The office of disease prevention and control 9th Nakhon Ratchasima Journal

Factors Associated with the Incidence of Streptococcus suis Infection in Nakhon Ratchasima Province: Matched Case-Control Study

2023-09-04T17:09:22+07:00

Streptococcus suis infection, an emerging zoonosis, has raised concerns regarding the contribution of behavioral and exposure risk factors such as consuming raw pork and contacting pigs that might be infected with S. suis. Currently, there has been an increase in S. suis infection cases in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The objective of the study was to explore the factors associated with S. suis infection in Nakhon Ratchasima province. An analytical study, specifically a 1:3 matched case-control study, was conducted. All 276 individual samples residing in Nakhon Ratchasima province were divided into two groups: the case group and the control group. The case group comprised 69 individuals who had reported cases of S. suis infection to the National Disease Surveillance (report 506), while the control group included 207 individuals who had not contracted S. suis infection. Data collection was conducted in March–April 2023 through interviews, and the data were analyzed using multiple conditional logistic regression equations. The results showed that factors associated with S. suis infection were individuals with underlying diseases (OR_adj 4.63; 95% CI: 1.93-11.07), individuals who had consumed raw pork (OR_adj 13.33; 95% CI: 5.42-32.77), individuals who had wounds on their hands while exposed to pigs (OR_adj 6.61; 95% CI: 1.89-23.07), and individuals who had beliefs and attitudes at a low level regarding the S. suis infection (OR_adj 3.55; 95% CI: 1.51-8.38). Therefore, there should be guidelines to improve knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes regarding S. suis infection. It could be potentially useful to prevent and reduce the number of patients, especially elderly people, people with underlying health conditions, and people who engage in risky behaviors.

Relationship between Health Literacy and Self-Protection Behaviors among Village Health Volunteers after the COVID-19 Pandemic in Samet Sub-district, Mueang Chon Buri District, Chon Buri Province

2023-08-23T15:01:23+07:00

This descriptive research aimed to study the relationship between health literacy and self-protection behaviors among village health volunteers (VHVs) after the COVID-19 pandemic in Samet sub-district, Mueang Chon Buri district, Chon Buri province. All 124 individuals who continuously worked after the post-COVID-19 pandemic were recruited using the multi-stage random sampling technique. The research tool was a questionnaire to gather data. Data were performed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, and maximum. Also, data were analyzed using inferential statistics, including Pearson's correlation and the chi-square test. The results showed that the overall level of health literacy was very good at about 80.0% (=55.7, S.D.=4.0). Cognitive skills were found to be at the most correct level, around 86.0% (=55.7, S.D.=4.0). Access to health information and health services was rated at a good level, approximately 75.5% (=11.3, S.D.=0.6). Communication skills, media literacy, and self-management skills were at a very good level, representing 90.6% (=13.6, S.D.=1.3), 82.9% (=12.4, S.D.=1.7), and 81.2% (=12.1, S.D.=1.4), respectively. However, decision-making skills were found to be at an incorrect level, around 45.2% (=1.8, S.D.=1.0). Self-protection behaviors during and after the COVID-19 pandemic were at a good level, representing 76.6% (=38.3, S.D.=3.6) and 78.5% (=39.2, S.D.=3.1), respectively. Moreover, overall health literacy was significantly correlated with self-protection behaviors after the COVID-19 pandemic (r = 0.445, p-value<0.01). Personal factors, health literacy in self-management, and decision-making skills were not correlated with self-protection behaviors after the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, there should be a campaign to enhance the health literacy of VHVs and their media and communication skills. Their skills are crucial for the appropriate self-protection behaviors of VHVs at work.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: The Prevention and Control Model for Opisthorchiasis in Chaiyaphum Province

2023-08-02T21:49:11+07:00

This research aimed to develop a model for preventing and controlling opisthorchiasis in Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand. The objectives include: 1) investigating factors related to the prevention and control of opisthorchiasis, 2) developing a prevention and control model, and 3) evaluating the outcomes of the developed prevention and control model. The research instruments used to collect and analyze the data comprise: 1) a high-quality questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.75, covering personal data, family and friends, community, and prevalence. Binary logistic regression statistics were used to analyze the relationship between these factors and opisthorchiasis, 2) a set of activities was developed according to the health beliefs and strategies roadmap, under the collaboration of the community and local units with a focus on constructed validity, 3) the outcomes were evaluated by examining statistically significant differences between the control and experimental groups. This evaluation utilized a questionnaire on knowledge, perception, and behavior, with confidence coefficients ranging between 0.75 and 0.88. The results showed that factors related to opisthorchiasis prevalence were significantly correlated with the behaviors of consuming raw fish (Koi-Pla) (p < 0.01) and perceiving the risk of the disease (p < 0.05). After the intervention, both the experimental and control groups revealed a statistically significant reduction in the prevalence rate of liver fluke infection by 7.03% and 22.83%, respectively (p < 0.01). This study suggests that knowledge-sharing activities, raising awareness through easily understandable media, combining human communication, providing feedback, and keeping the community informed are all beneficial. Moreover, it is recommended that local government policies in the area should be implemented consistently and earnestly, and the developed model should be applied in other regions for practical and continuous improvement.

