behaviors among animal feed factory employees. The program may serve as a practical approach to workplace health promotion among industrial workers. However, long-term follow-up is recommended to assess the sustainability of behavioral changes after completion of the program.

Effect of Health Literacy Promotion Program in Type 2 Diabetes for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Mueang District, AngThong Province

2026-05-28T08:25:58+07:00

This quasi-experimental study employed a one-group pretest–posttest design to: 1) compare self-care behaviors, 2) compare blood glucose levels, and 3) compare cardiovascular disease risk before and after participation in a health literacy promotion program among patients with type 2 diabetes in Mueang District, Ang Thong Province. The sample consisted of 41 patients with type 2 diabetes, selected using multi-stage random sampling. The intervention was implemented over a 12-week period. Research instruments included a health literacy promotion program, a self-care behavior assessment questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.82, a blood glucose recording form, and a cardiovascular disease risk assessment form. Data were analyzed using a computerized statistical program. Descriptive statistics included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Inferential statistics were analyzed using paired samples t-test.

The results revealed that, after the intervention, participants demonstrated: 1) a significant increase in self-care behaviors (pretest: x̄ = 48.02, S.D. = 4.94; posttest: x̄ = 54.34, S.D. = 3.05; Mean diff. = 6.32, t = 10.17, p <0.001), 2) a significant decrease in blood glucose levels (pretest: x̄ = 129.59, S.D. = 19.25; posttest: x̄ = 121.71, S.D. = 16.91; Mean diff. = 7.88, t = 2.33, p = 0.025), and 3) a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease risk (pretest: x̄ = 25.28, S.D. = 9.37; posttest: x̄ = 23.66, S.D. = 9.08; Mean diff. = 1.61, t = 3.39, p = 0.002).

The findings confirm that enhancing health literacy is a key mechanism for improving self-care behaviors among patients with type 2 diabetes, leading to improved health outcomes, including better glycemic control and reduced cardiovascular risk. This approach can be effectively applied in primary healthcare settings to support sustainable health system development.

Effectiveness Management of the Sub-district Health Fund of Thai Herbal Knee Compression on Osteoarthritis Symptoms among Elderly: A Study in Chatturat District Fund, Chaiyaphum Province

2026-06-22T09:19:10+07:00

Sub-district health funds are a key mechanism for decentralizing health services to communities, yet most funds still lack a clear management model for the evidence-based integration of Thai traditional medicine into elderly health services. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sub-district health fund administration in delivering a Thai herbal knee-compression program for older adults with knee osteoarthritis. A one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was used. The sample comprised 30 older adults aged 60 years and above, diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis of Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 1 - 3, purposively selected from the area of the Chatturat Sub-district Health Fund, Chaiyaphum Province. The fund administered an eight-herb knee-compression program through three mechanisms: budget allocation, inter-agency coordination, and outcome monitoring, delivered three times per week for four weeks, totaling 12 sessions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

The findings showed that a fund administered through all three mechanisms led to favorable clinical and satisfaction outcomes. All participants completed the program (100% retention). Pain scores on the Numerical Rating Scale decreased significantly from 4.96 ± 1.64 to 1.75 ± 0.97 (Z = -4.623, p <0.001, r = 0.874), a 64.7% reduction exceeding the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID). Knee stability, swelling, stiffness, and quality of life improved by 83.3 - 96.7%. Overall satisfaction was rated at the highest level (Mean = 4.85 ± 0.14). Only 3.3% of participants experienced an adverse event, which was self-resolving and not severe. These findings indicate that systematic sub-district health fund administration can effectively address problems commonly found in general funds and may serve as a sustainable model for integrating Thai traditional medicine into primary health care. This program should therefore be incorporated as a continuing benefit of sub-district health funds.

