Thai Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Nursing

Editorial Note

2025-04-29T22:05:58+07:00

Effects of the health promotion program on commitment to a plan of action, health behaviors, and blood pressure among working patients with uncontrolled hypertension

2023-10-09T16:53:21+07:00

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the effects of a health promotion program on working patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The samples were 60 patients. They were randomly assigned into two groups: an experimental and a control group consisting of 30 patients in each group. The experimental group received 12 weeks of a Health Promotion Program based on Pender's concept and Application Line. The control group received the usual nursing care. The research instruments were questionnaires on commitment to a plan of action, Self-care Behaviors questionnaires, and blood pressure measurements. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and paired t-tests.

The research findings revealed that after the intervention, the experimental group showed significantly higher commitment to a plan of action than before the intervention (p < 0.001), and higher than the control group did not show a statistically significant difference. After the intervention, health behaviors were significantly higher than before the intervention (p < 0.05), and considerably higher than the control group (p<0.001) except for taking medication and stress management, which were not significantly higher than the control group. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower than before the intervention (p < 0.001) and lower than the control group (p < 0.05).

The research results can be used as a guideline to promote health behaviors in patients with uncontrolled hypertension in conjunction with the use of the Line application, which will provide nurses with a channel to promote health promotion on commitment to a plan of action, and interpersonal influence through group activities.

Development of medication taking knowledge application for hypertensive patients

2024-08-30T14:31:32+07:00

This research and development study is based on the ADDIE Model process. The objective is to develop a medication knowledge application for patients with hypertension. The sample group comprises hypertensive patients from a Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani Province. The sample was divided into two groups: 100 patients for the study of application usage needs and 30 patients for the application trial. The research tools include a questionnaire on the need for the application, the medication knowledge application, a questionnaire on application quality, a questionnaire on medication knowledge, and a satisfaction questionnaire on the use of the application. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Wilcoxon statistics.

The research results showed that, before using the application, the sample group had low knowledge of medication usage (Mean = 2.30, SD = .50), with a high demand for using technological media (Mean = 3.57, SD = .70). The most desired learning media type was Line application (Mean = 3.88, SD = .86), followed by mobile applications (Mean = 3.37, SD = .84) at a moderate level. The quality of the medication knowledge application was rated at the highest level (Mean = 4.72, SD = .25). After using the mobile application, the patient's knowledge about medication usage for hypertension significantly increased compared to before using the application (p < .001), and their satisfaction was high (Mean = 4.25, SD = .44).

The study results indicate that the medication knowledge application for hypertension patients helps improve their knowledge about medication usage and that patients are satisfied with it. Therefore, it is recommended the application of medication to educate hypertensive patients.

Factors associated with quality of life among patients with lung cancer undergone surgery

2025-03-20T11:40:21+07:00

The study aimed to explore quality of life (QOL) levels and factors related to QOL in three dimensions: perception of symptoms, functional, and global health status and quality of life The sample consisted of 85 patients who undergone lung cancer surgery and were followed up for one month at the Clinics of two tertiary hospitals. Data were collected using The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QOL-C30), the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ), Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST), the Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form 34 (SCNS-SF34), and the Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey (MOS SSS). Data were analyzed using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient and Spearman rank correlation coefficient.

The results revealed that 1) the patients reported high levels of QOL in all dimensions. 2) Illness representation factor was positively correlated with the quality of life in the symptom dimension. (r_s = .566, p < .001). 3) Illness representation and supportive care need factors were negatively correlated with functional dimension, (r_s = .566, p < .001; r_s = -.271, p < .05 respectively) the global health status and quality of life dimension, (r = -.497, p < .001; r_s = -.415, p < .01 respectively). 4) Risk of malnutrition was positively correlated with the QOL in the symptom dimension (r_s = .327, p < .01) and negatively correlated with functional dimension (r_s = -.232, p < .05); and 5) Social support was also positively correlated with the global health status and quality of life dimension (r_s = .276, p < .01).

The results of study could be implied that all factors related to QOL. Illness representation was the only factor related to all dimensions of patients’ QOL. Therefore, health care providers should design the interventions for promoting positive illness representation for lung cancer patients.

Effects of a self-efficacy and social support enhancing program on fluid control behaviors and body weight changes among the patients with end stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis

2024-05-22T22:12:55+07:00

This study employed a one-group pretest-posttest with repeated measures design aimed at studying the effects of a self-efficacy promotion program combined with social support on fluid control behaviors and body weight changes among patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. Eleven patients were purposively sampled. They received a self-efficacy promotion program with social support for 8 weeks. A personal and illness-related data record form, self-efficacy assessment, social support questionnaire, fluid control behaviors assessment form, and a body weight change record form were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Friedman test, and the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test.

