Journal of Nursing and Public Health Research

The Four-Dimensional Role of Nurses in Caring for People with Alcohol Use Disorder in the Community

Kessara Tongprapai, Hunsa Sethabouppha — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Alcohol is a contributing factor to various health risks and is linked to more than 230 types of diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, liver cirrhosis, gastrointestinal diseases, cancer, tuberculosis, and HIV infections. It is also associated with accidents, crimes, and various forms of violence. Moreover, alcohol consumption is a leading cause of death. A significant number of individuals with alcohol-related problems do not receive treatment or rehabilitation. Nurses are important health personnel who play a role in helping people with alcohol-use disorder in the community. Providing nursing care in four dimensions allows nurses to perform their roles in caring for people with alcohol-use disorder in all dimensions, responding to health problems directly through health promotion, which will help people with alcohol-use disorder to be able to take care of themselves properly and have desirable health behaviors. Health problem prevention involves helping to prevent drinking behaviors that lead to risky and more dangerous levels. In addition, it helps to prevent diseases or complications from drinking alcohol. The caring and therapeutic dimension should help them to reduce, stop, and quit drinking, while the health rehabilitation dimension should help them to be healthy and return to living in the community normally, without relapsing. This article aims to present the role of nurses in caring for people with alcohol-use disorder in the community in four dimensions: promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Factors Associated with Cervical Cancer Screening Service Utilization Among At-Risk Women in La-ai Subdistrict, Chawang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Srikit Sirisombat, Boonprajuk Junwin — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This cross-sectional survey research aimed to study the factors associated with cervical cancer screening service utilization among at-risk women in La-ai Subdistrict, Chawang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The sample consisted of 418 at-risk women aged 30-60 years, selected through systematic sampling. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire developed by the researcher based on a literature review and the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model. The questionnaire included personal information, predisposing factors, enabling factors, and reinforcing factors related to cervical cancer screening service utilization. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression.

The study found that among predisposing factors, a high level of perceived susceptibility and benefits of cervical cancer screening was observed, while perceived severity of the disease and perceived barriers to screening were low. For reinforcing factors, social support was generally low, whereas enabling factors such as access to health information were mostly high. After controlling for variables, women aged 45 years or older were 1.65 times more likely to undergo screening than those aged 44 or younger. Women with an associate degree or vocational certificate were 64% less likely to be screened compared to those with primary education, and those working as vendors had a 70% lower likelihood of screening compared to government officers or state enterprise employees. Interestingly, women with a high perception of susceptibility were 46% less likely to undergo screening, whereas those with a high perception of screening benefits were 1.60 times more likely to be screened. These findings suggest the need for health personnel to provide more education on the risks and benefits of cervical cancer screening and to develop proactive screening strategies using village health volunteers (VHVs) as intermediaries to reach the target population.

Fostering Motivation and 21st Century Skills in Nursing Education: A Task-Based Approach to English Proficiency

Krissanakamon Rugyatisakul, Amavasee Ampunsirirat, Sasidhorn Chidnayee — Wed, 07 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This qualitative study aimed to explore nursing students’ perspectives on the development of English language proficiency and 21st-century skills through task-based learning. The participants were 30 students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing Science program at Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Chiang Mai, selected through purposive sampling. They were divided into two groups based on their English proficiency levels: beginner-elementary and intermediate–upper-intermediate. Data were collected using focus group discussions with a semi-structured interview guide. The discussions were audio-recorded, fully transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

The study revealed three key findings: students’ opinions on task-based learning, motivation in learning English, and awareness of 21st-century skills, particularly critical thinking, digital literacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration in the context of modern healthcare. There is a strong desire for continuous self-development and professional growth, with a clear intention to consistently improve both language and professional skills to prepare for future work. The study found that integrating nursing-related content into English instruction enhances the connection between English language skills and their application in the nursing profession. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the development of English language programs that incorporate a variety of innovative approaches to meet the needs of 21st-century nursing students- addressing both professional and social skills that are crucial in the rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

Integrated Meta-Analysis: Global Strategies for Promoting Rational Drug Use and Driving Modern Health Policy

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This meta-analysis aimed to assess the current global situation of rational drug use, analyze the effectiveness of various measures promoting rational drug use, and identify factors influencing the success or failure of these measures. The study included 147 relevant research articles published between 2020 and 2024, searched from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases using selection criteria focused on studies evaluating rational drug use promotion measures in various healthcare settings. The analysis employed meta-analysis and meta-regression techniques.

The results revealed differences in rational drug use rates across regions and country income levels, with high-income countries demonstrating higher rates compared to middle- and low-income countries. The most effective measure was the combined approach (Pooled Effect Size = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.82-0.96), followed by the use of decision support technologies (Pooled Effect Size = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.73-0.89). Factors contributing to success included intervention intensity, follow-up duration, stakeholder involvement, and integration with existing health systems. These findings highlight the need for developing context-specific approaches, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

The Implementation of a Community-Based Elderly Health Care Model through Network Participation

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This action research aimed to apply a community-based elderly healthcare model through participatory collaboration with local networks. The participants were purposively selected and divided into two groups: 1) the network group, consisting of 176 individuals including village health volunteers, community leaders, pre-elderly individuals, and elderly persons; and 2) a group of 108 elderly individuals who implemented the model. Research instruments included the community-based elderly healthcare model, an elderly health assessment form, and a semi-structured open-ended questionnaire. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis and categorization, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

The research found that the top three health problems among older adults were hypertension, diabetes, and osteoarthritis. Only 50.85% engaged in regular exercise, and just 38.35% participated in elderly club activities. The community-based elderly healthcare model, implemented through network collaboration, included three main components: 1) establishment of elderly clubs, 2) health education based on community-specific issues—organized by the club committee and covering topics such as cognitive stimulation, depression prevention, and monthly recreational activities, and 3) promotion of social engagement, home visits for dependent elderly, basic health screening, and tailored health education. Four additional activity groups were implemented: exercise, organic gardening, religious practices, and volunteer work. The outcomes showed improved overall health among the elderly, a reduction in complications of underlying diseases, an increase in the percentage of those with normal cognitive function from 83.33% to 91.67%, and a decrease in depression rates from 16.67% to 12.04%. These findings suggest that the model serves as an effective approach for promoting elderly health through participatory and targeted community-based activities.