JOURNAL OF THE POLICE NURSES AND HEALTH SCIENCE

Appendix of JPNHS 16(2) 2024

Editor Journal of The Police Nurses and Health Science — 2024-12-29

Editorial Board JPHNS — 2024-12-28

Editorial Board

Editorial Board JPHNS — 2024-12-28

Editor

Editor JPHNS — 2024-12-28

Full JPNHS 16(2) 2024

Editor Journal of The Police Nurses and Health Science — 2024-12-29

THE ROLE OF NURSES IN CARING FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING COLONOSCOPY AT INPATIENT DEPARTMENT

Saowapa Panatara — 2024-12-28

Currently, the number of patients undergoing inpatient colonoscopies is increasing. The quality of bowel preparation is a crucial factor for successful colonoscopy. Studies indicated that 25% of ineffective colonoscopy results were due to inadequate bowel preparation. This leads to unsuccessful treatment procedures, the need for repeat examinations, delays in diagnosis and treatment, prolonged hospital stays, and increased medical expenses.

The purpose of this article is to disseminate the role of nurses in caring for patients undergoing inpatient colonoscopy to ensure effective bowel preparation before the procedure. This role encompasses several aspects, including: physical preparation, which involves assessing the patient's physical and mental condition, reviewing their medication history to identify drugs that should be discontinued (e.g., aspirin, Plavix, warfarin, and herbal medicines), and guiding patients on proper bowel preparation using diet, laxatives, and information about potential complications; monitoring and safeguarding patient rights, which includes ensuring timely intake of laxatives, evaluating the quality of bowel preparation, and addressing issues if the preparation is inadequate; monitoring for risks such as falls and fatigue caused by fluid loss during bowel movements; psychological preparation, which focuses on counseling patients to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and promote cooperation during treatment; and finally, post-procedure care, which involves providing support when patients are transferred to the ward, offering guidance on the recovery, and advising on self-care practices upon discharge.

DEBRIEFING IN SIMULATION-BASED LEARNING IN NURSING EDUCATION

Suwaluck Eaksamai — 2024-12-28

Simulation-based learning (SBL) is an instructional technique designed to engage learners and foster the development of knowledge, attitudes, practical skills, critical thinking, and decision-making in nursing practice. Debriefing is a crucial component of SBL that enables learners to achieve learning objectives and integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical nursing practice. This is accomplished through structured reflection, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and performance evaluation. The learner-centered approach ensures that scenarios are tailored to the learners’ levels of knowledge and experience. Facilitators must possess a deep understanding of the scenarios and demonstrate skills in providing constructive feedback, guiding reflective discussions, active listening, using open-ended questions, and offering rationales to support decision-making. Moreover, facilitators should create a psychologically safe environment to maximize learning outcomes. To enhance the debriefing process in SBL, widely accepted models such as the Gather, Analyze, Summarize (GAS) Model and the Promoting Excellence and Reflective Learning in Simulation (PEARLS) framework are recommended. These models provide clear structures and effective methodologies for conducting debriefing, encouraging systematic analytical thinking, and supporting learners in achieving the desired learning outcomes.

NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS FOR OPENING A BACHELOR OF NURSING SCIENCE PROGRAM AT THE FACULTY NURSING SCIENCE, KASETSART UNIVERSITY

Wiwat Laochai — 2024-08-09

This research was a qualitative study with the objective of exploring the needs and expectations for opening a Bachelor of Nursing Science Program at the Faculty of Nursing, Kasetsart University. The informants consisted of four groups: 1) University staff from Kasetsart University (8 people), 2) Personnel from government and private hospitals at primary, secondary and tertiary levels (8 people), 3) Community members (7 people), and 4) Personnel from the Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council (7 people), totaling 30 informants. The study employed a purposive selection and snowball technique to collect data. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and analyzed using content analysis methods.

The research findings indicated two main points of needs and expectations for opening a Bachelor of Nursing Science program. The first point about the demand for opening the program included: 1.1) Demand for producing nursing graduates, 1.2) Demand for specific characteristics of nursing graduates, and 1.3) Demand for professional nursing skills. The second point about the expectation for opening the program included: 2.1) Expectations regarding nursing graduates, 2.2) Expectations for specific characteristics of nursing graduates, and 2.3) Expectations for competencies each academic year.

