Health Science Journal of Thailand

A Comparative Effects of Episodic Tension-type Headache Treatment between Royal Thai Massage with Thai Massage: Preliminary study

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The quasi-experimental research aimed to study the comparative effects of episodic tension-type headache treatment between Royal Thai massage and Thai massage, conducted on 30 female students in Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University. Fifteen of them received Royal Thai massage, and the other fifteen received Thai massage for 30 minutes per week for three weeks. Their stress levels were assessed based on the assessment form made by the Department of Mental Health (ST-5), which divided the muscle pain levels into 10 categories. The muscle tenderness was assessed using an algometer, and the range of motions of the cervical spine was assessed using a goniometer before and after the treatment, respectively, with the statistical significance of 0.05. The results revealed that both Royal Thai massage and Thai massage could help alleviate pain and stress and enhance the pressure – pain threshold and the movement of the cervical spine with the statistical significance of 0.05 However, no difference was observed between the two groups. It is apparent that both Royal Thai massage and Thai massage can yield equivalent results of alleviating episodic tension-type headache. Therefore, this knowledge could be adopted in association with massage therapy that integrates both Royal Thai massage and Thai massage in patients with episodic tension-type headache.

Caregiver Factors Influencing Asthma Control in Preschool Children

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to study caregiver factors influencing asthma control in pre-school children. The sample group of 124 consisted of caregivers of preschool children with asthma. The research instruments were composed of 1) a demographic data questionnaire 2) a health literacy questionnaire 3) a health Perception questionnaire 4) an asthma management questionnaire, and 5) a asthma control test. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. The research results revealed that children with asthma were classified in the controlled level (78.20) and the uncontrolled level (21.80). The model of health literacy, health perception, and asthma management explained 86.00% of variance on asthma control (Nagelkerke R² = 0.86. The influencing factors of asthma control were health perception (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.58, 1.02, p-value <0.05) and asthma management (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.74, 0.97, p-value <0.05). Therefore, the health care team should organize the programs to promote caregiver asthma management and health perception in order to achieve the goal of asthma control.

Selected Factors Related to Executive Function of Preschool Children

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Executive function skills represent advanced cognitive processes in the prefrontal cortex, responsible for managing thoughts, regulating emotions, and controlling behaviors. These skills are essential for individuals to accomplish their life objectives. Low executive function may negatively impact development, learning, and mental health problems later in life. This study aimed to examine the executive function skills of preschool children and the selected factors related to these skills. A total of 87 participants were selected using simple random sampling. Preschool children, aged 2-5 years, were selected through purposive sampling from child development centers. Data was collected through developmental evaluations, behavior observation, and parent interviews. The research instruments employed included 1) a questionnaire on the demographic information of the children and their parents, 2) assessment of growth according to the Kotchakorn Version 2, 3) the Developmental Surveillance and Promotion Manual (DSPM), and 4) the Executive Function Assessment in Early Childhood. The data were analyzed using Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient and the Mann-Whitney U test. Study results: The average age of preschool children was 3.21 years, exhibiting executive function skills at a high level ( = 56.98, SD =10.07). Factors positively associated with executive function skills included language comprehension development (Z =-2.314, p-value <0.05) and height-for-age (r = 0.266, p-value < 0.05). Consequently, the findings from this research should be utilized to promote development in language comprehension and nutrition, which affect cognitive skills related to executive function.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment on Exposure to Musculoskeletal Disorders among Warehouse Workers, Samutprakan Province

