Health Science Journal of Thailand

The Guidelines for Water Quality Management on the Middle of Tha Chin River

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The objectives of this research were to study the Water Quality Index (WQI) in the Middle Tha Chin River, conduct a comparative analysis of land use in the Middle Tha Chin River Basin between 2007 and 2019, and prepare the guidelines/mechanism where required for water quality restoration in the Middle Tha Chin River. Based on the research, the overall water quality in the Middle Tha Chin River was classified as poor, with the WQI of 58. Land uses in Suphan Buri and Nakhon Pathom have changed to a large extent in 2019, compared to those in 2007, in both upward and downward directions, especially in urban and built-up land. The guideline /mechanism, which is required for polluted water remediation, the wastewater treatment system should be improved, to make it more effective and better function, while the water treatment service should be extensively provided to cover the whole area. At the same time, local administrative organizations should also be encouraged to issue the municipal laws about wastewater treatment, determine wastewater treatment service fees and push for the collection of such fee. Apart from that, public relations campaigns should also be conducted to provide knowledge to the public, especially those living on riverbanks. Public participation should be promoted in the preparation of the local wastewater management plan while grease traps should also be installed, with maintenance-related knowledge provided, especially to those living on riverbanks, in order to minimize the amount of wastewater released into the river and its tributaries.

Advancements and Applications of Laser Technology in Modern Medicine

Ornnicha Kongwut, Artit Ruangsri, Phatsaran Laohhapaibon — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This article aims to synthesize knowledge about medical laser applications, discussing laser principles, key properties, tissue interactions, types of medical lasers, and their use in various fields such as cancer treatment, diagnosis, and disease treatment, including safety considerations. Lasers play a crucial role in modern medicine due to their outstanding properties, being used in diagnosing and treating various diseases. This article compiles fundamental knowledge of medical lasers, from operating principles and tissue interactions to applications in fields like surgery, dentistry, and ophthalmology. Lasers are highly effective in treating cancer, skin diseases, eye disorders, and oral conditions. However, laser use must consider safety and prevent radiation side effects. Future trends indicate laser technology will develop greater precision and integrate with other techniques to provide efficient and patient-specific treatments. Development requires research into both cellular mechanisms and broad clinical applications to improve treatment of challenging chronic diseases. Advancement in medical lasers necessitates multidisciplinary collaboration, which will significantly elevate the quality of healthcare in the future.

Key Success Factors and Administrative Factors Affecting the Health Literate Organization Development for Sub-District Health Promoting Hospitals

Nattachai Kuppatipattamakul, Nakarin Prasit, Pittaya Thummawongsa — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This cross-sectional descriptive research aimed to study key success factors and administrative factors affecting the development of health-literate organizations for sub-district health-promoting hospital directors in Nakhon Phanom province. The study was based on a population of 152 directors; the sample size was 131 using simple random sampling. The reliability coefficient was found to be 0.99. Data was collected between 18 January and 16 February 2024. The statistics used to analyze the data were descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple linear regression. The significance level was set at 0.05. The results showed that overall key success factors and administrative factors had a high relationship with the health literate organization development for sub-district health promoting hospital directors in Nakhon Phanom province, (r = 0.844, p-value <0.001) (r = 0.832, p-value < 0.001), and the five variables include key success factors: image development of healthcare facilities, collaborations between sub-district health promoting hospitals and node hospitals, executives at all levels providing support, and follow-up to create understanding, administrative factors, technology, and management could jointly predict the health literate organizations development for sub-district health promoting hospitals directors at 80.0 percent (R2adj.=0.800).