A Care Management Model for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3 to Prevent a Slow Deterioration of the Kidneys at Prasat Hospital

2023-08-23T09:02:44+07:00

This research focuses on two main objectives: firstly, to analyze the care provided to patients with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease, and secondly, to develop a model for managing their care to decelerate kidney deterioration at Prasat Hospital. Participants were meticulously selected through purposive sampling and divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of eight healthcare providers, including one physician, four nurses, one pharmacist, one nutritionist, and one physical therapist. Group 2 included four Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease patients who effectively controlled the slow deterioration of their kidneys. The researcher developed a research tool in the form of a semi-structured interview to analyze the care management for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease patients, aiming to slow kidney deterioration. This tool comprised two parts: Part 1 for health service providers and Part 2 for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease patients. Both parts underwent validation by five qualified experts, resulting in a content validity index of 1. The research findings highlighted two key aspects: 1) the analysis of care management for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease patients identified 10 issues from health service providers and 7 issues from service recipients, and 2) the developed care management model for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease had three components: (A) structure (including interdisciplinary teams, facilities, medical tools, and guidelines), (B) Process (covering health assessment, nursing care, treatment plans, self-health care promotion, discharge plans, and home visits), and (C) Results (indicating that patients can decelerate kidney deterioration). This research suggests that the care management model developed for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease at Prasat Hospital can be adapted for use in other hospitals, considering the specific contexts of service providers and recipients in each area.

Factors Associated with the Stress of the Elderly in Huai Kapi Subdistrict, Muang District, Chonburi Province

2023-08-22T15:34:04+07:00

This cross-sectional research aimed to investigate factors related to stress among the elderly in Huay Ka Pi Subdistrict, Mueang Chonburi District, Chonburi Province. The sample group comprised individuals aged 60 and above, totaling 351 participants. Data were collected through a questionnaire consisting of three parts: 1) Personal information, 2) Questionnaire on factors related to the stress of the elderly, including health, economic, and social factors, and 3) Stress test questionnaire 5 item (ST-5). Data analysis was conducted using Pearson's correlation coefficient and the Chi-square test. The resulted found that personal factors, including age (=21.914, p=0.002, Cramer’s V=0.177), marital status (=23.285, p=0.002, Cramer’s V=0.177), education level (=16.688, p=0.054 , Cramer’s V=0.126), income (=22.107, p=0.009, Cramer’s V=0.145), income sufficiency (=9.750, p=0.021, Cramer’s V=0.167), and underlying diseases (= 8.535, p=0.036, Cramer’s V=0.156), were significantly correlated with stress among the elderly. Meanwhile, gender showed no significant relationship with stress. These results demonstrated that mental health factors (r=0.683, p<0.001), financial status (r=0.527, p<0.001), and family relationship factors (r=0.562, p<0.001) are positively correlated with moderate-level stress among the elderly. Additionally, physical health factors (r=0.461, p<0.001) and social and community environmental factors (r=0.222, p<0.001) are positively correlated with low-level and very low-level stress among the elderly, respectively.

Prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates in Drinking Water from Health Region 9

2023-11-08T11:13:43+07:00

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and evaluate the microbiological quality of drinking water through the analysis of Coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in samples sourced from producers of bottled and containerized drinking water. A total of 241 samples were collected in Health Region 9 between January and May 2022. Microbiological analyses were performed using standard procedures specified by the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) at the Regional Medical Sciences Center 9, Nakhon Ratchasima. The results of the microbiological quality revealed that the water did not pass the standard criteria level, as Coliform bacteria were detected at 13.28%, and E. coli was present at 1.66%. These findings indicated microbial contamination and inadequate production standards. P. aeruginosa was detected at 19.50%, showing a significant statistical association with Coliforms bacteria contamination (p <0.0001). Sensitivity testing of 28 P. aeruginosa isolates using Disc Agar Diffusion for 12 antibiotics showed that 22 isolates were sensitive to amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, cefepime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, piperacillin, piperacillin/tazobactam, imipenem, meropenem, and colistin. Three isolates exhibited intermediate resistance to ceftazidime and cefepime, with two isolates being resistant to cefepime only, and one isolate resistant to ceftazidime only. MIC testing was conducted on isolates that exhibited either susceptibility or intermediate resistance to antibiotics. The results revealed that all five isolates were susceptible to amikacin, gentamicin, cefepime, ciprofloxacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, meropenem, and colistin. Additionally, the isolates showed resistance to imipenem. Moreover, MIC and MBC testing against extracts of Syzygium aromaticum showed values of 2.56 mg/mL, while Stephania suberosa demonstrated respective values of 5.12 mg/mL and 10.24 mg/mL. This study provides insights into antibiotic resistance in drinking water, contributing to the monitoring and control of contamination risks. Furthermore, the utilization of plant extracts, particularly from cloves (S. aromaticum), demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on P. aeruginosa, suggesting their potential use in combination with antibiotics to reduce antibiotic consumption in the future.