Rattakun Promjan, Teeraphun Kaewdok — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to evaluate the MSDs risk of ergonomics exposure among warehouse workers. A cross-sectional descriptive study by using questionnaires and ergonomic observational techniques was completed by 96 warehouse workers. The data was collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (MSQ), ergonomics postural assessment, and the NIOSH lifting equation. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that most working conditions involved standing all the time 64.60 %. The prevalence of MSDs in the past 7 days and 12 months was 81.20 % and 76.00%, respectively. The three body parts with the highest prevalence rates of MSDs in the past 7 days were shoulder 47.90%, upper back 45.80% and lower back 41.70%. In 12 months the upper back was 42.70%, shoulder 39.60%, and lower back 37.50%. These results demonstrated that MSDS tends to occur in acute and cumulative effects. The results of postural risk assessment showed that most of the postures were at the high risk with 51.04 %, which is the high risk and requiring investigation and implementation for the improvement. A Lifting Index found that greater than acceptable levels were in original and destination points with average 1.27 (SD. = 0.63) and 1.58 (SD. = 0.74), respectively. Warehouse workers face ergonomic risks that sho uld be improved. Working conditions should be designed ergonomically, and protective measures should be considered to promote workers’ health and safety.

Development on Evaluation Criteria of Environmental Health Management: A Case Study of Community-Based Whitewater Rafting Tourism Sites in Trang Province

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to develop an environmental health management assessment criterion specifically for community-based whitewater rafting tourism sites in Trang Province, as no such specific criteria currently exist. A mixed-methods research design was employed, incorporating qualitative data collected from 22 environmental health experts using a two-round Delphi technique, and quantitative data collected from 400 tourists for first-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Data collection was conducted using questionnaires. The data were analyzed through content analysis, median, interquartile range, and first-order CFA. The findings revealed that the developed assessment criteria comprised 12 categories with a total of 131 sub-indicators. The factor loadings of the indicators within each category ranged from 0.44 to 0.99, indicating appropriate clustering of the indicators and structural validity of the assessment tool. The developed criteria can serve as a self-assessment tool for community-based tourism sites to enhance environmental health quality, and can also be used as a foundation for certification by relevant authorities in an efficient manner.

Effects of an Applied Local Dance Program on Physical Fitness in Older Adults at Huai Yang Sub-District Khong, Chiam District in Ubonratchathani Province

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Older adults are in a stage where the efficiency of various organs decreases. There are problems with joint mobility, and muscle strength decreases, which affects imbalance. This one-group pretest-posttest design aimed to examine the effects of an applied local dance program on the physical fitness of older adults. The participants were 28 older adults living in Huai Yang Sub-district, Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, who received the applied local dance program of 14 postures for 40 minutes per day, three days a week for 8 consecutive weeks. There were three physical fitness outcomes in this study, which were recorded at baseline week 4 and at the end of study (week 8), including a leg muscle strength test, lower back, and posterior thigh muscle flexibility and dynamic balance test. The results found that the leg muscle strength test and lower back, and posterior thigh muscle flexibility were statistically significant improvements (p-value <0.05) at week 4 and week 8. For the dynamic balance test, tended to improve at week 4 and found that there were statistically significant improvements (p-value <0.05) at week 8. This study indicates that the 14 postures in the applied local dance program can promote improved physical fitness in older adults.

Analysis of Mathematical Modeling for Chickenpox Disease after Vaccination

Rattiya Sumgchasit, Surinee Yuaiam, Kasit Sumpattarat, Natee Sumongkhol — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The chickenpox is a contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), also known as human herpes virus type 3 (HHV-3), and is called "chickenpox." This type of disease is contagious and transmitted through respiratory droplets, coughing, sneezing, direct contact with an infected person, or sharing contaminated items. Researchers have developed a mathematical model to describe the transmission of chickenpox, considering the disease's incubation period and vaccination at different time intervals. The researchers identified equilibrium points and the conditions that lead to their stability under disease-free and endemic states. These findings were then presented in the form of the basic reproduction number (Basic Reproduction Number : R₀). The stability analysis was then performed under disease-free and epidemic conditions, and the results were consistent with the Routh-Hurwitz criterion. Numerical analysis revealed that the parameters β , α and γ determine whether the basic reproduction value (R₀) will remain in the disease-free state when R₀<1 or in the epidemic state when R₀>1.

