Royal Thai Navy Medical Journal

Problems and Obstacles of Fall Prevention in the Elderly from Healthcare Personnel Perspectives

Chamaiporn Kanchanakijsakul — 2026-09-07

This study aimed to explore the problems and obstacles of fall prevention in the elderly from healthcare personnel perspectives, using secondary data from the research project “Family Support for Fall Prevention in Older Adults with Mobility Problems.” The original research was a qualitative study employing a phenomenological approach.
The data used in this study were part of the interview data from the group of healthcare professionals in the aforementioned research project. Key informants were professionals in geriatric care and related fields, who had at least one year of work experience and voluntarily consented to participate in the study. Purposive sampling was used to select participants who met the specified criteria. Data were collected through in-depth interviews combined with observation between January 2018 and March 2019, and continued until data saturation was reached, resulting in a total of 10 participants. The research tools included an interview guide and an observation form. Content analysis was employed to analyze the data in order to answer the above objective.
The results showed that the problems and obstacles in fall prevention among the elderly, as perceived by healthcare personnel, could be categorized into four main dimensions: (1) Elderly Dimension: (a) physical and health limitations of the elderly, (b) cognitive limitations, (c) misconceptions and incorrect beliefs, and (d) fear of falling; (2) Family Dimension: (a) lack of family involvement, and (b) misconceptions and incorrect beliefs within the family; (3) Community Dimension: (a) limited budgets and resources of local administrative organizations, and (b) lack of collaboration among community stakeholders; and (4) Healthcare Personnel Dimension: (a) inadequate support for the healthcare workforce, and (b) insufficient budgetary support.

The Effect of Early Ambulation Program for Cardiac Rehabilitation on Fatigue and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Open Heart Surgery

Wannisa Jampathet — 2026-09-07

This quasi-experimental study utilized a comparative group design with pretest and posttest measurements to investigate the effects of an early ambulation cardiac rehabilitation program on fatigue and anxiety levels in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. The sample consisted of 48 patients admitted to the surgical ward at Somdej Pranangchaosirikit Hospital, selected through purposive sampling based on predefined inclusion criteria. Participants were equally divided into an experimental group and a control group, each comprising 24 individuals. The experimental group received an early ambulation cardiac rehabilitation program guided by Bandura’s self-regulation theory, while the control group received standard nursing care. Research instruments included a personal information questionnaire, a fatigue assessment scale, an anxiety scale tailored to open-heart surgery, and the rehabilitation program itself. The content validity index (CVI) of the program was 1. The fatigue and anxiety scales demonstrated high reliability, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.91 and 0.94, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, and independent t-tests.
The results showed that the mean fatigue score in the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group (t₄₆ = 20.14, p < .001). Likewise, the mean anxiety score in the experimental group was significantly lower than in the control group (t₃₀ = 5.87, p < .001). These findings support the effectiveness of early ambulation cardiac rehabilitation in reducing fatigue and anxiety among patients after open-heart surgery.

The Effect of Herbal Poultices for Relieving Knee Pain among Older Adults with Osteoarthritis

Karuna Chuntum — 2026-09-07

            This quasi-experimental study with a two-group pretest-posttest design was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of herbal knee poultices in reducing knee pain among older adults with osteoarthritis, and to assess the participants' satisfaction with the intervention. Data collection took place between October and December 2024.
            The sample included 68 elderly participants aged 60 years and older, evenly divided into an experimental group and a control group, each consisting of 34 members. The experimental group received herbal knee poultices along with a self-care manual tailored for osteoarthritis management while the control group received standard care provided by healthcare facility. Participants were chosen using a simple random sampling method. Data collection utilized several instruments: (1) a questionnaire to gather general demographic information about the participants; (2) an assessment tool for evaluating the severity of osteoarthritis; (3) a self-assessment survey for pain levels; and (4) a satisfaction survey regarding the herbal knee poultices. Data analysis was conducted as follows: (1) Descriptive statistics calculated the mean and standard deviation of baseline values; (2) Paired t-tests compared pain level scores within each group; and (3) Independent t-tests compared pain level scores between the two groups.
            After a four-week intervention using herbal knee poultices, results indicated no significant difference in mean pain scores between the experimental and control group prior to the trial. However, post-intervention analysis identified a statistically significant difference in mean pain scores between the two groups (t = 2.39, p = 0.01). Additionally, the satisfaction assessment across all five areas indicated consistently high to very high levels of satisfaction.

