The Public Health Journal of Burapha University

The Design and Development of An Automatic Tablet Counting Machine for the Reduction of Counting-Time Workload Among Pharmaceutical Staff in a Community Hospital, Kanchanaburi Province

Nattanan Phuphitchatanat — 2025-04-30

The manual process of tablet counting in community hospitals is time-consuming, impacting the efficiency of pharmaceutical staff and prolonging patient waiting times. This study aimed to design and develop an automatic tablet-counting machine to reduce the Medicine Counting-time Workload associated with manual tablet counting among pharmaceutical staff in a community hospital. A quasi-experimental design was employed, with data collection conducted between June and July 2024. The study utilized a one-group pretest-posttest approach to compare tablet counting times and assess pharmaceutical staff satisfaction. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis, and the Mann-Whitney U Test was applied to compare the counting time for 10 types of medication. The results demonstrated that the automatic tablet counting machine reduced Medicine Counting-time Workload, cutting tablet counting time by an average of approximately 50% compared to manual counting, significantly lowering the workload of pharmaceutical staff (p < 0.001) across all medication types. Additionally, the four participating pharmaceutical staff members reported high levels of satisfaction, particularly in terms of benefits received, system compatibility, and overall effectiveness of the machine. The average satisfaction score was 35.50 out of 36, with a standard deviation of ±0.58, indicating a positive response to the developed system.

The Effectiveness of Sound Absorbing Material in Reducing Noise Level from The Cone Crusherin A Stone Crushing Plant, Chonburi Province

Teerapon Sukkavatanasinit — 2025-04-30

Noise from the Cone Crusher in a stone crushing plant affects the health of workers and causes inconvenience to nearby communities. Reducing noise using sound-absorbing materials is therefore
an essential solution. This study aimed to design and select effective noise-reducing materials, compare noise levels before and after material installation, and reduce noise levels to meet the required standards. The study tested three types of materials: rice husk foam panels, foam panels, and foam panels overlaid with rice husk foam, across a frequency range of 8–8000 Hz at distances of 1, 3, 5, and 7 meters. The results showed that rice husk foam panels reduced noise levels between 2.76–5.37 dB, performing best in the low to mid-frequency range (8–500 Hz). Foam panels reduced noise levels by 2.97 dB at 1 meter, suitable for mid to high frequencies (250–8000 Hz). Foam panels overlaid with rice husk foam achieved the highest noise reduction levels between 2.26-9.87 dB, effective across all frequencies and achieving a maximum noise reduction of 9.87 dB at close range, with a statistical significance level of 0.05. Recommendations should focus on developing and testing alternative sound absorbing materials, such as recycled or other natural materials, expanding studies to other types of factories, and assessing long-term cost-effectiveness to enhance sustainability and broader applicability.

The Relationship Between Environmental Exposure Levels Related to Vision and Eye Protection Behaviors Among the Elderly People

Nuttorn Sukseethong — 2025-04-30

This cross-sectional survey research aims to study: 1) the level of environmental exposure affecting vision, 2) eye protection behaviors, and 3) the relationship between environmental exposure levels related to vision and eye protection behaviors among the elderly in Thailand. The study sample consisted of 407 participants selected through multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using the chi-square test. The results of the study found that environmental exposure to the vision of the elderly was at a low level 66.80 percent. Eye protection behavior was at a moderate level 62.70 percent. The level of environmental exposure related to vision and eye protection behavior of the elderly were significantly related at the 0.01 level. Exposure to dust particles from traffic routes, construction sites, and high-risk dust pollution (PM_2.5) had higher eye protection behavior than low-risk exposure, and exposure to smoke from cigarettes, exhaust pipes, and high-risk combustion had higher eye protection behavior than low-risk exposure, with statistical significance at the 0.05 level. Therefore, it is important to prioritize the assessment of risks and the impacts of environmental exposure, avoid exposure to environments that affect the eyes, and provide eye protection devices for the elderly, as well as eye care and maintenance.

