Lanna Public Health Journal

Effectiveness of Program to Enhance Health Literacy to Disaster Preparedness Behaviors for Elderly in Public Health Emergencies due to Earthquakes

2025-10-20T10:27:45+07:00

This quasi-experimental study with a two-group pretest-posttest design aimed to examine the effectiveness of a health literacy promotion program on preparedness behaviors among elderly for public health emergencies related to earthquakes. The sample consisted of 80 elderly aged 60 – 79 years residing in two subdistricts with a history of earthquake-related public health emergencies of Mae Lao District, Chiang Rai Province. Participants were purposively selected and divided into an experimental group (n=40) and a control group (n=40). The experimental group participated in a four-week health literacy promotion program for earthquake preparedness, developed based on the K-shape health literacy model, while the control group received regular information. Data were collected before and after the intervention using questionnaires assessing earthquake knowledge, earthquake perception, health literacy, and earthquake emergency preparedness behaviors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, pairedt-test, and independent t-test. Findings revealed that after the intervention, the experimental group had statistically significantly higher mean scores for overall health literacy in earthquake preparedness, including questioning skills, application skills, and preparedness and response behaviors, compared with scores before the intervention and the control group (p<0.05). In conclusion, the implementation of this health literacy promotion program effectively enhanced earthquake emergency preparedness among elderly in earthquake-prone areas, improving their readiness and response capabilities during earthquake emergencies.

Cross-Correlation Lag Time Analysis of Meteorological Factors and Seasonal Infectious Diseases in Northern Thailand

2025-10-01T11:19:16+07:00

Seasonal infectious diseases represent a significant public health challenge in Northern Thailand. Predicting disease incidence for surveillance remains challenging due to the varying "lag times" in the relationship between climatic factors and disease outbreaks. This study aimed to identify the optimal lag times between meteorological factors and the incidence of key infectious diseases. An ecological study design was employed using weekly time-series data on the incidence of dengue fever, leptospirosis, and hand foot mouth disease (HFMD), along with data on temperature, humidity, and rainfall in Northern Thailand from 2009 to 2019. The Cross-Correlation Function (CCF) with Spearman's rank correlation was used for analyzing these relationships, comparing results from non-stationary and stationary-adjusted data. Findings revealed that dengue fever has a prolonged lag time of 25 weeks following changes in temperature (ρ=0.15, 95% CI=0.07-0.23). In contrast, leptospirosis showed a 6-week lag after increased rainfall (ρ=0.12, 95% CI=0.04-0.19). HFMD exhibited the shortest lag time of one week after a change in humidity (ρ=0.23, 95% CI=0.15-0.31). This knowledge of disease-specific lag times is crucial for developing accurate and timely early warning systems, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of regional disease prevention and control strategies.

Development of an Educational Video Media for Patient Fall Prevention in Hospitals: A Study on its Efficiency, Knowledge, and Satisfaction

2025-08-13T11:56:23+07:00

Falls in hospitals are common and increasing adverse events. This developmental research aimed to develop an educational video media for prevent falls in hospitals, study patient satisfaction, and compare knowledge scores about fall prevention before and after learning. The sample consisted of 112 patients admitted to the gynecological, internal medicine, orthopedic, and general surgery wards at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, aged 18 years and over, and admitted between October 1 and December 15, 2023, selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, a knowledge test, and a media satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analyzed using percentages, means, standard deviations, and Wilcoxon t-tests. The results of the research found that: The median knowledge score of the patients before watching the video was 9.00 (IQR 8.00-9.00) and the median knowledge score after watching the video was 10.00 (IQR 9.00-10.00). The increase was statistically significant (p<0.05). Overall satisfaction was highest, with an average score of 4.58 (S.D.=0.43), corresponding to 60.18%. This included presentation methods with an average score of 4.45 (S.D.=0.54), content presentation with an average score of 4.64 (S.D.=0.47), text and images with an average score of 4.60 (S.D.=0.47), and audio with an average score of 4.58 (S.D.=0.49), amounts to 50%, 66.07%, 61.61%, and 59.38%, respectively. In conclusion, the video medium is effective in enhancing knowledge among hospitalized patients. Therefore, it is recommended for dissemination as a supportive tool to foster cooperation in reducing risk and improving patient safety practices for fall prevention.