Effect of Cartoon Animation Media on Knowledge of E-Cigarette Smoking Prevention among Upper Primary Students

Sukanya Surangsee — 2026-09-07

The tendency of e-cigarette initiation is increasing among upper primary school students. Current e-cigarette smoking prevention activities for adolescents focus on providing knowledge on prevention, but most of these activities still have limitations and lack of appropriateness for the upper primary school student context. This quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effect of cartoon animation media on knowledge of e-cigarette smoking prevention among upper primary school students. The study involved 110 upper primary school students, divided equally into an experimental group and a control group with 55 students each. The control group received the routine instruction, while the experimental group received routine instruction combined with the cartoon animation media on e-cigarette smoking prevention designed using the concepts of health belief models and social learning. The instrument used in data collection was an e-cigarette smoking prevention knowledge questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square statistics, and t-test statistics.
The research found that the experimental group had a significantly higher level of knowledge on e-cigarette smoking prevention than the control group (p < .001). This study demonstrates that cartoon animation media can help increase knowledge on e-cigarette smoking prevention among upper primary school students. Suggestions for promoting continued e-cigarette smoking prevention include reviewing knowledge about the harmful effects and assessing and tracking changes in knowledge on e-cigarette prevention and intention to smoke over the long term.

Assessment of Scattered Radiation Dose to the Eye Lens of Staff during Portable Chest X-Rays

Kanchanaphop Siriphonchai — 2026-08-31

This study aimed to evaluate the scattered radiation dose to the lens of the eye of radiologic personnel during chest radiography using a mobile X-ray unit. A human torso tissue-equivalent phantom (Kyoto Kagaku model PHU-60) and a mobile X-ray machine (FUJI NANO DR-XD 1000) at Somdech Phra Pinklao Hospital were utilized. The exposure parameters were set at 85 kVp, 1.6 mAs, and a source-to-image distance (SID) of 100 cm. Chest radiographs were obtained in three patient positions: AP supine, AP semi-upright, and AP upright. The scattered radiation dose was measured at a height of 160 cm. using an optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter (OSLD) nanoDot (Landauer). Measurements were taken at seven angular positions around the mobile X-ray unit: 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150° and 180°. The results showed that the scatter radiation distribution patterns were similar in all positions; however, the AP supine position produced the widest scatter distribution. The minimum scattered dose was 4.640 ± 0.45 µSv at 0°, and the maximum was 6.467 ± 0.60 µSv at 90°, which exceeded the lens dose limit byapproximately 1.3 - 1.9 times. In conclusion, radiologic technologists should stand behind the mobile X-ray unit during exposures to minimize scatter radiation exposure. Additionally, the use of personal protective equipment, including lead aprons, thyroid shields, and lead glasses, is strongly recommended to ensure long-term radiation safety.

Factors Influencing the Management of Elderly Care Centers Based on Standard Criteria in Health Region 4

Srisurang Iamsaard — 2026-08-31

This predictive cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the management of elderly care centers according to the Ministry of Public Health’s standard criteria in Health Region 4. The study examined the relationships and predictive power of knowledge regarding care standards, management resources (4M’s), and the POSDCoRB management concept in relation to management performance. The sample consisted of 147 licensed administrators of nursing care centers operating across eight provinces: Saraburi, Nonthaburi, Lopburi, Ang Thong, Nakhon Nayok, Sing Buri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Pathum Thani. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire that had been validated for content and reliability. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression analysis were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that overall management performance was at a high level across all three standard domains: physical environment, safety, and services. Significant positive correlations were found between management performance and knowledge of care standards (r = .780, p < .001), management resources (r = .296, p < .001), and the POSDCoRB framework (r = .392, p < .001). Additionally, knowledge and resources jointly predicted 87.7% of the variance in management performance (R² = .877, p < .001). These findings can inform policy formulation, knowledge development, and resource enhancement initiatives to improve the quality and standard compliance of elderly care centers, ensuring readiness to meet the demands of an aging society with efficiency and care.