The results of this study help to design the Bachelor of Nursing Science Program, at the Faculty of Nursing, Kasetsart University. That can produce nursing graduates with knowledge and ability to practice nursing and midwifery, it is consistent with the Kasetsart University cultural context. According to the needs and expectations of stakeholders which is beneficial to the nursing profession, society, and the country.

EFFECTS OF THE PHAILOM MODEL ON FALL PREVENTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN URBAN COMMUNITIES

Poungpun Wutiyasakol — 2024-12-16

This quasi-experimental study aimed to compare the effects of The Phailom model on fall risk, balance ability, leg muscle strength, and fall prevention behavior among elderly individuals in urban communities. The study involved 96 older adults from urban communities in the Mueang Nakhon Pathom District, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand. They were equally divided into a control group and an experimental group. Participants were selected using multi-stage random sampling. The research instruments included: 1) the Thai Falls Risk Assessment test (Thai-FRAT) for fall risk assessment, 2) the Timed Up and Go test (TUGT) for balance assessment, 3) the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30s-CST) for leg muscle strength evaluation, and 4) a fall prevention behavior assessment with a reliability of .87. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and independent t-test.

The findings indicated that participants in the experimental group who engaged in activities based on the Phailom model had significantly lower fall risk than those in the control group at the .05 significance level (t = -2.275, p = .029). Furthermore, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher balance ability, leg muscle strength, and fall prevention behaviors compared to the control group at the .05 significance level (t = -5.374, 6.303, 5.798, p = .000, respectively).

Therefore, these findings suggested that primary healthcare services should implement the Phailom model to promote the health of older adults and prevent falls, particularly within the context of urban communities.

THE EFFECT OF THREE-FORMAT BOWEL STIMULATION PROGRAMS ON CONSTIPATION AMONG ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH HIP FRACTURE SURGERY

Anucha Inyasri — 2024-12-25

This quasi-experimental study aimed to compare the effects of a three-format bowel stimulation program on constipation among elderly patients with hip fracture surgery across four groups: 1) water and dietary fiber intake, 2) physical exercise and abdominal massage, 3) a combination of water and dietary fiber intake with physical exercise and abdominal massage, and 4) usual nursing care. The sample consisted of 160 elderly patients aged 60 years or older who underwent hip fracture surgery, divided into 4 groups of 40 participants each. Participants were selected using consecutive sampling and matched pairs based on similar characteristics. The study was conducted over a period of 3 months. Research instruments included a three-format bowel stimulation program and a compliance record for bowel stimulation guidelines. Data collected in this study were demographic records and daily defecation records. The statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and one-way ANOVA at a significance level of .05.

The results revealed significant differences in the average days to first defecation among the four groups (p < .05). The group receiving physical exercise and abdominal massage and the group receiving a combination of water and dietary fiber intake with physical exercise and abdominal massage had the shortest mean days to first defecation (M = 2.20, SD = .46, and M = 2.25, SD = .59, respectively), with no significant difference between these two groups (p > .05).

Therefore, registered nurses should select either the physical exercise and abdominal massage program or the combined program of water and dietary fiber intake with physical exercise and abdominal massage, depending on the individual pathology of elderly patients following hip fracture surgery.

PROVIDING HOME HEALTHCARE SERVICES: EXPERIENCES OF NURSE ENTREPRENEURS AT AN AOB AOON COMMUNITY NURSING CLINIC

Nakharin Chueanit — 2024-12-25

This qualitative descriptive research aimed to describe the experiences of home healthcare services provided by nurse entrepreneurs of an Aob Aoon Community Nursing Clinic. The informants consisted of 12 professional nurses from health areas 1, 9, 10, 11, and 13, each with at least two years of experience in providing home healthcare. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, voice recordings, field notes, and observations. The data collection tools included the researcher, open-ended interview questions, field note templates, and voice recorders. Data were analyzed using content analysis and verified for trustworthiness based on Lincoln and Guba's criteria.

The study revealed three main themes and nine sub-themes: 1) Home visit service arrangement, which includes 1.1) the characteristics of patients requiring home healthcare, 1.2) accessing the list of patients requiring home healthcare, and 1.3) the timeframe for home healthcare. 2) The service provision process, which involves 2.1) checking and confirming the patient’s identity, 2.2) providing nursing services based on disease symptoms, 2.3) evaluating the outcomes of home healthcare, and 2.4) entering data into the E-Claim system for service reimbursement. Finally, 3) Issues in service reimbursement, which include 3.1) reclaiming home healthcare service fees, and 3.2) problems with confirming the identity of patients.