Holistic Intelligence and Change Management Affecting Human Resource Management of Directors at Sub-District Health Promoting Hospitals Under the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization

Kamontip Suyanang, Nakarin Prasit, Nuttapol Yotha, Puwanart Sresutham — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to examine how holistic intelligence and change management affecting human resource management of directors at sub-district health promoting hospitals under the khon kaen provincial administrative organization. A total of 195 hospital directors were selected by using simple random sampling. Data were collected by employing a questionnaire with reliability: Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were 0.95 for holistic intelligence, 0.94 for change management, and 0.96 for human resource management. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results showed high levels of holistic intelligence (Mean ± S.D. = 0.38), change management (4.27 ± 0.43), and human resource management (4.40 ± 0.45). Holistic intelligence and change management showed a strong correlation with human resource management (r = 0.707, p-value <0.001; r = 0.812, p-value <0.001, respectively). Six factors could predict human resource management variance (R² = 0.717, adjusted R² = 0.708): cultural change management, digital intelligence, physical change management, emotional intelligence, personnel change management, and social intelligence. These results offer practical implications for local administrative executives in developing strategic plans to enhance human resource management efficiency in sub-district health promoting hospitals following decentralization.

Preparation of Readiness for Hospital Discharge in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Utthawit Jansiri — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Acute Coronary Syndrome represents a significant cause of mortality worldwide, constituting a critical condition wherein patients experience sudden death resulting from occlusion of the coronary arteries that supply the myocardium. Treatment necessitates the most expeditious restoration of blood flow through the administration of thrombolytic agents or percutaneous coronary intervention with balloon angioplasty. Nevertheless, patients remain at risk for readmission or the development of post-treatment complications. Consequently, discharge preparation constitutes a crucial process in enabling patients to adapt and manage their self-care effectively. This article emphasizes hospital discharge readiness, encompassing physical and psychological capabilities, adequate information provision, social support, and access to community healthcare services. These preparatory measures serve to reduce the risk of recurrent cardiac events and long-term complications. Factors influencing discharge readiness include age, educational level, living arrangements, meaning-making, treatment planning, and quality of patient education. Therefore, effective discharge planning based on the discharge readiness framework developed by Weiss and colleagues is essential for promoting patient readiness, enabling patients to conduct their post-treatment lives safely while maintaining optimal quality of life. This article serves as a guideline for discharge preparation in patients with acute myocardial ischemia, facilitating rapid and safe long-term physical rehabilitation.

Marketing Mix Factors Associated with Breast Cancer Patients' Perception of Treatment Rights under the Universal Health Coverage at Nang Rong Hospital, Buriram Province

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to examine the prevalence and marketing mix factors associated with the perception of treatment rights under universal health coverage among breast cancer patients. The study employed a cross-sectional analytical research design. The sample consisted of 215 breast cancer patients with universal health coverage rights at Nang Rong Hospital in Buriram Province. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire. The research instrument demonstrated content validity with all items scoring above 0.66, and the reliability of the entire questionnaire was 0.979. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using multiple logistic regression at a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that regarding the perception of rights under universal health coverage among breast cancer patients, the perception of benefits was highest, with 80.00% at a high level, followed by the perception of barriers at 78.60% at a high level, and the perception of self-efficacy at 73.02% at a high level. The prevalence of breast cancer patients with high-level rights perception was 86.05% (95% CI: 0.80-0.90). The study found that patients who rated service channel factors at a high level were 3.07 times more likely to perceive treatment rights (AOR = 3.07, 95%CI: 1.22-7.76, p-value = 0.018). Those who rated personnel factors at a high level were 3.20 times more likely to perceive treatment rights (AOR = 3.20, 95%CI: 1.09-9.39, p-value = 0.035). Additionally, patients who rated process factors at a high level were 3.70 times more likely to perceive treatment rights (AOR = 3.70, 95%CI: 1.60-8.54, p-value = 0.002).