The Effectiveness of a Hemorrhage Control Training Program among Personnel in High Combat Readiness Units of the Royal Thai Navy

Inkharat Saengungsumalee — 2026-08-30

This one-group pretest–posttest quasi-experimental study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a hemorrhage control training program by comparing the knowledge, attitudes, and hemorrhage control skills of combat-ready personnel of the Royal Thai Navy before and after participating in the program. It also aimed to compare changes in scores among various demographics. The sample included 160 non-commissioned officers from the Royal Thai Marine Corps in the Eastern Region, selected through stratified random sampling based on their units. The research tools consisted of the hemorrhage control skill enhancement program and an assessment form measuring knowledge, attitudes, and hemorrhage control skills. The content validity index was 0.70 and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.75. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. The findings indicated significant improvements in participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and hemorrhage control skills following the training (p < .001), with mean increases of 3.98, 7.89, and 6.76 points, respectively (out of 10, 20 and 12). Moreover, people who had served in border deployment showed significantly greater improvement in attitudes than those without such experience (8.43 ± 3.39 vs. 7.29 ± 3.62, p = .042). The results show that the hemorrhage control training program effectively enhances key competencies among military personnel. Therefore, it is recommended to include this program into the annual training schedules of relevant units to improve readiness and capacity in aiding injured individuals in emergency situations.

Health Literacy and Role Performance of Prison Health Volunteers in Health Region 6

Benjamat Ninsiri — 2026-08-30

Health literacy plays a crucial role in enhancing the operational capabilities of inmates serving as Prison Health Volunteers (PHVs). This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to examine how personal factors and components of health literacy in health promotion and disease prevention could predict the role performance of PHVs in Health Region 6. A total of 332 inmates who served as PHVs were selected using simple random sampling from 10 correctional facilities within Health Region 6. Data were collected using a questionnaire measuring health literacy in health promotion and disease prevention, as well as the role performance of PHVs in Health Region 6. Instrument quality was evaluated through several measures. Content validity scores ranged from 0.6 to 1.0. The difficulty index of the health literacy questionnaire was within the acceptable range of 0.27 to 0.80. Discrimination indices ranged from 0.20 to 0.91. Reliability was assessed using KR-20 and Cronbach's alpha coefficients, which demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. The reliability coefficient for the first dimension of the health literacy questionnaire was 0.79, while other dimensions ranged from 0.86 to 0.95. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researcher. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were employed to analyze the data, with a significance level set at .05.
The study found that the majority of PHVs were male (90.66%), with a mean age of 35.9 years (SD = 7.91). The average duration of being a PHV was 18.5 months (SD = 10.94). Most participants demonstrated overall health literacy at a very good level (44.58%). Regarding their role performance, the majority were rated at a good level (33.73%), followed by a very good level (27.41%). Factors that significantly predict the role performance of PHVs included: (1) personal factor—duration of being a PHV (B = .099, 95% CI = .044 - .153); and (2) health literacy factors—access to health information and services (B = .344, 95% CI = .016 - .671), communication skills (B = .63, 95% CI = .188 - 1.072), self-management skills (B = .46, 95% CI = .072 - .848), and media literacy (B = .715, 95% CI = .365 - 1.065). These variables collectively explained 34.9% of the variance in PHVs’ performance. The study findings can inform the development of training programs aimed at strengthening the capacity of PHVs, particularly in improving access to health information and services, communication skills, self-management, and media literacy. Furthermore, encouraging experienced PHVs to serve as mentors for newer volunteers may enhance operational performance and contribute to more effective health promotion and disease prevention efforts within correctional settings.