The findings highlight the importance of home healthcare services provided by nurse entrepreneurs at the Aob Aoon Community Nursing Clinic and the challenges encountered in service delivery. Therefore, it is recommended to improve the efficiency of home healthcare service models and to establish standardized guidelines for the scope of home healthcare services by relevant authorities.

EXPERIENCES OF NURSE ENTREPRENEURS IN PREPARING TO ESTABLISH NURSING ASSISTANT SCHOOLS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Chutima Sotamo — 2024-12-26

This qualitative research aimed to describe the experiences of nurse entrepreneurs in preparing to establish nursing assistant schools. This study employed a descriptive qualitative research methodology. Twelve nurse entrepreneurs from nursing assistant schools accredited by the Office of the Private Education Commission, Ministry of Education, and with at least 3 years of experience in operating such nursing assistant schools participated in this study. These schools were designated as nursing assistant school models by the Nursing Assistant School Association of Thailand in 2022. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and field notes. The data were analyzed and interpreted using thematic analysis and assessed for trustworthiness.

The findings revealed that preparation for establishing a nursing assistant school involved ten themes: 1) Studying relevant regulations and guidelines, 2) Ensuring financial readiness, 3) Finding a suitable location and preparing the premises, 4) Preparing equipment according to Ministry of Education standards, 5) Preparing documents for obtaining permission, 6) Applying for permission to establish the care school, 7) Preparing for standard assessments to obtain establishment approval, 8) Organizing the organizational structure and defining responsibilities, 9) Developing or seeking approval for curricula, and 10) Addressing challenges in the process of establishing the school.

This study reveals the preparation process for establishing nursing assistant schools by nurse entrepreneurs and serves as foundational information for nurses and new entrepreneurs interested in operating nursing assistant schools.

EFFECTIVENESS OF A HEALTH LITERACY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM ON AWARENESS AND PREVENTATIVE BEHAVIORS REGARDING DENGUE FEVER RISK FACTORS AMONG URBAN ADULTS IN DUSIT DISTRICT, BANGKOK

Nittaya Ngamdee — 2024-12-26

This quasi-experimental study employed a two-group pretest-posttest design to examine the effectiveness of a health literacy enhancement program on awareness and preventative behaviors regarding dengue fever risk factors among urban adults in Dusit District, Bangkok. A purposive sample of 76 adults meeting the inclusion criteria was selected, with participants equally divided into an experimental group (n = 38) and a control group (n = 38). The experimental group participated in a 12-week health literacy program aimed at improving dengue fever risk prevention. The instruments included a health literacy enhancement program, an awareness questionnaire (CVI = .82), and a behavior questionnaire (CVI = .85), both demonstrating high reliability (Cronbach's alpha = .86 and .92, respectively). Data collection was conducted at three time points: before the intervention, after the intervention, and during a follow-up phase. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, and repeated measures ANOVA.

The results indicated that the experimental group, after undergoing the health literacy enhancement program, was able to maintain their awareness and preventive behaviors regarding the risk factors of dengue fever up to week 12. When comparing the differences in the average scores of awareness and preventive behaviors between the experimental and control groups, no statistically significant differences were found across all three phases (pre-test, post-test, and follow-up; p > .05). However, the control group showed changes in preventive behavior levels, with high scores on the pre-test, a decrease to moderate levels of the week 4 post-test, and a return to high levels by week 12.

Therefore, the health literacy enhancement program is recommended for urban adult populations to promote sustained awareness and preventive behaviors against dengue fever risk factors.

ASSESSMENT OF ACTUAL AND EXPECTED NEEDS OF STUDENTS REGARDING STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AT THE FACULTY OF NURSING, MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY

Chanya Sangchan — 2024-12-26

The aim of this research was to examine student expectations regarding development, analyze the actual experiences of students in their development, and evaluate the needs associated with student development. The sample was 1,077 students from the Faculty of Nursing at Mahidol University. The research instrument was a questionnaire assessing the needs of Bachelor of Nursing Science students. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while the prioritization of needs was determined using the Modified Priority Needs Index (PNI_modified).