Predictive Factors of Preventive Behavior Towards Recreational Use of Cannabis and Kratom Among Parents of Secondary School Students in Chiang Mai Province

Usawadee Sutapuk — 2025-04-30

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge, awareness, and the preventive behaviors of parents regarding recreational use of cannabis and kratom among their children who were attending secondary school in Chiang Mai Province, as well as the factors predicting these preventive behaviors. The sample consisted of the parents of students from five schools, with 100 participants from each school. The sample was stratified by grade level and selected through simple random sampling. Data was collected from January to March 2024 using a questionnaire and was analyzed by descriptive and multiple logistic regression analysis. The results revealed that among the 500 sampled individuals, 2.2% using cannabis and 1.8% using kratom, with 4.3% growing cannabis or kratom for household consumption. About 52.4% of the sample received information about prevention measures from schools. The sample group has knowledge of cannabis and kratom at levels that need improvement, with 41.9% and 45.5%, respectively, while 48.2% and 49.2% of sample had moderate level of awareness about cannabis and kratom. About 67.2% of sample exhibited appropriate preventive behaviors regarding the use of cannabis and kratom by their children. The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that predictors of preventive behaviors among parents included being female, receiving information about the dangers of cannabis/kratom to children, receiving information from schools, having a parental bond with the children, having moderate to good knowledge level about the harms of cannabis to children, and having moderate to adequate awareness level of the harms of cannabis to children. These six factors could predict 38.1% of the sample's preventive behaviors. Recommendations suggest that schools should encourage parents to take a proactive role, such as discussing or advising on the harms of cannabis and kratom, monitoring or supervising risky behaviors, and collaborating with schools to prevent the use of cannabis and kratom among children and youth.

The The development of a model for promoting the competency of village health volunteers in the elderly health work in primary care system, Loei province

Sujinda Nuntee — 2025-05-02

The objectives of this research and development are 1) to study the factors affecting the performance of village public health volunteers for the health of the elderly in the primary care system. 2) to develop a model for promoting the capacity of village public health volunteers for the health of the elderly in the primary care system in Loei Province. 3) to evaluate and improve the model of promoting the capacity of village public health volunteers for the health of the elderly in the primary care system in Loei Province, and 4) to compare the performance of village health volunteers after the trial of the village health volunteer performance promotion model for the elderly health work in the primary care system, Loei Province. The results of the study in Phase 1 were factors affecting the performance of village public health volunteers on the health of the elderly in the primary care system. Statistically significant at the level of 0.05, including incentives related to the implementation of health promotion for the elderly; Attitude towards the health promotion of the elderly Favorable factors for the implementation of health promotion for the elderly Able to predict the performance of village public health volunteers on the health of the elderly by 21.05 percent. Phase 2: Recruitment of village ambulance drivers for elderly health work according to the framework of the self-efficacy model, 22 guidelines; Phase 3: Recruitment of village ambulance drivers for elderly health work, 57 guidelines; and Phase 4: Before using the guidelines, recruiting ambulance drivers to gather knowledge about recruiting ambulance drivers, there was no difference. After trying out the guidelines and recruiting village ambulance drivers, there were more drivers in the elderly health promotion business and buses overall. Statistical guidelines are at the 0.05 level.

Factors Associated with the Decision to Perform Duties as Caregivers for Dependent Older Adults Among Village Health Volunteers in Tha Wang Thong Sub-district, Mueang Phayao District, Phayao Province

Rinrada Kordit — 2025-05-07

The decision to serve as caregivers for dependent older adults is crucial for village health volunteers. This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to assess the factors influencing the decision to perform caregiving duties for dependent older adults among these volunteers in Tha Wang Thong Sub-district, Mueang Phayao District, Phayao Province. A total of 287 village health volunteers were selected through simple random sampling and completed a self-administered questionnaire. Data collection occurred from April to May 2024 and was analyzed, using descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to evaluate correlations. The results indicated that the volunteers possessed a moderate level of knowledge (86.1%), high level of job motivation (97.9%), significant social support (61.3%), and high decision-making level as caregivers for older adults (93.0%). They were also found to have a statistically significant correlation with the decision to perform duties as caregivers for dependent older adults (x² = 5.386, p = 0.020). Additionally, motivation in job performance and social support had a positive and statistically significant correlation with decision-making as a caregiver for older adults (r_s = 0.198, p<0.001; r_s = 0.240, p<0.001, respectively). Therefore, it is essential to promote job motivation and social support, as well as enhance knowledge related to elder care among village health volunteers, to effectively improve the quality of care for dependent older adults in the community.