The results revealed that after participating in the program, the patients’ fluid control behaviors significantly increased, and body weight changes significantly decreased, compared to those before receiving the program (p < 0.01)

The research suggests that a self-efficacy promotion program should be implemented to prevent fluid overload. In addition, further studies on the maintenance of behavior should be follow up on fluid control behaviors and body weight changes in six months and one year.

The influencing factors on health-related quality of life of patients with coronary artery disease after percutaneous coronary intervention

2024-07-21T17:21:38+07:00

This descriptive predictive research aimed to examine factors influencing the health-related quality of life of patients with coronary artery disease after percutaneous coronary intervention. The subjects consisted of 99 patients with coronary artery disease after percutaneous coronary intervention within 4-12 months came for follow-up in the outpatient department of the Ministry of Public Health in Health Region 5. They were purposive sampling according to the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using personal information questionnaire, Health literacy questionnaire, The MOS 36 item short form health survey (SF-36) questionnaire, Anxiety Assessment Scale (GAD-7), and the Social Support Questionnaire. The data were collected from February to April 2024 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression with enter regression.

The research results revealed that anxiety, social support, and health literacy influencing factors could explain variance in health-related quality of life of patients with coronary artery disease after percutaneous coronary intervention by 71.4% (R²_adj = 0.714, P < .01). Social support (β = .396, P < .01) had a stronger influence on health-related quality of life than health literacy (β = .362, P < .01) and anxiety (β = -.217, P < .01)

The study suggests that nursing interventions should be developed based on social support, health literacy, and anxiety reduction to increase the health-related quality of life of patients with coronary artery disease after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Effects of the changing position set for patients underwent transfemoral coronary angiography on back pain, bleeding, and hematoma: A randomized controlled trial

2025-01-22T11:03:41+07:00

This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of using a changing position set for patients after transfemoral coronary angiography on back pain, bleeding, and subcutaneous hematoma formation. The study was conducted on patients undergoing femoral artery catheterization at Khon Kaen Hospital. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental or the control group, with 15 patients in each group. The experimental group employed a changing position set to facilitate position changes, while the control group used a usual care. Research instruments included a demographic form and coronary angiography information form, a visual analog scale for pain assessment, and a bleeding and hematoma record form. Data analysis involved repeated measures ANOVA and independent t-tests to compare mean back pain scores, and Chi-square tests and relative risk to compare the incidence of bleeding and hematoma.

The results showed that the mean back pain scores in the experimental group differed significantly over time (p < 0.01). Similarly, there was a significant change in the control group's mean back pain scores over time (p < 0.01). The two groups' baseline back pain levels did not differ significantly (p = 0.68). However, the experimental group reported considerably lower back pain scores than the control group at 4 and 6 hours after the procedure (p < 0.01). The incidence of bleeding and hematoma formation did not significantly differ between the groups.

The findings indicate that, without raising the danger of bleeding or hematoma, the use of a changing position set considerably decreased back pain in patients undergoing femoral coronary angiography. Therefore, this intervention may be considered as an option for these patients to alleviate back pain.

Effects of educative supportive nursing on caregiver’s knowledge and ability in caring children with fever

2025-01-22T10:14:20+07:00

This study used a one-group, pre-posttest design and was quasi-experimental on caregivers’ knowledge and care practices for children with fever. The objective was to examine the effectiveness of the educative-supportive nursing system and video media on knowledge and caregivers’ care behaviors for children with fever. The samples were 48 caregivers who cared the children aged newborn to 5 years with fever and body temperature higher than 37.5 degrees celsius who received services at the Pediatric Outpatient Department, Bamrasnaradura Institute, Nonthaburi Province. The research instruments consisted of children’s data, caregivers’ data, caregivers’ knowledge of children with fever questionnaire and caregivers’ ability score in caring children with fever. The experimental instruments included the educative supportive nursing system and video media on reducing children’s fever. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests.

The results showed that, post mean score of knowledge was significantly higher than the mean score before the educative supportive nursing and video media (t=-12.692, p<.05) The mean score of ability in caring children with fever was higher than the standard criteria. Indicating that an educative supportive nursing supports caregivers to have correct behaviors in caring for children with fevers.

This study suggests that video media on reducing fever in children should be applied for caregivers to improve knowledge and ability in caring for children correctly and effectively.