The results showed the average actual condition of student development was at a high level (M = 3.96, SD = .87). The domain of public relations and services exhibited the highest average (M = 4.07, SD = .76), while the dormitory and facility aspect had the lowest mean (M = 3.74, SD =.98). The mean expectations for student development were notably high (M = 4.25, SD = .80). The domain with the highest mean was public relations and services (M = 4.30, SD = .76), whereas the domain of student development activities had the lowest average (M = 4.20, SD = .79). When considering each aspect, the most critical needs were identified in the dormitory and the facility aspect, followed by the services and welfare aspect, and finally the public relations and services aspect.

FACTORS PREDICTING RISK MANAGEMENT COMPETENCY IN DRUG ADMINISTRATION AMONG REGISTERED NURSES IN SECONDARY HOSPITALS

Jumrus Sarakwan — 2024-12-26

This study aimed to 1) examine the risk management competency in drug administration among registered nurses and 2) evaluate the predictive power of nursing work experience, attitudes towards risk management in drug administration, and the nursing practice environment on risk management competency in drug administration among registered nurses at secondary hospitals. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit 146 participants. Data were collected using questionnaires on demographic information, nursing work experience, attitudes towards risk management in drug administration, the nursing practice environment, and risk management competency in drug administration. The instruments demonstrated high reliability, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients of .96, .97, and .97, respectively. Data were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression analysis.

The results showed that participants had an average age of 43.43 years (SD = 9.44) and demonstrated a high level of risk management competency in drug administration (M = 4.16, SD = .65). Attitude towards risk management in drug administration was the strongest predictor of competency (Beta = .424, p = .000). Only two factors – attitude towards risk management in drug administration and the nursing practice environment – significantly predicted risk management competency in drug administration, explaining 54.9% with statistical significance at .05 (R² = .549, p = .000).

The findings indicated that nurse administrators should develop training programs to enhance positive attitudes towards risk management in drug administration and ensure adequate resources for nursing practices to improve risk management competency in drug administration.

THE EFFECTS OF BREAST MASSAGE AND HOT MOIST COMPRESSION ON MILK FLOW AMONG CESAREAN SECTION MOTHERS

Orapin Techarungsan — 2024-12-26

Milk flow is a significant concern for mothers after a cesarean section. This quasi-experimental study aimed to compare milk onset time and milk flow scores in mothers following cesarean section after receiving hot moist breast compression. The sample consisted of 42 postpartum cesarean section mothers receiving care at the Special Obstetrics Unit, Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital in Chonburi Province, from March to June 2024. Participants were divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 21 participants in each group. The experimental group received four sessions of hot moist breast compression at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours postpartum. Subsequently, milk flow scores were assessed approximately 30 minutes after each session. The control group received routine nursing care, with milk flow scores assessed at the same time points: 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours postpartum. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests to compare milk flow scores and milk onset time between the experimental and control groups.

The results revealed a significantly faster time to milk onset in the experimental group compared to the control group (t = -8.05, p = .00). Additionally, the experimental group had significantly higher milk flow scores at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours postpartum compared to the control group (t = 4.32, 6.69, 8.36, and 9.15, respectively; p = .00).

In conclusion, hot moist breast compression accelerates milk onset and increases milk flow. It should be considered a care strategy to enhance milk flow in mothers after cesarean section.

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PERCEIVED PRENATAL STRESS, COPING STRATEGIES, AND PREGNANCY OUTCOMES

Natthananporn Sanguanklin — 2024-12-26

The purposes of this descriptive correlational study were to: 1) assess the level of perceived prenatal stress among pregnant women; and 2) examine the relationships between perceived prenatal stress, coping strategies and pregnancy outcomes (gestational age, birth weight, and Apgar score at 5 minutes). The participants in this study were 128 pregnant women who had either been infected the Coronavirus 2019 or lived with an infected family member. They were recruited from antenatal care clinics at the public hospitals in Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan provinces. The research instruments consisted of 1) a personal information questionnaire; 2) the Thai version of the Perceived Stress Scale (T-PSS 10); 3) the Thai version of Brief COPE; and 4) a pregnancy outcomes data record form. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the instruments were .78 and .84, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation.

The results showed that 95.3% of pregnant women had been infected the Coronavirus 2019 and 59.73% encountered financial difficulties during the pandemic. The mean perceived prenatal stress score was at a moderate level (M = 16.92, SD = 5.31). Perceived prenatal stress was significantly negatively correlated with emotion-focused coping strategies (r = -.23, p < .01) and significantly positively correlated with dysfunctional coping strategies (r = .35, p < .01). However, perceived prenatal stress was not significantly correlated with problem-focused coping strategies (r = .01, p > .05). Regarding pregnancy outcomes, the rates of preterm birth and low birth weight were 3.12% and 5.46%, respectively. All newborns had an Apgar score of 10 at 5 minutes. Perceived prenatal stress was not significantly correlated with gestational age at birth or infant birth weight (r = .06 and .07, respectively; p > .05).