Volunteers Participation Screening Model for the New Cases Tuberculosis Patients in Drug Addict and Alcohol Dependence Groups in Nong Phok District Service Network

Kittisak Panompong, Ratchanee Rada, Punja Chomputawat — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This participatory action research aimed to analyze tuberculosis situation, find and screen for new tuberculosis cases, and develop a screening model for new cases of tuberculosis among drug addicts and those with alcohol dependence. The sample consisted of 35 medical personnel and 50 people with drug addict and alcohol dependence. The research process consisted of 4 phases, conducted between March 2022 and February 2023. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and content analysis. The research found that the majority of drug addicts and alcohol dependence were teenagers. The development tuberculosis screening model results were included in the 6-step process as follows: 1) exchanging knowledge; 2) providing knowledge about tuberculosis to multidisciplinary teams and service networks; 3) searching for tuberculosis in risk groups by examining chest X-rays and sputum AFB; 4) Follow-up visits to the sub-district health promotion hospital service network, public health volunteers, drug addiction and alcohol dependence groups in the community and drug treatment camps; 5) network coordination, and 6) support for the compensation of vehicle expenses. The results of this research show that tuberculosis screening among drug addicts and chronic alcoholics has a total of 6 important steps that create cooperation, resulting in easy access to services.

Development of a Healthcare Model for the Elderly in the Community with Integration of Thai Traditional Medicine Knowledge

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Action research aims to develop a healthcare model for the elderly in the community with the integration of Thai traditional medicine knowledge. The study employs an approach involving 20 key informants selected through purposive sampling. These informants actively participate in the integrated sub-district economic and social upgrading project in Bunrueang sub-district, Chiang Khong district, Chiang Rai province, and the data collection method involves focus group discussions. The research tools utilized are recordings of these focus group sessions, content analysis, and data triangulation. The findings reveal challenges and trends among the elderly in Bunrueang Subdistrict, encompassing economic struggles (poverty and insufficient income), social issues (some individuals experiencing loneliness with no caregiver), and health concerns (prevalence of congenital diseases and five groups of illnesses treatable with Thai traditional medicine, along with mental health problems). Thai traditional medicine assumes a crucial role in maintaining elderly health in compliance with established regulations. This includes activities such as examination, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, promotion, and rehabilitation of health with Thai traditional medicine methods. The proposed model for elderly care in the community involves two main activities: 1) healthcare activities: operating an elderly clinic to address the five identified groups of diseases, along with activities aimed at promoting and preventing health issues to enhance the overall quality of life for the elderly and 2) development activities: cultivating local medicinal plants and vegetables for self-care by promoting the use and development of medicinal plants and local vegetables to take care of health and supplement income.

Problems, Barriers, and Guidelines for Rehabilitation of Stroke patients in the Community

Piyapron Pongprayoon, Pannee Banchonhattakit, Thassaporn Chusak — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This descriptive, phenomenological, and qualitative research aimed to study problems, obstacles, and guidelines for rehabilitating stroke patients in communities in Suphanburi Province. The study was conducted with 30 stroke patients aged 25 years and older who had recovered in the community and were willing to participate. Key informants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth one-on-one interviews with key informants and group discussions with a multidisciplinary team responsible for caring for key informants in the Suphan Buri community. The study utilized a problem interview form from October to December 2023. The study also identified obstacles and guidelines for the rehabilitation of stroke patients in the community. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The research findings revealed that patients exhibit a lack of knowledge, awareness, and misunderstanding regarding correct and continuous rehabilitation. The multidisciplinary team found that the rehabilitation model for stroke patients in the community was not consistent with the local context. cannot be implemented in the community. The goal is to develop coordination, service clear and systematic procedures with the cooperation of the relevant multidisciplinary team, and bring relatives or caregivers to participate in rehabilitation from illness until discharge home. This study's results can serve as fundamental knowledge for the development of rehabilitation programs for stroke patients in the Suphanburi Province Community, helping them return to society and have a better quality of life.