Effect of a Spouses’ Social Support Enhancement Program on Alcohol Drinking Behaviors among Persons with Alcohol Use Disorders

Sirinda Kaejarern — 2026-08-30

            This quasi-experimental research aimed to examine the effect of a spousal social support enhancement program on drinking behavior in persons with alcohol use disorders (PAD). The sample consisted of 24 couples, each including a PAD and their spouse, who received inpatient treatment at Thanyarak Mae Hong Son Hospital. The sample group was selected using purposive sampling based on specific characteristics that were identified. The research instruments included: (1) a personal information questionnaire; (2) the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) questionnaire with a construct validity index of 0.76, and a Pearson's correlation coefficient of 1; (3) a spousal social support questionnaire with a content validity index of 0.97, and a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.88; and (4) a spousal social support enhancement program developed by the researcher based on Caplan's concept, with a content validity index of 0.96. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the Mann-Whitney U test.
            The results showed that PAD had significantly lower average scores for drinking behavior one month after receiving the spousal social support enhancement program (Mean = 13.75, SD = 11.48) compared to before receiving the program (Mean = 35.50, SD = 3.37) (p < .05). The experimental group, which received the spousal social support enhancement program, had significantly lower average drinking behavior scores one month after the intervention (Mean = 13.75, SD = 11.48) compared to the control group that received standard nursing care (Mean = 20.42, SD = 12.03) (p < .05).
            These findings suggest that therapy through the spousal social support enhancement program can reduce drinking behavior. Nurses should be supported and educated to develop programs to enhance social support among spouses in other sample groups, such as those with other drug addictions to reduce addictive behaviors.

Effects of a Structured Educational Program on Anxiety in Patients with Non-ST Elevatation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Cardiac Catheterization

Wanlida Ratchakrom — 2026-08-31

            This quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate the effect of a structured educational program on anxiety in patients with Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) undergoing cardiac catheterization. Participants were 60 NSTEMI patients undergoing cardiac catheterization at the Cardiac Catheterization Unit, Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeast, selected through purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria. They were divided into a control group (n = 30) receiving routine nursing care and an experimental group (n = 30) who received the structured educational program. The research instruments consisted of the experimental tool, which was the structured educational program. The data collection tools included a personal data record form and an anxiety questionnaire. The experimental control tool was the NSTEMI Knowledge Assessment Form. The content validity of the instruments was verified by five experts, yielding content validity indices of 0.99, 1.0, 0.95 and 0.97, respectively. The study was conducted from September 2024 to April 2025. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for general characteristics, knowledge, and anxiety levels. Inferential statistics, including the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, Mann-Whitney U test, Independent t-test, and Paired t-test, were used to compare anxiety levels.
            Results revealed that post-intervention, the experimental group's anxiety levels were significantly lower than their pre-intervention levels (p < .001) and also significantly lower than those of the control group (p < .001).
            This indicates that the structured information program effectively reduced anxiety in NSTEMI patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, potentially leading to improved self-care behaviors and better health outcomes.

Factor Affecting Happiness Level of Workers in Canning Manufacturing and Processing Factory in Samutprakarn Province

Kanwara Showpitakvatana — 2026-09-07

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to examine factors affecting the happiness level of workers in a canning manufacturing factory in Samut Prakan Province. The study involved400 participants and utilized a questionnaire consisting of personal factors, individual characteristics, and work-related factors. The questionnaire's content validity was assessed using the Index of Congruence (IOC = 1.00), and its reliability was determined by a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.93. Additionally, the “HAPPINOMETER” self-assessment tool was employed to evaluate the employees’ happiness levels. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify influencing factors.
Among the various dimensions of happiness, the "Happy Body" dimension had the lowest average score (26.37 ± 12.42), while the "Happy Soul" dimension exhibited the highest average score (51.05 ± 52.71). The overall average happiness score across all dimensions was 44.89 out of 100, which was categorized as “unhappy”. Significant factors associated with lower happiness levels included marital status (widowed/-divorced/separated) (Adjusted OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.20 - 0.88), and working more than 15 overtime hours per week (Adjusted OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.17 - 0.60). In contrast, organizational direction and leadership were positively associated with higher happiness levels (Adjusted OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.13 - 2.79).