The findings suggested that perceived prenatal stress is correlated with each coping strategy in varying directions, with emotion-focused coping strategy being effective in reducing perceived prenatal stress among pregnant women in this study.

DEVELOPMENT OF A KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT MODEL FOR OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY NURSING AT PHATTHALUNG HOSPITAL

Anit Ongsakul — 2024-12-27

This action research aimed to develop a knowledge management model for obstetrics and gynecology nursing at Phatthalung Hospital. The study was conducted in three phases: 1) analyzing the situation, 2) developing the model, and 3) assessing the feasibility of implementing the model. The model development phase comprised four steps: planning, action, observation, and reflection. Participants in the first phase included 15 individuals purposively selected, consisting of 6 nursing administrators, 6 members of the nursing staff development team, and 3 practicing nurses. In the second and third phases, 29 participants were purposively selected, including 5 nursing administrators, 6 nursing staff development team members, and 18 practicing nurses. The knowledge management model was developed following the framework provided by the Office of the Civil Service Commission. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document reviews. The quality of the research instruments was validated by 3 experts. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, and quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

The results identified three main processes in the knowledge management model for obstetrics and gynecology nursing at Phatthalung Hospital: 1) Structural management: appointing a knowledge management team, defining roles, enhancing competencies related to knowledge management, and scheduling knowledge management activities; 2) Management of knowledge management processes: reviewing quality indicators, risk incidents, and relevant knowledge, determining key knowledge areas that need to be managed, and assigning activity leaders, including gathering and validating knowledge, organizing it into various formats, recording it, and sharing it within and across units; and 3) Outcome management: controlling, directing, and monitoring the utilization of recorded knowledge in work practices and fostering the development of a community of practice (CoP). The feasibility study indicated that the knowledge management model of obstetrics and gynecology nursing at Phatthalung Hospital was practical. Key aspects included clear assignment of responsibilities, scheduling of knowledge management activities, and integrating technology with traditional knowledge storage methods. This resulted in effective, evidence-based practices and a reduction in risk incidents.
The findings suggest that this model could be further developed for sustainable and continuous implementation, contributing to the achievement of organizational goals.

THE EFFECTS OF A SELF-REGULATION MINDFULNESS-BASED COGNITIVE PROGRAM ON DEPRESSION IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES

Jaruwan Kansri — 2024-12-27

This study employs a quasi-experimental research design with a pretest-posttest control group to 1) compare the average depression scores of geriatric patients with chronic diseases in the experimental group before and after participating in the self-regulation mindfulness-based cognitive program, and 2) compare the average depression scores between the experimental and control groups before and after the intervention The sample consisted of sixty geriatric patients with chronic diseases, selected using purposive sampling. The research instruments included a self-regulation mindfulness-based cognitive program conducted weekly and the 7-color ball depression assessment form (11Q). Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and t-tests to compare means.

The result revealed that 1) the experimental group exhibited significantly lower average depression scores after the intervention compared to before (M = 13.53, SD = 2.39 and M = 4.87, SD = 1.63; t = 3.32, p = .000) and 2) the experimental group had significantly lower depression scores after the intervention compared to the control group (M = 4.87, SD = 1.63 and M = 13.47, SD = 2.11; t = 3.14, p = .000).

The findings suggest that healthcare professionals should implement this program to reduce depression among geriatric patients with chronic diseases.

THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF CAREGIVERS IN TAKING CARE OF OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA IN BANGKOK METROPOLIS

Kanjana Kiriyangam — 2024-12-27

This qualitative research aimed to describe the lived experiences of caregivers in providing care for older adults with dementia in Bangkok. Purposive sampling was used to select 18 informants who had at least six months of experience in caring for older adults with dementia and were aged between 27 and 71 years. Data were collected through two in-depth interviews with open-ended questions and participant observations, each session lasting 45 - 60 minutes. Observations included verbal and non-verbal behaviors, emotions, feelings, and the experiences of caregivers. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for accuracy. Data were collected from July to September 2020 and analyzed using content analysis.