Factors Associated with Blood Sugar Control Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Huai Kapi Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chonburi Province

2023-09-22T12:53:29+07:00

This cross-sectional descriptive research aimed to investigate the relationships among personal factors, knowledge of diabetes, and the Health Belief Model (HBM) in the context of blood sugar level control among patients with type 2 diabetes in Huai Kapi Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chonburi Province. The sample group consisted of 67 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, and data were collected through questionnaires covering personal factors, knowledge of diabetes, health belief models, blood sugar control, and HbA1c values from medical records. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and statistical tests, including the Chi-square test and Binary Logistic Regression. The results revealed a statistically significant relationship between age, occupation, and the control of blood sugar levels (with p-values of 0.012 and 0.010, respectively). Individuals aged 35–59 and those aged 60 and above tended to have 1.26 and 1.88 times better control of blood sugar levels, respectively, compared to those under 35 years old (p-values = 0.039 and 0.045, respectively). Furthermore, individuals who were not employed (housewives and husbands) tended to have 1.37 times better control of blood sugar levels compared to those who were employed (p-value = 0.038). Factors such as gender, education level, marital status, income, duration of diabetes, underlying disease, family history of diabetes, receipt of information, accessibility to healthcare, treatment follow-up, body mass index, knowledge of diabetes, and Health Belief Models (including risk perception, severity perception, perceived benefits of self-care, and perceived barriers) were found to have no significant relationship with blood sugar control in this research. The findings suggest that age and occupational background are key determinants of blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Recognizing the significance of these factors can inform the development of more targeted interventions, empowering patients to enhance their diabetes self-management and maintain optimal blood sugar levels.

Outbreak investigation of influenza B in a prison, Chaiyaphum Province, June 2023

2023-10-11T09:10:22+07:00

Influenza is an acute respiratory disease caused by influenza virus infection. While symptoms may be mild in some cases, severe manifestations can occur, especially in crowded prison settings. On June 13, 2023, Chaiyaphum Hospital received a report of a significant number of inmates displaying suspected influenza symptoms in a local prison in Chaiyaphum province. Subsequently, an on-site disease investigation and control measures were initiated to curb the outbreak. This study employed analytical epidemiology to confirm the diagnosis, describe the epidemiological characteristics, identify risk factors, and provide recommendations for preventive and control measures. The investigation, conducted between June 13 and 24, 2023, integrated epidemiological surveillance data, additional patient searches, environmental surveys within the prison, and laboratory analysis. An analytical epidemiological study utilizing an unmatched case-control study was conducted to identify potential risk factors. The data were analyzed, and preventive and control measures were subsequently implemented in the prison. The results revealed that 300 individuals met the criteria for influenza, comprising 297 male inmates and 3 male correctional officers, with an overall attack rate of 21.25%. Most affected individuals were aged 19-65 years, with a median age of 35 years. The majority exhibited mild symptoms, including cough (86.00%), myalgia (78.33%), and headache (73.66%). Among the 49 nasopharyngeal swabs tested using Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDT), 27 were positive for influenza B. Additionally, 4 out of 5 nasopharyngeal swabs tested using real-time RT-PCR were positive for influenza B. From this investigation, two significant risk factors for disease transmission were identified, including sharing water bottles and glasses with others (odds ratio = 2.87, 95% CI: 2.06-4.00) and engaging in conversations with individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms (odds ratio = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01–1.94). This investigation has confirmed that the outbreak was caused by influenza B. In response, rigorous measures have been implemented to control and prevent the spread of the disease, such as providing personal hygiene education to both inmates and correctional officers. It is strongly recommended that individuals use face masks to cover their mouth and nose during coughing, sneezing, or interactions with others. Furthermore, sharing water bottles and glasses with others is strictly prohibited as an additional preventive measure.