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Falls among Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Laemsing Hospital, Chanthaburi Province

Nattakarn Wisesrit — 2026-08-31

This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study aimed at investigating the factors associated with falls among older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus at Laemsing Hospital, Chanthaburi Province. The sample consisted of 254 older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who received care at Laemsing Hospital. Participants were selected using purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria. The research instruments included a personal information questionnaire, a peripheral neuropathy assessment, a gait and balance assessment, the Thai DN4 (Douleur Neuropathique) questionnaire, and the SARC-F questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact test, Independent t-tests, and binary logistic regression.
The results showed that: (1) The prevalence of falls among older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus was 24.8%; and 2) Factors significantly associated with falls were peripheral neuropathy and risk of sarcopenia (Adjusted OR = 2.96, 95% CI = 1.14 - 7.69, p = .026 and Adjusted OR = 3.29, 95% CI = 1.51 - 7.14, p = .003, respectively). Together, these two variables explained 12.2% of the variance in fall incidence among older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Based on the findings of this study, healthcare providers should emphasize the assessment and prevention of peripheral neuropathy and the risk of low muscle mass in older adults with type 2 diabetes.

A Study of the Use of Smart Adult E-Learning for Nursing in the Adult and Geriatric Nursing II Course at the Royal Thai Navy College of Nursing

Nongnuch Jitrarat — 2026-09-07

This descriptive research aimed to: (1) examine the academic achievement of second-year naval nursing students after using the Smart Adult E-Learning for Nursing media in the Adult and Geriatric Nursing II course; (2) examine the relationship between the duration of Smart Adult E-Learning for Nursing usage and learning achievement; and (3) investigate the satisfaction of second-year naval nursing students regarding the use of the Smart Adult E-Learning for Nursing media. The sample consisted of 59 second-year naval nursing students from the Royal Thai Navy College of Nursing who were enrolled in the Adult and Geriatric Nursing II course during the 2025 academic year. The research instruments included: (1) the Smart Adult E-Learning for Nursing media; (2) a user manual for Smart Adult E-Learning for Nursing; (3) a demographic questionnaire; (4) media access logs; and (5) a satisfaction questionnaire. Instruments 1 - 4 had an Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) index of 1.00; and instrument 5 had an IOC index ranging from 0.67 - 1 with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.89. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.
The results revealed that: (1) the learning achievement of second-year nursing students after using Smart Adult E-Learning for Nursing as a supplementary learning tool in the Adult and Geriatric Nursing II course was at a good level (Mean = 3.31, SD = 0.32); (2) time spent using the media showed no statistically significant relationship with academic achievement (r_s = -.02, p = .88); and (3) overall student satisfaction with Smart Adult E-Learning for Nursing was at a very high level (Mean = 4.57, SD = 0.41). In conclusion, the "Smart Adult E-Learning for Nursing" media is a learning tool accepted by learners and can be used as supplementary self-directed learning resource outside classroom hours in the Adult and Geriatric Nursing II course to promote achievement of educational outcomes in future academic years.

The Effect of Hope Enhancement Program on Suicidal Ideation of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

Thanakarn Phromphan — 2026-09-07

            A quasi-experimental study with a control-group pretest-posttest design aimed to investigate the effect of a hope enhancement program on suicidal ideation of patients with major depressive disorder. The sample comprised 48 patients with major depressive disorder aged 20 - 59 years, who had suicidal ideation and were receiving treatment at a tertiary care hospital. Purposive sampling was employed using inclusion and exclusion criteria, and participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups, with 24 participants in each group. The experimental group participated in the hope enhancement program for six sessions, 60 minutes per session, conducted three times a week over two weeks, while the control group received routine nursing care. The instrument was the Thai version of the Scale for Suicidal Ideation, which had a content validity index of 0.89 and a Cronbach's alpha reliability of 0.87 Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and t-tests.
            The results found that: (1) the mean score of suicidal ideation in the experimental group at posttest (Mean = 0.96, SD = 1.23) was statistically significantly lower than the mean score of suicidal ideation at pretest (Mean = 7.21, SD = 2.95) (t = 15.11, p < .001); and (2) the mean difference of suicidal ideation scores at pretest and posttest in the experimental group (D₁ = -6.25, SD = 1.72) was statistically significantly higher than in the control group (D₂ = -2.79, SD = 0.71) (t = 7.23, p < .001).
            These findings support the effectiveness of the hope enhancement program in reducing suicidal ideation among patients with major depressive disorder. Healthcare professionals could apply this program as a supplementary intervention in clinical practice.