The findings revealed three main themes in the lived experiences of caregivers for older adults with dementia in Bangkok: 1) Caregivers had both positive and negative emotions in caregiving, including empathy, stress, and angry; 2) Problems and barriers of caregivers in caring for older adults with dementia; and 3) Essentials of caregiving were physical and psychological preparation, family support, and professional support during both emergent and non-emergent situations.

This research is beneficial for enhancing the quality of care for older adults with dementia in the future. Organizations, particularly those involved in elderly care, may use these findings to develop policies aimed at enhancing the capabilities of caregivers in Thailand.

THE EFFECT OF ISOMETRIC HANDGRIP EXERCISE ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN THE ELDERLY WITH HYPERTENSION LEVEL 1

Puntipa Thuamthai — 2024-12-27

This study was a randomized controlled trial that aimed to compare changes in mean blood pressure levels among elderly patients with grade 1 hypertension between a group that performed handgrip exercises using resistance equivalent to 30% of their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and a group that used a rubber ball for resistance. The sample consisted of 105 elderly patients with grade 1 hypertension from the outpatient department of the Phor Por Ror Building, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society. Participants were randomly assigned to 3 groups: 2 experimental groups and 1 control group. The first experimental group held the contraction for 2 minutes, followed by a 1-minute rest, repeated 4 times per session, twice a day, 3 days per week. The second experimental group held the contraction for 1 minute, followed by a 1-minute rest, repeated 4 times per session, twice a day, 5 days per week. The control group received routine care. Data were collected using handgrip strength measurements and daily blood pressure logs. The data were analyzed using one-sample t-tests and ANCOVA.

The findings revealed that the mean systolic blood pressure in experimental group 1 decreased significantly after the intervention (p < .05). However, the mean diastolic blood pressure showed only a slight reduction compared to pre-intervention, with no statistical significance (p > .05). In experimental group 2, both the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels significantly decreased after the intervention (p < .05). Similarly, the control group exhibited a significant reduction in both mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < .05). When controlling for the influence of gender on mean blood pressure across the three study groups, it was found that gender significantly affected the reduction in mean systolic blood pressure in both experimental groups compared to the control group (p < .05). However, gender had no significant effect on mean diastolic blood pressure (p > .05).

In conclusion, the 8-week exercise program utilizing the MANUGRIP handgrip exercise device at 30% of MVC effectively reduced systolic blood pressure levels in elderly patients with grade 1 hypertension.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DEPRESSION AMONG NURSING STUDENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Khanuttha Nadee — 2024-12-27

This descriptive correlational research aimed to investigate: 1) the level of depression among nursing students; and 2) the relationships between perceived social support, resilience, hope, perceived stress, and COVID-19 exposure with depression among nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were 225 nursing students studying at a nursing college in Bangkok from October to November 2022. Data collection instruments included a demographic questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Thai-MSPSS), the Resilience Inventory, the Herth Hope Index, the Perceived Stress Scale, the COVID-19 Exposure Questionnaire, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

The findings revealed that the mean depression score was 15.18 (SD = 7.85), and 19.1% of participants reported experiencing depression. Perceived social support, resilience, and hope were negatively and significantly associated with depression (r = -.560, -.569, and -.609, respectively; p = .000). In contrast, perceived stress and COVID-19 exposure were positively and significantly related to depression (r =.732, p = .000; r = .139, p = .038).

The results of this study provide important information that can be used in planning care and developing programs to prevent and reduce depression among nursing students during the COVID-19 outbreak.

FACTORS INFLUENCING BURDEN OF CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH ADHD DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Jaratsri Damsri — 2024-12-27

This predictive correlational research aimed to investigate: 1) the relationships between the worry about the COVID-19 pandemic, resilience, caregiver-perceived severity of ADHD, and number of comorbidities, and the burden of caregivers of children with ADHD; and 2) the predictive ability of these factors on caregiver burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were 204 caregivers of children with ADHD who sought services at the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Bangkok. The research tools consisted of the caregiver burden scale, the worry about COVID-19 scale, the resilience inventory, and the SNAP-IV. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the research instrument were .93, .93, .93 and .94, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficients, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

The findings revealed that 34.8 percent of caregivers of children with ADHD had moderate to high levels of caregiver burden. The worry about the COVID-19 pandemic and the perceived severity of ADHD were positively and significantly associated with caregiver burden, while resilience was negatively and significantly related to caregiver burden. The worry the COVID-19 pandemic, caregiver-perceived severity of ADHD, resilience, and the number of comorbidities collectively explained 27.6% of the variance in caregiver burden, with statistical significance. The worry about the COVID-19 pandemic had the greatest impact on caregiver burden (Beta = .310, p = .000), followed by caregiver-perceived severity of ADHD (Beta = .300, p = .000) and resilience (Beta = -.192, p = .002). However, the number of comorbidities was not significantly correlated with caregiver burden (r = .133, p > .05) and did not significantly affect caregiver burden (Beta = .108, p > .05).