Executive Competencies and Organizational Climate Affecting Development of Quality and Standard of Primary Health Care Services after Mission Transfer of Sub-District Health Promoting Hospital among Directors in Khon Kaen Provincial Administration Organization

Puwanart Sresutham, Nakarin Prasit, Nuttapol Yotha — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

In this cross-sectional descriptive study, the objective was to study the performance of executives and organizational atmospheres that affect the development of the quality and standards of primary health services that transfer the mission of the Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital to the Director of the Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital affiliated with the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization. The objective of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to examine how the performance of executives and organizational atmospheres influences the development of the quality and standards of primary health services, which in turn transfers the mission of the Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital to the Director of the Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, who is affiliated with the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization. The study was conducted on a population of 248 people, and a sample size of 171 people was calculated using simple sampling and through content accuracy checks. The accuracy value of the whole set of instruments was 0.99, and the data were collected between January 1 and 31, 2024. The statistics used were descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including Pearson's correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple linear regression at a significant level of 0.05. (r = 0.875, p-value <0.001) (r = 0.932, p-value <0.001) and found that the 5 variables included executive performance in the use of technology and information and proactive work. The whole set of instruments had an accuracy value of 0.99, and we collected the data between January 1 and 31, 2024, using descriptive and inferential statistics such as Pearson's correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple linear regression at a significant level of 0.05. (r = 0.875, p-value <0.001) (r = 0.932, p-value <0.001) and found that the 5 variables included executive performance in the use of technology and information and proactive work. The organizational atmosphere of the unity dimensions the risk dimension and the organizational structure dimension are effective and can participate in forecasting the development of the quality and standards of primary health services that have transferred the mission of the sub-district health promotion hospital. 89.4 percent (R²adj = 0.894). The organizational atmosphere, which encompasses the unity dimensions, the risk dimension, and the organizational structure dimension, is effective in forecasting the development of the quality and standards of primary health services, thereby advancing the mission of the sub-district health promotion hospital. 89.4 percent (R2adj = 0.894).

Physical Properties and Anti-Bacterial Activity of Essential Oils Extracted from Kaffir Lime, Lemongrass, and Lime

Firdao Hengta, Umniyah Kuna, Yamon Pitakpawasutth, Sukanjana Kamlungmak — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Plants produce essential oils naturally in different parts. Essential oil from herb plants are used as massage oil, medicine, skin care products, Inhalers, and food ingredients. The objectives of this research were 1) to study the physical characteristics, 2) to assess the amount of distilled essential oil (% yield), 3) to evaluate the distillation cost of essential oil, and 4) to study the antibacterial activity. The results of the study found that the physical characteristics of essential oils from the kaffir lime leaf were yellow gold and had a pungent smell, lemongrass was light yellow and had a particular scent, and lime peel was yellow gold and had a particular scent and pH values were 3.74, 3.74, and 3.94, respectively. The essential oil yields were 0.37%, 0.23%, and 0.32%, respectively. The cost of essential oils per 1 mL was 11.59, 11.13, and 14.02 baht, respectively. Kaffir lime leaf essential oil at concentrations of 0.10-0.18% v/v, lemongrass essential oil at 0.10% v/v, and lime peel essential oil at concentrations ranging from 0.18% to 1.56% v/v demonstrated antibacterial characteristics and were effective to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyrogens, and Streptococcus pneumonia. Hence, it is suitable to use the potential of these three essential oils to use in formulations and commercial products for future research.

Factor Related to Musculoskeletal Disorders among Durian Farmers in Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

In a cross-sectional analytical study, the aim was to identify risk factors and evaluate ergonomic risks associated with working postures leading to musculoskeletal disorders among 199 durian farmers in Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province. Data was gathered through questionnaires and the REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) risk assessment form. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. The study revealed that the majority of durian farmers worked 5-7 days a week, without breaks for 1-4 hours per day (54.27%). All farmers repeated the same postures and used tools such as water buckets, knives, and sickles, 82.41% using heavy tools. The prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries, within the past 12 months and 7 days, was highest in the lower back area (63.82% and 71.36%, respectively). The REBA assessment indicated that 61.31% of farmers were at level 4 risk. Additionally, risk factors associated with low back pain included working without consecutive breaks for 5-8 hours per day (adjusted odds ratio (AOR =3.45, 95%CI: 1.52-7.80). Conversely, protective factors for low back pain included farmers aged over 50 years (AOR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.10-0.95) and physical activity (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.20-0.92). These findings suggest that durian farmers are at high risk and highlight the urgent need to improve their working postures to prevent musculoskeletal issues.

