Thai Journal of Public Health

Effect of Smartphone Addiction, Self-Esteem, and Mental Health on Grit among Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Suda Hanklang — 2024-12-26

Grit is a sense of strength, patience, and persistence which helps students to overcome challenges. It is considered as an indicator of academic success and well-being. However, research on factors associated with grit is limited, especially among nursing students. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship of smartphone addiction, self-esteem, and mental health on grit and grade point average (GPA) among nursing students in Thailand. A total of 989 nursing students completed a paper-based survey measuring smartphone addiction, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, stress, grit, GPA along with demographic items. Grit is negatively related to depression, anxiety, stress, and smartphone addiction (r = -.51, r = -.37, r = -.42, r = -.36, respectively, with p < 0.001), but positively associated with self-esteem (r = .56, p <0.001). The GPA was higher among the participants who reported fewer depressive symptoms (r = -.09, p < 0.001), higher self-esteem (r = .13, p < 0.001), and higher grit (r = .17, p <0.001). Self-esteem, smartphone addiction, and depression are the significant predictors for grit with adjusted R² = 0.379, F (5,985) = 121.11, p <0.001. Class level and grit significantly predicted G.P.A with adjusted R² = 0.140, F (5,850) = 28.755, p <0.001. Nursing programs as well as mental health professionals may routinely screen for psychological disturbance in nursing students who have potential risks for mental health and smartphone addiction. Health promotion programs to help nursing students manage their physical and mental health while building stronger grit may be the key to nursing students’ success.

Preventive behaviours and perceptions regarding COVID-19 after its reclassification among Japanese medical university students

Yuri Ouchi — 2024-12-26

In Japan, COVID-19 was reclassified from Category 2 (equivalent to new influenza) to Category 5 (equivalent to seasonal influenza) under the Infection Disease Control Law in May 2023, and daily life has gradually returned to normal. This study aimed to clarify the changes in preventive behaviours and perceptions of COVID-19 among medical university students after its reclassification.

An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 188 university students. It comprised questions about attributes, infection-preventive behaviours, and perceptions of COVID-19 after its reclassification and one year before. Regarding infection-preventive behaviours, the participants were asked about the frequency of hand washing, alcohol disinfection, indoor and outdoor mask-wearing, temperature measurement, going out, and eating out. Regarding the perception of infection prevention, participants were asked about the importance of each infection-preventive behaviour and the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19.

The frequency of hand washing, alcohol disinfection, use of indoor and outdoor mask-wearing, as well as temperature measurement decreased, while that of going out and eating out increased. Perceptions of the importance of infection-preventive behaviours decreased, as did the risk of becoming infected with the virus. A significant correlation was observed between the declined infection-preventive behaviours and the decreased perception of infection prevention.

Preventive behaviours and perceptions of COVID-19 prevention among medical university students decreased after the reclassification. Since medical university students often come in contact with patients at risk of becoming seriously ill, it is necessary to consider methods for maintaining infection-preventive behaviours and a high perception regarding their importance.

Effect of Pedagogical Tools for Fostering Nutritional Knowledge in School-Aged Children in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand

Teerapap Teerapap — 2024-12-26

Background: In Thailand, there is a projected annual increase in childhood obesity at a rate of 6.2% from 2020 - 2035. The emphasis on effective interventions, particularly well-planned, behavior-focused nutrition education, has substantially enhanced children's behavior and health indicators. Therefore, it is important to develop appropriate nutritional education methods to help maintain the good health of school-age children.

Objective: This study aims to assess the effects of various pedagogical tools in enhancing the nutritional knowledge of school-aged children in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand.

Materials and methods: This study employs a quasi-experimental research design and was conducted among 126 school-age children aged 8-12 years in Thailand. Data were collected from March 2020 to October 2021.

Results: After implementation of the pedagogical tools, the scores increased in all three groups. While there was no statistically significant difference in nutritional knowledge scores among the three groups before using the tools, the scores postimplementation varied significantly. Notably, the board game group exhibited was significantly different from the booklet group and the control group (p < 0.001). The satisfaction scores for pedagogical tools indicated that board games and booklets received ratings ranging from moderate liking to very liking across all the parameters.

Conclusion: Pedagogical tools led to a noteworthy increase in nutritional knowledge scores for all groups, particularly the board game group. These findings underscore the efficacy of innovative pedagogical tools, especially board games, in enhancing nutritional knowledge among school-age children.