The results of this study could serve as foundational data for developing guidelines to prevent or reduce caregiver burden among those caring for children with ADHD.

HEALTH LITERACY AND HEALTH BEHAVIOR AMONG VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS IN PAK PLEE DISTRICT, NAKHON NAYOK PROVINCE

Sookruedee Thutsaringkarnsakul — 2024-12-28

This research was a descriptive study aimed at examining the health literacy and health behaviors of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in Pak Plee District, Nakhon Nayok Province. A total of 222 VHVs aged 18 to 59 years were selected for the study through simple random sampling. The research instruments were health literacy and health behavior assessment tools. The reliability of the instruments was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, which were .91 and .82, respectively. Data were collected through surveys and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

The results showed that the average health literacy score of Village Health Volunteers in Pak Plee District, Nakhon Nayok Province, was at a good level (M = 63.63, SD = 8.30). When considering the average scores in each area, the skills of accessing health information and services and the skills of applying health information and services were rated at very high levels (M = 16.36, SD = 2.28; M = 16.09, SD = 2.18). Additionally, the skills of understanding health information and services and decision-making skills regarding health information and services were rated at good levels (M = 15.83, SD = 2.43; M = 15.34, SD = 2.89). The average score of health behaviors was at a good level (M = 84.65, SD = 9.92). When appraising the average scores in each area, smoking and alcohol consumption behaviors were rated at very high levels (M = 8.98, SD = 1.80; M = 4.64, SD = .83). Furthermore, food consumption, stress management behaviors, and health behaviors for COVID-19 prevention were rated at good levels (M = 22.45, SD = 3.71; M = 7.95, SD = 1.84; M = 33.82, SD = 6.38). However, exercise behavior was rated at a fair level (M = 6.80, SD = 1.76).

Thus, healthcare providers and relevant government agencies should further develop the health literacy of Village Health Volunteers, for example, through training programs to enhance the necessary knowledge and skills required to improve their capacity to effectively care for their own health and that of the community.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF RAPID RESPONSE SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH SEPSIS AND SEPTIC SHOCK

Yukonchat Lamwanna — 2024-12-28

The purposes of this research and development were to develop of rapid response system (RRS) of management in patients with sepsis and septic shock at Samutprakarn hospital and to compare the outcomes hospital service such as length of stay, cost, and mortality, before and after development of RRS. The sample consisted of the patients with sepsis or septic shock admitted to the emergency department (ED) at Samutprakarn hospital. Data were collected 134 patients by purposive selection method. Sixty-seven samples were received a pre-development of RRS and sixty-seven samples were received (RRS) of management in patients with sepsis and septic shock. The research instruments were including the guidelines for assessment, screening, and responsiveness for patients with sepsis and septic shock, guidelines for management in patients with sepsis and septic shock, and data record form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney U test.

The results revealed that: 1) The RRS of management in patients with sepsis and septic shock were appropriate and possibility of use them into practice until the expected outcomes. 2) The length of stay, cost, and mortality were significant at the .05 level in pre-post development of RRS of management in patients with sepsis and septic shock.

CAREGIVERS’ EXPERIENCES IN MANAGING RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS

Jaruwan Thaibandit — 2024-12-28

This research was a descriptive qualitative study aimed at exploring caregivers’ experiences in managing respiratory infections in child development centers. Participants were caregivers working in child development centers under local administration. Sixteen caregivers were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using content analysis.

The findings of caregivers’ experiences in managing respiratory infections in child development centers were summarized into three themes: 1) Management was diverse and followed the center's policies; 2) Disease prevention and control were well-executed, despite certain limitations in some centers; and 3) Support was to enhance the efficiency of caregivers' management.

This study provides an understanding of caregivers’ experiences in managing respiratory infections in child development centers. The findings can be used to plan and develop effective respiratory infection prevention behaviors among caregivers.