Health and Social Innovative Development Scenarios in Efforts to Support Aging Society in the Future

Vanida Durongrittichai, Manatsri Paibulsiri, Kitisak Rujiganjanarat — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Documentary research aims to synthesize and recommend research issues under the scenario of health and social innovation over 15 years from 190 Thai research samples related to aging. Statistical analysis relies on content analysis. The result found that the first perspective axis represents the complex structure of an aging society, where development is either concentrated with prototypes or distributed evenly at the grassroots level. The second perspective axis represents the innovation model designed to support an aging society. The work or methods in single-dimensional or multi-dimensional innovations can be synthesized to be: 1) innovation to support a single-dimensional aging society that is dominated by prototypes that research issues including elderly business models, health innovation in caring for and treating predominant elderly diseases, long-term health care systems, and the Internet of Things, 2) innovation to support an aging society in various dimensions led by prototypes that address research issues consisting of works in the digital age, information technology channels, lifelong learning platforms, and care models for self-reliance, 3) innovation to support a single-dimensional aging society distributed at the grassroots level, which research issues including social adaptation, aging engagement, and sandbox environment, and 4) innovation supports an aging society with many dimensions distributed at the grassroots level, in which research issues include databases and quality of life for the elderly with community-based.

Effect of Clinical Nursing Practice Guideline for Prevention of Unplanned Extubation in Critically Ill Infant by CURN Model on Nurse Behavior and unplanned extubation

Krittiyanee Panatthanang, Nilawarn Chanthapreeda — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

As action research, the purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate the implementation impacts of clinical nursing practice guidelines for prevention of unplanned extubation in critically ill infants based on the CURN Model. The period of study was from December 2017 to April 2018. The study was conducted from December 2017 to April 2018. The samples of this study were 30 nurses who all practiced in pediatric intensive care units and 30 infant patients who were on endotracheal tubes and using ventilators. The infants were selected by purposive sampling. The data was analyzed statistically by frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation. Then the mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and nursing practice between before and after the implementation were compared by Paired t-test procedure. The results of this study showed that 1. The clinical nursing practice guidelines for prevention of unplanned extubation in critically ill children by the CURN model are composed of 1) endotracheal intubation, 2) monitoring risk factors of unplanned extubation, and 3) weaning the ventilator together with the innovative “Safety Bed,” 2) the average score of knowledge, attitude, and nursing practice for prevention of unplanned extubation in critically ill children were higher than before participation in the development programs with statistical significance (p-value < 0.05), and 3) the rate incidence of unplanned extubation was 0 accidental extubation/1000 patient intubation days. The findings indicate that the CURN Model promotes higher efficiency of nursing practice and prevention of unplanned extubation in critically ill infants.

Factors Influencing Health Behavior for Obesity Prevention of among Overweight School Children in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This Cross-sectional Analytical Study aimed to study the factors influencing health behavior for obesity prevention for among overweight school children in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The sample group of 377 among overweight school children (aged 10-14 years). The research instrument was a questionnaire approved by five experts with a consistency index of 0.67-1.00 and total reliability of 0.85. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The research results revealed that most of the participants had health literacy for obesity prevention at low level (100%) and health behavior for obesity prevention at moderate level (62.10%), low level (32.10%), and high level (5.80%). The factors influencing health behavior for obesity prevention were congenital disease, spending money per day, surf the internet or game, use the telephone or tablet, exercise, sweet food, cognitive skills, self-management skills, media literacy skills, and decision skills. All variables could explain 44.80 percent of the variation (R² = 0.448). The results of this study contribute to the development of a participatory health behavior modification model for obesity prevention among overweight school children in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.