Health Science Clinical Research

Development of self-care model for elderly people at risk of diabetes in Uttaradit Province

Aryoot Phamarpa — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

ABSTRACT
Objective: This research aims to study the current situation and factors affecting self-care behavior of the elderly, to develop a self-care model appropriate for the elderly based on lifestyle, culture, and community context, and to evaluate the self-care model, measure blood sugar levels, waist circumference, nd quality of life of the elderly at risk of developing diabetes in Uttaradit Province.
Study Design: This research, Participatory Action Research (PAR), focused on studying the effects of activities based on self-care patterns for the elderly at risk of diabetes by applying Pander’s health promotion theory. The research instruments were a questionnaire to assess the health of the elderly, an in-depth interview, a behavioral observation record, and a focus group discussion. Both quantitative and
qualitative data (Mixed Methods) were analyzed to obtain complete data that accurately reflected the self-care behaviors of the elderly. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the frequency and percentage of health behaviors. The arithmetic means and standard deviations of health behavior scores were calculated. Blood sugar levels and waist circumferences were compared before and after participating in the activities. The study was conducted in a group of 60 elderly people at risk of diabetes using purposive sampling in the area under the responsibility of Ban Dan Nakham Subdistrict, Mueang District, Uttaradit Province.
Results: The results of the study found that the elderly at risk of diabetes in Uttaradit Province had self-care behaviors that combined personal experiences, health theories, and their own lifestyle contexts. The self-care patterns of the elderly emphasized eating nutritious foods, especially growing their own vegetables, eating mainly vegetables, fish, not drinking alcohol, and not smoking. They emphasized mental health by doing group activities together, such as doing hobbies, listening to music, exercising together, and exercising regularly in their daily lives, such as gardening, cycling, and walking. They lived
a traditional lifestyle by cooking their own food and choosing to eat local food. The main way of traveling in the village was walking or cycling.
Conclusions: The results of the implementation of the self-care model for the elderly with a risk of diabetes
in Uttaradit Province clearly had a positive effect on the health of the elderly. The mean score of health behaviors after implementing the self-care model by each aspect was at a very good level, including exercise, with a mean score of 4.87 (S.D. = .345), eating vegetables, with a mean score of 4.83 (S.D. = .379), smoking, with a mean score of 4.67 (S.D. = .884), physical health examination, with a mean score of 4.57 (S.D. = .774), and drinking alcohol/alcoholic beverages, with a mean score of 4.53 (S.D. = .730). As for other health behaviors, they were at a good level. It was found that 52 elderly people (86.7%) had lower blood sugar levels and returned to normal, with a mean score of 4.28 (S.D. = .268), which was a significant increase.

Risk Factors Associated with Multiple Recurrent Febrile Seizure in Childrenage 6 Month to 5 Years Old Presented with 1st Episode Febrile Seizure

Kanphitcha Muangsawat, Nonthawat Mengwongwan, Wanmaka Inmasom — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Objective: To identify risk factors associated with multiple recurrences of febrile seizures in children aged 6 months to 5 years who experienced their first febrile seizure.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study followed patients from their first febrile seizure until the age of 5 years. The study included 561 children aged 6 months to 5 years who were diagnosed with their first febrile seizure at Uttaradit Hospital between August 8, 2011, and August 8, 2021. General information and clinical data were collected and analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics, including continuous ratio for ordinal logistic regression, with both univariable and multivariable analyses.
Results: The 405 patients who experienced their first febrile seizure, 13 patients (3.2%) had three or more recurrences, 11 patients (7.6%) had two recurrences, and 59 patients (14.6%) had one recurrence. The study found that the most significant risk factors for multiple febrile seizures were age
≤ 12 months (ORadj = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.631-3.728), a family history of epilepsy (ORadj = 2.43, 95%CI = 1.024-5.780), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) <70 fL (ORadj = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.043-2.302).
Conclusions: The analysis showed that the most significant risk factor for recurrent febrile seizures is experiencing the first febrile seizure at an age ≤12 months, followed by a family history of epilepsy and MCV <70 fL. It is recommended to develop treatment plans, preventive measures, and closely monitor patients at risk. Additionally, providing better counseling to parents about the likelihood of recurrence and educating them on proper care when their child has a fever or a seizure is crucial.