Effect of Food Choice Behavior Promotion Program among Muslim Diabetic Patients in Chumphon Subdistrict, Ongkharak District, Nakhon Nayok Province

2026-07-14T14:57:13+07:00

This study employed a quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design. The objectives were to: (1) compare food selection behaviors and (2) compare blood glucose levels before and after participation in a food selection behavior promotion program among Muslim patients with diabetes in Chumphon Subdistrict, Ongkharak District, Nakhon Nayok Province. The sample consisted of 38 Muslim patients with diabetes selected through multistage sampling. The research instruments included a food selection behavior promotion program, a food selection behavior questionnaire, and a record form for fasting blood glucose (FBG) test results obtained after at least 8 hours of fasting, which were analyzed by a laboratory blood analyzer. The food selection behavior questionnaire demonstrated a reliability coefficient of 0.908. Data were analyzed using a statistical software package. Descriptive statistics included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Differences between pretest and posttest outcomes were compared using the paired t-test.

The results revealed that after participation in the program, the participants had: 1) significantly increased food choice behavior scores (Mean diff. = 26.03, 95% CI: 24.08 - 27.98, p <0.001), and 2) significantly decreased fasting blood sugar levels measured after at least 8 hours of fasting (Mean diff. = 18.19, 95% CI: 14.33 - 22.04, p <0.001)

The findings indicate that the food choice behavior promotion program developed by integrating nutritional knowledge with Islamic religious and cultural contexts effectively improved health behaviors and blood sugar control among Muslim diabetic patients. Therefore, the program should be promoted and applied in Muslim communities and other areas with similar cultural contexts.

Development of Gentle Venipuncture Model to Reduce Bruising and Pain in Outpatients at Ramathibodi Hospital

2026-06-24T09:55:54+07:00

This mixed-methods research aimed to: 1) develop a venipuncture model to reduce bruising and pain among outpatients, and 2) compare bruising and pain levels between patients receiving the conventional venipuncture technique and the newly developed technique at the outpatient department, Ramathibodi Hospital. The study consisted of two phases. Phase 1 was a qualitative study using focus group discussions with six healthcare professionals involved in venipuncture. The research instrument consisted of focus group discussion guidelines, and the data were analyzed using content analysis. Phase 2 was a quasi-experimental study. The sample consisted of 60 outpatients receiving venipuncture services at the outpatient department, Ramathibodi Hospital. Participants were equally assigned into a control group and an experimental group, with 30 participants in each group, using matched simple random sampling. The research instruments included the developed venipuncture model, a bruising assessment form, a pain assessment scale, and a patient satisfaction questionnaire, with a reliability value of 0.0830 Data were analyzed using statistical software. The statistics used included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and independent samples t-test.

The results revealed that: 1) the developed venipuncture model emphasized systematic practice, including pre-venipuncture preparation, appropriate technique selection, accurate procedural control, and patient care during and after venipuncture, as well as effective communication and patient guidance, which helped reduce tissue injury and improve venipuncture accuracy. 2) The experimental group receiving the newly developed venipuncture model had significantly lower bruising scores than the control group (experimental group: M = 1.37, S.D. = 0.49; control group: M = 2.40, S.D. = 0.50; t = -8.10, p <0.001). The experimental group also had significantly lower pain levels than the control group (experimental group: M = 0.33, S.D. = 0.61; control group: M = 2.87, S.D. = 1.28; t = -9.80, p <0.001). In addition, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher overall satisfaction than the control group (experimental group: M = 28.50, S.D. = 2.37; control group: M = 22.70, S.D. = 3.47 The findings suggest that innovation of venipuncture model focusing on procedural control, appropriate techniques, and systematic patient care can effectively reduce venipuncture-related complications and improve service quality. The model may be applied to enhance venipuncture practice standards in other healthcare settings.

Development and Evaluation of a Mental Health Literacy Program for Depression Prevention among High School Students in Lamphun Province

2026-08-02T12:21:53+07:00

This study aimed to investigate the current status of mental health literacy, develop a mental health literacy enhancement program for depression prevention, and evaluate its effectiveness among high school students in Lamphun Province, Thailand. A research and development (R&D) design was conducted in three phases. Phase 1 involved a situational analysis using a cross-sectional descriptive study combined with qualitative research. Participants included 396 high school students and 25 key informants. In Phase 2, the program was developed by integrating the concept of mental health literacy as a content framework to identify essential knowledge and skills related to depression prevention, the Health Belief Model to explain behavioral change, and a health literacy development model as a process framework for designing sequential learning activities to strengthen mental health literacy skills. In Phase 3, the program was implemented and evaluated using a quasi-experimental, two-group pretest-posttest design. A total of 107 students participated, including 54 in the intervention group and 53 in the comparison group. The intervention group participated in the four-week program. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear mixed models.

