Health Science Journal of Thailand

Indoor Air Quality Assessment in an Entertainment Venue in Surat Thani Province

Tararat Sukkaew — 2025-12-16

This study aimed to assess indoor air quality in an entertainment venue in Surat Thani Province, focusing on environmental factors including temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Measurements were conducted from January to March 2025, over a three-month period. The results indicated that indoor temperatures were consistently lower than the recommended standard (24–26°C) at all sampling points. Relative humidity levels exceeded the guideline range (50–65%), creating conditions that may promote the growth of mold and microorganisms hazardous to health. In addition, CO₂ levels were found to be above the standard limit, with some points recording values higher than 5,500 PPM, which may negatively affect the health of employees and patrons. By contrast, CO concentrations were within acceptable limits. However, VOC levels exceeded the recommended standard at all sampling locations. These findings highlight the need to improve the building’s ventilation system and establish effective measures for air quality management in order to reduce health risks for workers and visitors. Regular air quality monitoring should be implemented in similar entertainment facilities, along with policies that promote proper building ventilation and environmental control. Such efforts would help minimize the risk of respiratory illnesses and conditions related to Sick Building Syndrome. A key limitation of this research is that it was conducted in only one venue; therefore, the results may not represent all entertainment establishments in Surat Thani Province.

Effect of Promoting Attentive Listening Behavior of Village Health Volunteers through Dialogue Group

Chintana Leelakraiwan — 2025-12-16

This quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effects of a listening behavior promotion program based on dialogic principles among Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in Ban Wang Prajob Subdistrict, Mueang District, Tak Province. The sample consisted of 30 VHVs. The data collection instruments included a dialogic group activity program, a personal information questionnaire, and a listening behavior assessment form. Data were collected through individual interviews in cases where participants were unable to record the information themselves. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Hypotheses were tested using Paired t-test statistics, and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The research findings revealed that after the intervention, the sample group had a higher mean listening behavior score compared to before the intervention (p-value = 0.05), which can be used as a guideline for promoting listening behavior among VHVs during home visits to patients, enabling them to listen attentively to patients and their relatives, and as a guideline for communicating with patients and relatives during follow-up home visits to monitor patients' conditions.

Pigmented Rice Extracts Inhibit Calcium Oxalate Crystal Formation and Adhesion to MDCK Renal Tubular Cell Line

Parinyaporn Nuurai — 2025-12-16

Kidney stone is a worldwide chronic disease with a recurrence rate ranging from 21–25%. Natural antioxidant-rich substances, particularly plant extracts such as lemon, green tea, and okra, have been explored for their potential in preventing kidney stone formation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Black glutinous rice extract (BR) and Sung-Yod glutinous rice extract (SY) on calcium oxalate crystal nucleation, aggregation in vitro, and crystal adhesion to MDCK renal tubular epithelial cells. The statistical analyses were performed using a one-way analysis of variance with a significance level of P < 0.05. The results demonstrated that BR and SY extracts significantly inhibited calcium oxalate crystal formation and aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, treatment with BR and SY extracts reduced the number of crystal-MDCK cell adhesions. It can be concluded that rice extracts, particularly those from black glutinous rice, inhibit calcium oxalate crystal formation and adhesion in MDCK renal tubular cells. It contributes to the development of potential preventive agents against kidney stones. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which these rice extracts exert their anti-lithiatic effects.

Factors Associated with Mortality among Tuberculosis Patients in Suratthani Hospital, Suratthani Province

Wittawat Siriyong — 2025-12-16

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is easily spreads. The treatment success rate for new and relapsed TB cases in Thailand remained lower the country target, mainly due to high mortality rate during treatment. This study aimed to identify factors associated with mortality in TB patients to establish management for reducing the mortality rate. A retrospective study was conducted TB patients aged over 18 years who were admitted to Suratthani hospital between 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2024. Demographic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory results and chest X-ray (CXR) performed on admission were obtained from the medical records of in-patients diagnosed with TB. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with mortality. A total of 1,644 patients were diagnosed of tuberculosis and 242 patients (14.72%) died. Factors significantly associated with mortality were body mass index (BMI) less than 18.5 kg/m² (aOR = 1.91, 95%CI: 1.23-2.99), respiratory rate ≥ 30 breaths/min (aOR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.49-6.20), septic shock (aOR = 3.69, 95%CI: 2.18-6.24), respiratory failure (aOR = 28.09, 95%CI: 15.66-50.42), hematocrit < 25% (aOR = 2.84, 95%CI: 1.69-4.78), moderate and advanced lesion on CXR (aOR = 2.23, 95%CI: 1.71-2.90) having extrapulmonary TB (aOR = 2.15, 95%CI: 1.49-3.09). The TB patients with these risk factors should be closely monitored and managed to reduce mortality.

Joinpoint Regression: Overview and Application in Research on Trends or Situations of Health Science Problems

Nakarin Asiphong — 2025-12-16

Health research is informed by the study of health science, trends, and predicted patient numbers, with the aim of using these results to support government health organizations responsible for public health. It encourages and assists decision-makers in determining whether to plan operations or handle health issues. Joinpoint regression is a commonly used technique for evaluating this type of data. It looks at trends and changes in health outcome data, like the number of patients, mortality rates, and morbidity rates. Additionally, the National Cancer Institute has created a ready-made program to facilitate data analysis for researchers. It is available without charge to researchers and interested parties. However, having ready-made tools to facilitate analysis is a beneficial thing. But for researchers, choosing a data analysis method and interpreting the results obtained from ready-made programs effectively and correctly requires an understanding of the principles, concepts, and theories from which the results of the analysis are derived. This understanding leads to the dissemination of accurate study results and helps prevent misunderstandings or misleading conclusions.