Factors affecting the quality of life among the elderly with diabetes at Don Tako Health Promoting Hospital, Muang District, Ratchaburi province

2024-08-22T11:39:44+07:00

This descriptive research aimed to determine factors that affected the quality of life among the elderly with diabetes at one Health Promoting Hospital, in Ratchaburi Province. The sample group consisted of 138 elderly people with diabetes residing in the responsible area of one Health Promoting Hospital. The research instruments consisted of questionnaires regarding demographic data, social and economic data, health data, and WHOQOL– BREF–THAI 26. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's product-moment correlation, and multiple regression analysis.

The study results revealed that the majority of the sample was female (65.20 percent), with an average age of 69.12 years, and 78.26 percent had an overall and each aspect of quality of life at the moderate level. The factors that could predict the quality of life among them were income (β= 0.309, p < 0.05), duration of illness (β= -0.183, p < 0.05) and complications of the disease (β= -0.229, p < 0.05). All variables could collectively be 25.8% of the quality of life for elderly patients with diabetes (p < 0.05).

From this study, it is suggested that nurses should assess quality of life and these influencing factors in coordination with government agencies to increase income for elderly people with diabetes. In addition, a program to promote healthy behavior has been created to be consistent with the duration of the illness, and prevention of disease complications to lead to further improving the quality of life of the elderly with diabetes.

Cost analysis of nursing activities for acute coronary syndrome patients in the accident and emergency room of a tertiary hospital

2024-11-18T22:29:42+07:00

This descriptive research aims to analyze the cost of nursing activities for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the accident and emergency room of a tertiary hospital as perceived by the health providers., while the sample group comprised 30 nursing reports selected using purposive sampling. Three research instruments were employed: 1) A dictionary of four main nursing activities; 2) records of activity costs and time spent on the activities; and 3) cost per unit records. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics.

The research results found that the total cost of nursing activities was 230,735.07 baht, the highest cost was nursing activities in the nursing care phase, 97,654.47 baht, the highest cost per activity was nursing activity standards in the nursing care phase, 1,465.76 baht, and the highest cost per case in nursing activity standards in the nursing care phase, 3,255.14 baht. The average nursing time was 24 minutes and 43 seconds. The cost of materials, labor, and equipment was 148,180.02 baht, which was quite high.

The research results indicate that nursing organization administrators should use this in budget management, health resources, and time management, to be cost-effective in planning and managing the use of human resources, materials, equipment, tools, and budgets effectively and with maximum benefit.

Effect of an integrated qigong and body scan program on fatigue levels among patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis

2025-03-20T14:34:13+07:00

This quasi-experimental design with a two-group pretest-posttest, aimed to examine effects of an integrated qigong and body scan program on fatigue level among patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis at The Hemodialysis Center in Thammasat University Hospital, Pathum Thani Province, Thailand. A total of 67 participants with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis were selected through purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria. Participants were assigned to either the experimental group, which received an integrated qigong and body scan for 12 weeks (n = 33), or the control group, which received standard care (n = 34). The instruments used for data collection included: 1) a 12-week Integrated Qigong and Body Scan, and 2) a characteristics data questionnaire and the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS). Descriptive statistics and t-tests were used to analyze the data.

The results revealed that before the intervention, the mean fatigue score in the experimental group was 132.94 (S.D. = 18.86), which decreased to 42.18 (S.D. = 8.34) after participation in the program. In contrast, the control group had a mean fatigue score of 129.21 (S.D. = 23.08) before and 129.41 (S.D. = 22.89) after participation of the program. The mean fatigue score in the experimental group decreased significantly (t = 40.61, p < 0.001) and differed significantly from the control group (t = -20.64, p < 0.001).

This study suggests that an integrated qigong and body scan program may be beneficial in reducing fatigue among patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. Healthcare providers should consider implementing this practice in hemodialysis centers.

Factor related to self-care behaviors in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus at the antenatal care unit of Bangkok Metropolitan Hospital

2025-01-22T14:14:32+07:00

This descriptive correlation research aims to investigate the relationship between personal factors and self-care behaviors in pregnant women with diabetes. Sample of 147 pregnant women with gestational diabetes who attended antenatal care at Tertiary Hospital, Bangkok were selected. Research tools and data were collected on demographic characteristics, diabetes knowledge in pregnant women, and self-care behaviors in pregnant women with diabetes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's rank correlation

The study found that the sample group had a good level of knowledge (78.25%) and had a good self-care behavior in pregnant women with diabetes (72.89%). Knowledge in pregnancy women and Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) was significantly correlated with self-care behaviors in pregnant women with diabetes (p<0.01).

This research can be used as a guideline for developing nursing program to promote knowledge and self-care about gestational diabetes in pregnant women to encourage better self-care behaviors.