Active Ageing and Adaptation to a New Normal Way of Life: A Case Study of Older Adults from the Tai Lue Ethnic Group

2025-05-16T23:33:25+07:00

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected multiple dimensions of daily life, particularly among ethnic minority older adults living in rural areas with limited resources and restricted access to health services. This study aimed to explore active ageing and adaptation to the “new normal” among Tai Lue older adults. Twenty-six participants aged 65-85 years were purposively selected based on predefined criteria. Data were collected through in-depth interviews focusing on lifestyle practices, health care behaviors, adaptation during and after the pandemic, and roles within the family and community. Non-participant observation and field notes were also employed. Audio-recorded data were transcribed, verified for accuracy, and analyzed using content analysis involving coding, categorization, and thematic interpretation. The analysis revealed seven themes reflecting active ageing and adaptive capacities: 1) cultural background and ethnic identity fostering pride and psychological security; 2) self-reliant and nature-based lifestyles that support well-being; 3) holistic health practices integrating local wisdom with modern medicine; 4) a sense of stability, safety, and personal value within family and community roles; 5) psychological resilience facilitating adjustment to new-normal living; 6) challenges in accessing technology and information, influencing communication and social participation; and 7) preservation and transmission of Tai Lue cultural heritage to maintain community identity. The findings indicate that Tai Lue older adults draw upon cultural capital as a key resource to sustain well-being and adapt to changing circumstances despite technological and social limitations. This study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive health policies, the recognition of older adults as valuable community resources, the development of sustainable community health systems, and the integration of digital technologies to enhance social participation among older adults in contemporary society.

A study of sand fly species composition and Leishmania parasites in sand flies collected from infective areas and in tourist attraction caves, Lampang province

2025-08-04T15:33:26+07:00

Leishmaniasis is an emerging disease transmitted by sand flies, which are commonly found in Thailand, particularly in mountainous and moist areas near water sources. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to investigate the species composition, density, and the presence of Leishmania parasites in sand flies collected from endemic areas, non-endemic areas, and tourist caves within the National Park in Lampang Province. Sand flies and collection sites were specifically sampled across three seasons—winter, summer, and rainy—from December 2023 to August 2024. A total of 4,391 sand flies were collected (2,276 females and 2,115 males), and were classified into 18 species. The three most predominant female species identified were Sergentomyia anodontis, Sergentomyia indica, and Phlebotomus mascomai. The highest sand fly density was observed during the summer, during March to May, totaling 1,975 individuals. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for Leishmania DNA detected Leishmania martiniquensis in the sand fly species Sergentomyia khawi collected from one area with a history of human cases. The results demonstrate a high diversity of sand fly species in Lampang Province, found in both tourist caves and general environments, and confirm the potential of local sand fly populations to transmit L. martiniquensis. Therefore, continuous surveillance of sand fly species and Leishmania infection is recommended for effective disease prevention and control.

Effects of the Behavioral Development Program for Leptospirosis Prevention among Rice Farmers in Mae Na Ruea Subdistrict, Mueang Phayao District, Phayao Province

2025-11-13T16:27:32+07:00

This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the effects of the behavioral development program for leptospirosis prevention among rice farmers in Mae Na Ruea Subdistrict, Mueang Phayao District, Phayao Province. The sample consisted of 56 rice farmers, purposively selected and divided into an experimental group (n = 28) and a control group (n=28). The experimental group received an 8-week leptospirosis prevention behavior development program, while the control group received routine health education. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered before and after program participation. Descriptive statistics, including percentage, mean, and standard deviation, were used to analyze general characteristics. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-intervention mean scores of knowledge, attitudes, and leptospirosis prevention behaviors within each group, and independent t-tests were used to compare mean score differences between the two groups. The results showed that, after the intervention, the experimental group had significantly higher mean scores of knowledge, attitudes, and leptospirosis prevention behaviors compared to before the intervention and compared to the control group (p<0.05). These findings indicate that the program was effective in enhancing leptospirosis prevention behaviors among rice farmers. Therefore, public health agencies may consider applying this program to promote farmers’ health behaviors and reduce the risk of leptospirosis in agricultural communities.