The findings from Phase 1 showed that the students had high overall levels of mental health literacy and health beliefs (Mean = 3.54, S.D. = 0.76 and Mean = 3.62, S.D. = 0.68, respectively). Nevertheless, 57.3% of the students reported depressive symptoms ranging from mild to severe, and 10.4% reported suicidal ideation. A major barrier to help-seeking was concern about social stigma. The Phase 3 findings demonstrated that, at the end of the four-week intervention, the intervention group showed a significantly greater increase in mental health literacy scores than the comparison group (β = 14.91, 95% CI 13.38 to 16.43, p <0.001). Health Belief Model scores also increased significantly more in the intervention group than in the comparison group (β = 21.34, 95% CI 19.89 to 22.80, p <0.001), whereas depressive symptom scores decreased significantly more in the intervention group (β = −2.20, 95% CI −2.79 to −1.62, p <0.001).

In conclusion, the mental health literacy enhancement program, which integrated mental health literacy concepts with the Health Belief Model, was effective in improving mental health literacy and reducing depressive symptoms among high school students. The program may be applied as a proactive school-based approach to depression prevention, particularly for students at moderate to high risk of depression.

Non-Pharmacological Management of Constipation Model in Primigravida Women: An Integrative Review

2026-05-01T11:45:25+07:00

Constipation during pregnancy is a common condition that adversely affects maternal quality of life. It can be identified based on the presence of at least two of six clinical criteria, including fewer than three bowel movements per week, hard stools, and straining during defecation. The condition is multifactorial, involving physiological changes, health behaviors, and psychological factors. Although certain laxatives may be considered safe under professional supervision, most clinical guidelines recommend non-pharmacological approaches as the first-line management due to their safety for both mother and fetus. However, in the Thai context, care for constipation in pregnant women remains fragmented, lacks integration, and is not guided by a clear evidence-based model, leading to inconsistencies in nursing practice.

This integrative review aimed to synthesize empirical evidence on non-pharmacological management models for constipation in pregnant women from 2016 to 2025. A systematic search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, BASE, ThaiJO, TDC, and Google Scholar. The quality of included studies was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), and data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

A total of five studies met the inclusion criteria, all of which employed quantitative designs. The findings identified four key components: 1) assessment and symptom monitoring, 2) education and self-regulation, 3) health behavior modification, and 4) safe complementary approaches. These components can be utilized as a framework for developing care for constipation in pregnant women, emphasizing non-pharmacological interventions as the first-line approach and integrating them into antenatal care services to enhance the quality of nursing care and improve maternal quality of life.

Promoting Health Behaviors and Social Support for Depression Prevention among Children and Adolescents Living with HIV in the Thai Context

2026-06-24T09:36:38+07:00

Depression is a common mental health problem among children and adolescents living with HIV and adversely affects emotional well-being, behavior, academic performance, social relationships, treatment adherence, and overall quality of life. Although advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have significantly improved life expectancy and physical health outcomes, mental health problems remain a major challenge requiring continuous attention. This academic article aims to synthesize current knowledge on depression among children and adolescents living with HIV and to present approaches for promoting health behaviors and social support to prevent depression in the Thai context. The article encompasses associated risk factors, assessment approaches, and the roles of families, schools, healthcare professionals, and communities in promoting mental health and preventing depression. A review of the literature indicates that depression in children and adolescents living with HIV results from multiple interacting factors, including biological and treatment-related factors, HIV-related stigma, family environment, and access to healthcare services. Evidence also suggests that health behavior promotion—including regular physical activity, adequate sleep, healthy nutrition, stress management, appropriate digital media use, and treatment adherence—together with social support from families, peers, schools, healthcare professionals, and communities, plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of depression, strengthening psychological resilience, and improving quality of life.

Therefore, promoting health behaviors in conjunction with strengthening social support represents a key strategy for preventing depression and enhancing mental health among children and adolescents living with HIV. Such efforts should be implemented through an integrated, multidisciplinary approach involving families, schools, healthcare professionals, and communities to create supportive environments, reduce HIV-related stigma, promote self-care, and improve long-term quality of life in the Thai context.