Journal of Research in Nursing-Midwifery and Health Sciences

Effects of a Capacity Building Program for Village Health Volunteers on Diabetes and Hypertension Risk Groups in a Semi-Urban Context

Srisuda Lundputh — 2026-06-12

Objective: To examine the effects of a capacity-building program for village health volunteers (VHVs) on diabetes mellitus and hypertension prevention among at-risk populations in a semi-urban context. Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a one-group pretest–posttest design and was conducted in two phases: (1) program development based on a literature review and community contextual data from 207 VHVs, and (2) program evaluation among 47 pairs of VHVs and at-risk populations. The intervention consisted of 10 sessions implemented over a three-month period using a hybrid approach combining onsite and online activities. Research instruments included questionnaires assessing VHV knowledge, perceived benefits, and perceived self-efficacy regarding diabetes mellitus and hypertension prevention for at-risk populations. The stress test questionnaire and measurements of blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: After participation in the program, VHVs demonstrated significantly increased scores in knowledge, perceived benefits, and perceived self-efficacy regarding diabetes mellitus and hypertension prevention (p < .001). At-risk populations showed significantly improved preventive health behavior scores (p < .001). Significant reductions were also found in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and blood glucose levels (p < .05), whereas stress levels showed no substantial change. Conclusion: The VHVs capacity-building program effectively enhanced competencies in non-communicable disease prevention and promoted health behavior modification among at-risk populations. The findings support the appropriateness of applying a hybrid learning approach within primary health care services in semi-urban community settings.

Development Outcomes of a Pregnancy Prevention Model for Adolescent Students in Educational Opportunity Expansion Schools through Networking Participation in Rayong Province

Raengchai Suksila — 2026-06-19

Objective: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a model for preventing pregnancy among primary school female students at educational opportunity expansion schools through the participation of network partners. Method: This operatory action research was conducted in three phases: 1) phenomenon exploration and planning 2) action and reflection, and 3) evaluation. In phases 1–2, the respondents consisted of 25 participants, including representatives from educational institutions, public health services, local administrative organizations, and the provincial office of social development and human security. Phase 3 involved 78 female students in grades 7–9. The data collection tools included 1) a pregnancy prevention program, 2) a health literacy questionnaire, 3) in-depth interviews, and 4) focus group discussions. Quantitative data analysis using descriptive statistics, paired t-test and t-test, and qualitative data analysis using content analysis. Results: Phase 1 revealed that the obstacles to preventing teenage pregnancy include unfriendly services, stigmatizing social norms, lack of sexual education and life skills, limited opportunities for continuing education, and insufficient collaboration among stakeholders. In addition, the program was developed using strategies based on the health literacy framework, comprising knowledge training, media literacy and communication skills, self‑health management, and access to services through media. Phase 2 revealed that network partners carried out their assigned roles while refining the accuracy and appropriateness of the program, ensuring its relevance and feasibility for practical application. Phase 3 showed that the mean scores of health literacy differed significantly at the .05 level both within and between groups. After receiving the program, the experimental group demonstrated higher average scores than the control group. Conclusion: The development of a pregnancy prevention model for adolescents through the participation of network partners effectively enhanced the health literacy of female students.

Attitude and Efficiency of Handwashing Among the Second Year Nursing Students towards Learning Management with a Smart Hand Hygiene Detector

Saengtip Leelakarn — 2026-06-25

Objective: To examine the attitudes and efficiency of hand washing among the second-year nursing students towards learning management with a smart hand hygiene detector. Methods: This study was descriptive research. The sample consisted of 103 second-year nursing students selected using purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria and willingness to participate in the study. Data were collected using: 1) a general information questionnaire, 2) a handwashing attitude scale, and 3) a handwashing effectiveness assessment scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The attitude towards hand washing among 68.93% of participants was at a very good level, and 31.07% of participants were at a good level. Regarding the effectiveness of hand washing towards learning management with the smart hand hygiene detector, 75.73% of the participants performed effective hand washing (passed the evaluation), while 24.27% performed hand washing ineffectively (failed the evaluation). The back of hands was the most ignored area. Conclusion: Learning management with a smart hand hygiene detector improved attitudes and practices regarding hand washing among nursing students. Nevertheless, ineffective hand washing was still observed in a segment of the participants. Therefore, searching for the causes to develop teaching methods is necessary, as well as finding factors or ways to make the handwashing of nursing students more effective.

Lived Experiences of ICU Nurses in Caring for Patients Who are Dying with COVID-19: Aesthetic Expression

Borwarnluck Thongthawee — 2026-06-26

Objectives: To explain the meaning of ICU nurses’ experiences in caring for end-stage COVID-19 patients through aesthetic expression. Methods: This study is a qualitative research employing a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. The participants were ten registered nurses working in ICUs of advanced tertiary hospitals under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, who were on duty during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2019. Data were collected through drawings and in-depth individual interviews using semi-structured interview guides from June 2024 to December 2024. Pictures and interview transcriptions were analyzed based on Waraporn Kongsuwan’s Aesthetic Nursing Theory. Trustworthiness of the study was established following Lincoln and Guba’s criteria. Results: The study found that participants described the meaning of ICU nurses’ experiences in caring for end-stage COVID-19 patients in four thematic categories: (1) “forced to grow up” – being unprepared but having to carry on, (2) caring for hope, (3) A noble profession and (4) joy in the last breath. Conclusion: The findings provide insight into the meaning of ICU nurses’ experiences in caring for end-stage COVID-19 patients. This understanding can serve as foundational information for improving care for COVID-19 patients and for developing nurses’ professional competence in all dimensions. Moreover, healthcare organizations should assess the physical and psychological impacts on nurses in order to promote their well-being in constrained and high-pressure contexts, thereby ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality nursing care.

Effects of a Care Support and Education Program on Self-Care Behaviors of Adolescents with Thalassemia at a hospital in Nakhon Phanom Province

Wassamon paprom — 2026-07-03

Objective: This research study aimed to investigate the effects of a care support and education program on self-care behaviors of adolescents with thalassemia. Methods: The participants consisted of 50 adolescents with thalassemia, selected by a purposive sampling method. They were divided into a control group and an experimental group (25 people per group). The experimental group received the care support and education program, which consisted of the following activities: 1) health education delivered via the LINE application and the health education guide, entitled “When I Have Thalassemia”
2) promotion of self-care behaviors through demonstrate and return demonstrations on selecting appropriate foods and 3) Providing follow-up inquiries and encouragement through telephone conversations and text messages via the LINE application. The control group received usual care. Data were collected using a self-care behavior questionnaire for adolescents with thalassemia, developed based on Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory (CVI = 0.90, α = 0.87), analyzed using independent t–test and paired t-test at significant level .05. Results: After participating in the program, adolescents with thalassemia in the experimental group had significantly higher mean self-care behaviors than at baseline (p < .001). 2) Adolescents with thalassemia in the experimental group had significantly higher mean self-care behaviors scores than those in the control group (p < .001). Conclusion: This care support and education program can serve as a guideline for promoting self-care among adolescents with thalassemia, enabling them to care for themselves more effectively.