Knowledge, Behaviors, and Participation in Surveillance, Prevention, and Control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Thai-Myanmar Border Communities: A Case Study

Amornrat Rattanung, Pamornsri Inchon, Phitsanuruk Kanthawee, Thanusin Saleeon — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Objective: This study aims to compare the levels of knowledge, practices, and participation surveillance,
prevention, and control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) between the Thailand-Myanmar border communities in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai province, and Mae Sot, Tak province.

Method: This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive research design with a sample of 400 participants. The sample comprised household representatives aged 18 years and above residing in Thai-Myanmar border communities: 200 from Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, and 200 from Mae Sot District, Tak Province. Participants were selected using area-based stratified random sampling proportional to the population size, focusing on sub-districts adjacent to the Thai-Myanmar border. The research instrument was a questionnaire assessing knowledge, practices, and participation in surveil
lance, prevention, and control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Thai-Myanmar bordercommunities.
Data analysis involved descriptive statistics to characterize demographic features, chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and independent t-test for comparative analysis between the two sample groups from different areas.
Results: The majority of participants in both areas demonstrated a high level of knowledge about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), moderate level of preventive practices, and high community participation. Comparison of mean scores between the two areas revealed a statistically significant difference in participation in surveillance, prevention, and control of COVID-19 in the community
(p=0.018) at the 0.05 significance level. Furthermore, demographic characteristics including ethnicity (p<.001), occupation (p=.007), income (p<.001), healthcare coverage (p<.001), duration of community residence (p=.005), and community role (p<.001) showed statistically significant differences between the two sample groups at the .05 significance level.
Conclusions: Although participation in surveillance, prevention, and control of Coronavirus Disease
2019 (COVID-19) varied between communities, the majority of participants in both areas demonstrated comparable levels of knowledge and preventive practices. To ensure sustainable community participation in disease surveillance and prevention, relevant agencies should foster cooperation between communities, officials, and technology. This approach aims to empower communities and develop innovations leading to resilient communities prepared to handle future emergencies.

A study lifestyle behavior of signs and symptoms of acute respiratory infection in children under five years old in Wiang Phang Kham Sub District Mae Sai district

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Objective: To study lifestyle-related behaviors with PM 2.5 in children under five in Wiang Phang Kham Sub District Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai Province.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Wiang Phang Kham Sub District Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai Province. Data was collected using a questionnaire inquire with the mother or caregiver, selecting children aged 5 years or younger in the area under surveillance, who exhibit symptoms or signs of respiratory infection, such as cough with or without fever, sore throat, rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, and wheezing. from August 2022 to May 2023.
Results: A total of 171 participants. The average age of the children was 2.50±1.47 years, and their mothers or caregivers had a mean age of 34.40±11.1 years—the highest education level of ‘able to read and write (31.0%). Most family sizes have more than four members (78.9%). Children were fully vaccinated (67.8%). For malnutrition, use the mid-upper arm circumference (16.2±2.11cm). The most cooking energy source was biomass fuels (46.2%). 44.4% of the children were not in the cooking area when their mothers or caregivers prepared the food, with an average time of 28.1±16.2 minutes per session. 40.4% of the families had cigarette smokers. Most children are kept away from smoking areas (53.8%), with minimal exposure time (0.442 minutes). 4.1% of participants burned trash outside, averaging 0.731 minutes per session. Revealed that 95.9% of the families burned trash inside the house area, and 90.1% of the children were indoors during this activity. Most of the houses had windows in the kitchen (87.1%). All the houses (100.0%) had a characteristic division in proportion. Children spend around 2.75 minutes outdoors and 21.2 minutes indoors per day. Children always washed their hands (77.8%), and 98.8% did not wear a mask when they went outside. Most houses in this study had in-house toilets with adequate sewage disposal (74.9%). For bare of signs and symptoms of acute respiratory infection, children had a
cough (36.30%), Rapid breath (43.90%), difficulty in breathing (33.90%), wheezing (26.30%), and sore throat (36.80%).
Conclusions: This study’s findings it demonstrates a lifestyle that involves exposure to air pollution or living in areas where air pollution accumulates, such as being in locations where biomass fuel is used for
cooking or in areas with regular smoking. Living in these environments increases the risk of developing symptoms and signs of acute respiratory infections more quickly. However, with proper preventive measures, including complete vaccination, the body can maintain good health. underscore the crucial role of childcare practices in the occurrence of respiratory infections, particularly in the context of air pollution. The vulnerability of children under the age of 5, as revealed by this study, necessitates their close monitoring and the implementation of preventive measures by caregivers, including mothers. These findings are not only significant for the specific district in Thailand but also provide valuable insights for public health
interventions and policies globally. They emphasize the importance of understanding the issues, raising awareness about prevention methods, and acknowledging the potential impacts on individuals, all of which are essential to promoting sustainable health across all age groups.