The Knowledge and Practice of a Traditional Healer in Using Acupuncture for Disease Treatment among Ethnic Minority Communities: A Case Study from Pong District in Thailand

Pongnared Jaengpromma — 2024-12-26

This case study explored the acupuncture utilization among ethnic minorities and examined knowledge and folk wisdom of a traditional healer. The data was collected through a brief questionnaire with 370 ethnic minority villagers and an in-depth interview and observation with one traditional healer who utilized acupuncture techniques for disease treatment in Pong district, Phayao province, Thailand. Of the 370 villagers, 53.5% were aware of traditional healer practicing acupuncture and 20.3% had received the treatment. Most (91.6%) were satisfied with the treatment. The case study subject, a 69-year-old traditional healer with formal training in Chinese medicine, demonstrated a modified acupuncture technique characterized by fewer points and shallower needle insertion compared to traditional methods. This study reveals the acceptance of and satisfaction with acupuncture in the rural Thai ethnic minority communities. This study also highlights the integration of traditional knowledge with formal training and underscores the potential role of traditional healers in community healthcare. Further research is recommended to explore the integration of traditional practices into mainstream healthcare systems.

Developing an Application for Nursing Practice with Hypertension

Nattawan Suknark — 2024-12-26

To address the growing concern of hypertension in Thailand, we developed a mobile health application designed to assist patients in monitoring their blood pressure, adopting healthier behaviors, and improving self-care practices, following recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce modifiable risk factors. This study aims to develop and evaluate a prototype application which integrates data on blood pressure-lowering activities such as exercise routines, dietary changes, and medication adherence, with the effectiveness presented through calculated effect sizes. The application features an assessment form with multiple-choice questions to evaluate users' lifestyle habits, enabling the personalization of recommended activities based on individual needs. Guided by the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation), the prototype development involved systematic reviews and meta-analyses of nursing practices in Thailand. A quantitative online survey with four hundred and fifty-six hypertensive participants was conducted; 56.14% were male, and the majority were aged between 30 and 60 years old. Participants were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Satisfaction with the application was measured on a 5-point scale, with an average score of 4.45, indicating high satisfaction. Positive feedback suggests that while the prototype shows promise, further development and evaluation are needed to assess its effectiveness in reducing blood pressure and promoting healthy behaviors among hypertensive patients.

Rapid and Reliable Detection of Malignant Cells in Serous Fluids Using Clinical Microscopy

Suwannee Jitueakul — 2024-12-26

The incidence of cancer in Thailand is rising and is now the leading cause of death. Serous fluid, found in cavities between organs, can be analyzed for malignant cells in advanced cancer stages. While Clinical Microscopy Laboratories offer rapid initial screening for malignant cells within two hours, definitive diagnosis in cytology labs typically takes up to a week. This study aims to compare the detection of malignant cells in serous fluid by clinical microscopy and cytology laboratories. A retrospective analysis of 778 serous fluid samples from 2022-2023 was conducted. These included 517 pleural effusions (67%), 221 peritoneal effusions (28%), and 40 pericardial effusions (5%). Simultaneous examinations were performed in both laboratories, showing strong concordance (Kappa = 0.76), with 120 positive and 601 negative concordant results. Sensitivity was 77.9%, and specificity was 96.3%. The findings suggest that clinical microscopy provides an effective and timely screening method for malignant cells in serous fluids, facilitating early cancer detection, treatment planning, and monitoring of patient outcomes. This approach can significantly improve the management of suspected cancer cases.

Relationship between Attachment Styles and Depression among Thai Nursing Students

Thitaporn Kaewboonchoo — 2024-12-26

Previous studies have demonstrated that nursing students are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues, especially depression. While several studies have explored the factors associated with depression in this group, few have examined individual differences, such as attachment styles, in relation to these mental health challenges. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between attachment styles and depressive symptoms among nursing students in the Thai context. The online survey questionnaire was used to collect the data from 112 undergraduate nursing students. The Attachment Styles Questionnaire Short Form and The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale, 10-item version were administered to all participants. The results of present research showed that nursing students’ attachment styles were significantly associated with depression using Pearson’s correlation analysis (p < .01). From the two aspects of attachment styles, namely secure and insecure, higher secure attachment was related to fewer depressive symptoms (r = -.51, p < .01). The best predictor of depression was attachment preoccupied and confidence (R² = 0.46, p < 0.01). The findings highlight the importance of nursing students’ attachment styles for early detection of depressive symptoms and ways to promote mental health and well-being of nursing students in universities.