Factors Associated with Glomerular Filtration Rate among Diabetic Patients at Ban Thung Man Health Promoting Hospital, Wiang Ka Long Sub-district, Wiang Pa Pao District, Chiang Rai Province

2025-10-20T09:56:27+07:00

Renal impairment is a major complication among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, investigating factors associated with the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is essential. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the relationships between personal factors, health behaviors, and GFR among patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 128 participants were selected through simple random sampling based on predetermined criteria. Data were collected using a questionnaire comprising personal characteristics, disease and treatment-related factors, and five domains of health behaviors: dietary habits, medication adherence, physical activity, stress management, and continuous self-care. Relevant laboratory results were also recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics percentage, mean, and standard deviation and the relationships between factors and decreased GFR were examined using Spearman’s correlation. The results showed that age were significantly negatively correlated with GFR (p < 0.05), whereas all five domains of health behaviors demonstrated significant positive correlations (p < 0.05). The findings can be used to inform the planning of self-care interventions and renal function monitoring for diabetic patients within primary health care settings.

Emission Inventory of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Health Loss from Transport Sources in Chiang Mai Province

2025-09-14T17:37:47+07:00

Chiang Mai Province has faced recurring problems with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution annually. While some studies have explored the sources of PM_2.5, comprehensive empirical data on vehicular emissions across the province remain limited. This study aimed to: 1) develop a vehicular Emission Inventory (EI) using the PCD-AIT-CCAS Emission Inventory Database Workbook, Version 1.0 by the Asian Institute of Technology. Adapted to Chiang Mai’s local context with the baseline year of 2019 (pre-COVID-19), 2) The emissions of PM_2.5 from vehicular sources result in substantial health loss, quantified as disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to air pollution exposure. and 3) From a health-economics loss of healthy life years translates directly into a significant depletion of the Chiang Mai province’s health capital caused by air pollution. The findings reveal that total PM_2.5 emissions from all vehicular types amount to 2,642 tons annually. These emissions contribute to an environmental health burden in terms of DALYs of 21,110 years and an associated health economics loss of 12,090 billion THB per year. Among these, combustion-related emissions of PM_2.5 from vehicles are the most significant, totaling 2,343 tons annually, or 88.71 % of the total emissions. The remaining emissions are from non-combustion mobile sources such as tire and road surface abrasion (5.55 %, or 146.65 tons/year), emissions from agricultural and industrial vehicle uses (5.16 %, or 136.35 tons/year), emissions from air domestic and international airlines (0.56 %, or 14.85 tons) and emissions from train (0.01%, or 0.35 tons/year) and boats for travel (0.01 %, 0.18 tons/year) Policy recommendations for sustainable mitigation of PM_2.5 from transport sector in Chiang Mai province should emphasize sustainable transport management For example, promoting electric vehicles and clean fuels instead of diesel, and development efficient public transport and rail system to replace the use of personal vehicles in Muang Chiang Mai District.

Factors Predicting Safely Motorcycle Driving Behavior Among the Elderly in Wiang Pa Pao District, Chiang Rai Province

2025-05-05T10:44:43+07:00

Motorcycle accidents are one of the leading causes of death in Thailand, with an increasing number of fatalities among the elderly. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the predictive factors of safe motorcycle riding behavior among elderly. The sample consisted of 424 elderly motorcycle riders residing in Wiang Pa Pao District, Chiang Rai Province, selected through a multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze general data analysis, and multiple regression was conducted to identify predictive factors. The findings revealed that the majority of elderly individuals exhibited a high level of safe motorcycle riding behavior, with 96.23% of the participants demonstrated good practices. Factors significantly associated with safe riding behavior encompassed hearing problems, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy. The significant predictors were perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and perceived severity, which collectively accounted for 24.5% of the variance in safe motorcycle riding behavior (p < 0.05). The results of this study can be used to develop effective strategies for promoting safe motorcycle riding and to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities among the elderly in the local community.