The level of procalcitonin is a biomarker for differentiation between pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria

Suwipar Deebukkham — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Sepsis is a condition in which microorganisms such as viruses, fungi, and pathogenic bacteria invade the bloodstream. When the body reacts to the foreign elements of the bacteria, accurate and timely diagnosis will lead to rapid treatment and appropriate antibiotic administration. Therefore, procalcitonin is a biomarker for helping to classify bacterial infections and monitor treatment.
Methods: This is a retrospective description study in a group of samples who underwent medical laboratory tests to measure procalcitonin levels along with blood cultures and were admitted to Uttaradit Hospital between October 1, 2022 and October 31, 2023, totaling 934 cases.
Results: The study found that the procalcitonin level of 0.1-0.5 ng/ml, 26 cases (13.2%), culture results were positive, 491 cases (66.7%), and procalcitonin level of 0.6-2.0 ng/ml had OR = 10.56 (95%CI:6.56-16.99), procalcitonin level >2.0 ng/ml had OR = 17.67 (95%CI: 10.81-28.86), and sexual status had OR1.01 (95%:CI:0.74-1.39), age group between 21-40 years had OR1.20 (95%CI:0.34-4.21), age group
between 41-60 years had OR1.53 (95%CI:0.50-4.68). and the group aged over 60 years had an OR value of 1.80 (95%CI: 0.62-5.27).
Conclusions: Using procalcitonin in conjunction with culture tests can improve diagnostic accuracy and help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, allowing physicians to diagnose and treat patients promptly

The role of community nurse for community strength The older adults in community

Apasarin Mano — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Objective: To explain the situation of the elderly in Thailand, including the impacts of becoming an
aging society, the meaning of strong communities, strategies and methods for strengthening communities, and the role of nurses in developing strong communities for elderly care.
Methods: Collection and analysis of knowledge from documents and related research, synthesizing the economic and social impacts of increasing elderly population, presenting perspectives on how strong communities can help care for the vulnerable elderly group, including the role of community health nurses in elderly healthcare.
Results: The global and Thai elderly population situation in the 21st century is moving towards ecoming a complete aging society, with decreasing children and working-age population resulting in reduced workforce proportion. This causes the working-age population to bear an increasing burden of elderly care. The elderly should receive care that matches their true needs and problems, aligning with their social and cultural context, enabling them to live safely with their communities and families while maintaining good quality of life. Community nurses are healthcare personnel who have the most opportunities to work closely with elderly residents in communities, having information about their home living conditions and holistic health status. When nurses utilize their role to promote community strength, it enhances community potential in various aspects, including increasing community members’ capabilities, promoting leadership, utilizing community resources effectively, and integrating relevant agencies to ensure good health and quality of life for the elderly.
Conclusions: Community nurses are a key part of the healthcare team, closely connected to and highly accessible within the community. They play a crucial role in strengthening community resilience by enhancing people’s capabilities, managing chronic health conditions, and utilizing community resources efficiently. Additionally, they collaborate with leaders and networks to improve the quality of life for community members

Subgroups in the ABO blood group system

Nabthong Lapsomthob, Patipat Thinwang — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

ABO blood group system is the important blood group for determining in patients and donors before a blood transfusion. The ABO system is Mendelian inheritance in that ABO genes control the expression of ABO antigens on red blood cells and in body fluids for representation of ABO blood group. Although the ABO blood groups mainly consist of A, B, AB and O groups, there are subgroups in the ABO group, also known as ABO subgroups, whose structures or quantity of antigens are different from the main group. The subgroups including subgroups of A, subgroups of B and Bombay phenotype are able to be classified by serological testing. Determining avidity between ABH antigen on red blood cells and Anti-A, Anti-B, Anti-AB and Anti-H reagents is the first test for screening the subgroups. The second tests are determining Anti-A and Anti-B in serum and determining ABH antigen in body fluids such as saliva. The other tests for screening the subgroups include adsorption-elution techniques, pedigree analysis and molecular testing. The prevalence of subgroups demonstrates that the subgroups of A are frequently found more than subgroups of B and Bombay phenotype. On the other hand, some serological tests such as the tube method may miss the interpretation and result in ABO discrepancy instead of ABO subgroups. Therefore, basic knowledge of ABO subgroups is necessary in blood blank to accurately determine the blood group of patients before a blood transfusion.