A Study of Ethical Behavior among Royal Thai Navy Nursing Students

Karuna Wongtienlai — 2026-08-31

This mixed-methods research aimed to study ethical behavior, factors related to ethical behavior and factors promoting ethical behavior among naval nursing students in the academic year 2025. The independent variables comprised academic year level, cumulative grade point average (GPAX), and institutional climate, whereas the dependent variable was the ethical behavior of the nursing students Participants included 148 first-through fourth-year naval nursing students from the 2025 academic year, as well as 25 key informants who participated in focus group discussions. The research instruments consisted of: (1) a 57-item institutional climate questionnaire; (2) a 30-item evaluation questionnaire assessing the ethical behavior of naval nursing students; and (3) a 3-item open-ended questionnaire concerning ethical practices. Instrument reliability was evaluated, yielding overall reliability values of 0.98 for the institutional climate scale and 0.93 for the ethical behavior evaluation scale. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation and the chi-square test was employed to analyze the relationships involving ethical behavior. Qualitative data from open-ended responses and focus group discussions were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that:
(1) Naval nursing students demonstrated their overall ethical behavior at a very high level (Mean = 4.73, SD = 0.54$). Among all domains, honesty and integrity, and responsibility yielded the highest scores at an equal level, both at a very high level (Mean = 4.78, SD = 0.47);
(2) Overall, the institutional climate for promoting ethical behavior was at a good level (Mean = 4.14, SD = 0.90), with nursing faculty achieving the highest score, also at a good level (Mean = 4.43, SD = 0.73);
(3) Institutional climate was significantly associated with the level of ethical behavior among naval nursing students at the .05 level, exhibiting a moderate degree of association (Cramer’s V = .311);
(4) Nursing faculty acting as ethical role models and the integration of ethics into course instruction were identified as key factors in promoting ethical behavior among nursing students.

Application of Lifestyle Medicine in the Care of Patients with Obesity: A Case Study at Somdech Phra Pinklao Hospital, Naval Medical Department

Pangrum Yongcharoen — 2026-08-31

Obesity is a persistent public health problem with a continuously increasing trend, leading to a corresponding rise in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Traditional approaches to obesity treatment, which focus on pharmacological and surgical interventions for weight loss, often yield short-termresults and lack sustainability. Lifestyle Medicine (LM) therefore offers a holistic healthcare approach focused on modifying key health behaviors, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky behaviors, and fostering healthy social relationships.
This article presents the application of Lifestyle Medicine in the care of obese patients at Somdech PhraPinklao Hospital, Naval Medical Department. It details the operational guidelines of the multidisciplinary team, the provision of behavioral counseling, and continuous follow-up. The integration of Lifestyle Medicine was found to enable patients to achieve safe weight loss, increase satisfaction with self-care, and improve their quality of life, and can serve as a model for the development of preventive health services within the Royal Thai Navy.

The Role of Nurses in Reducing Psychological Distress by Providing Group Family Psychoeducation to Family Caregivers of Persons with Major Depressive Disorder

Piyathida Kamwang — 2026-08-31

Psychological distress is a significant issue among family caregivers of persons with Major Depressive Disorder. This condition adversely affects multiple aspects of the caregivers’ well-being, including mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life. It can also negatively impact the patient and the family. In particular, it may reduce the effectiveness of patient care, worsen the patient’s symptoms and increase the risk of hospital readmission. Family caregivers of persons with Major Depressive Disorder are considered a high-risk group for psychological distress, as they serve as the primary support system in home-based care for patients. Their responsibilities often extend beyond basic care to include emotional and psychological support, which can significantly alter their lifestyle. These changes may affect caregivers physically, cognitively, emotionally, socially, occupationally, and financially. Psychiatric nurses have a significant role in reducing psychological distress among these family caregivers and therefore require a clear understanding of their distress. This article discusses the nature of caregivers’ psychological distress and outlines nursing roles in addressing this issue. The aim is to strengthen nurses’ knowledge so nurses can effectively plan nursing interventions and offer guidance to those involved in caregiver support, ultimately helping prevent and reduce distress and improve the quality of life of both patients and caregivers.

Editorial

Wannaporn Thongsangchan — 2026-08-30

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