Effectiveness of Applying World Class Manufacturing (WCM) Principles on Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems to Reduce Work Losses in a Food Processing Factory: A Case Study in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Pajaree Sakam — 2025-05-07

This study examined the effectiveness of applying World Class Manufacturing (WCM) principles to an occupational health and safety management system to reduce work-related losses in a processed food factory. Data were collected before and after the application of WCM principles to the factory's occupational health and safety management system. The effectiveness of WCM application was evaluated using the systems theory of overall management from 2020 to 2022. The results showed that the application was effective, with most scores falling within the "good" to "very good" range. The evaluation covered three key components. First, the input factors had five main indicators, which included policies, working committees, time, budget, and training. Second, the process factors had five main indicators, which included root cause analysis, risk assessment for problem-solving and standard development, monitoring of safety measures, expansion of safety standards from pilot units to all areas of the factory, and employee participation. Lastly, the output factors had four main indicators, which included losses, safety statistics, organizational safety culture, and legal compliance. The scores for each component were 25.01, 21.84, and 36.0, respectively. The overall effectiveness of the factory's occupational health and safety management system was 82.85 out of 100, which was categorized as "good." The application of WCM principles to the occupational health and safety management system led to positive changes, resulting in a structured and systematic approach to safety management. The accident frequency rate and severity of accidents also decreased, leading to lower accident-related costs, such as medical expenses, damage costs, and compensation contributions to the workers’ compensation fund.

Effectiveness of the noise absorbing box in reducing stamp lot noise in electrical welding processes: case study in an automotive parts manufacturing factory, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province

เนติศาสตร์ ไชยบุตร — 2025-06-04

The noise problem associated with the Stamp-Lot machine arises from its operation, where symbols are stamped with a metal needle and punched onto the metal workpiece, causing noise that affects the workers’ health and the community. This study aimed to investigate the design of a noise-absorbing box and sound-absorbing materials to reduce the noise level of the Stamp Lot machine to be within the standards. The study compared the noise level of the Stamp Lot machine before and after the noise-absorbing box was used. The researchers and the engineering department worked together to design a sound-absorbing box to suit the operation and strength of the box. The noise-absorbing box was attached to the Stamp-Lot machine in one piece, including lining the inner wall with egg-shaped sound-absorbing polyurethane. The one-group experimental method was designed for this study, comparing the results of sound measurements before and after the improvements. The results showed that the average noise level occurred (LAeq) after the installation of the noise absorbing box and the installation of absorbing material was in the range of 86.3-89.0 dB(A), which was statistically significant compared to the average sound level before the installation of the sound-absorbing box, which was between 100.4-100.7 dB(A). Noise-absorbing boxes recommend that the structure of the soundproof noise-absorbing box be designed in such a way that it is suitable for each Stamp-Lot machine. It must have a shape and size that allows flexible working and a strong appearance to increase operator confidence and satisfaction.

Evaluation of Carbon Footprint of Vaccine Manufacturing Plant in Saraburi Province

Rungnapa Jirawatsomporn — 2025-06-04

Vaccine Industry demands energy and resources which related to GHGs emission. This study aims to 1). quantify the amounts of GHGs emission and sequestration and 2). to propose the measure for reducing GHGs emission using Vaccine manufacturing plant in Saraburi province as a case study. Carbon Footprint of Organization (CFO) approach was applied as a tool. Results of GHGs emission showed the factory emitted GHGs with a total of 6,974,252.99 kgCO₂e/y. Indirect GHGs emissions from electricity consumption contributed the highest GHGs emission, accounting for 67.43%. While another 23.08% and 9.49% of GHGs emission were responsible by other indirect and direct, respectively. Top five activities contributing to GHGs emissions were electricity consumption and procurement, LPG for machinery consumption and procurement, embryonated egg use, refrigerant use, and general waste disposal, with a total of 5,631,207.39, 576,488.71, 244,821.55, 224,268.00, and 154,771.24 kgCO₂e/y, respectively. Currently, the amount of GHGs sequestration from trees was found to be about 21,907 kgCO₂e/y. Therefore, the CFO was 6,952,345.99 kgCO₂e/y. Additionally, replacing final disposal from landfilling with recycling and organic waste utilization could potentially reduced the current GHGs emission around 23,215 and 30,954 kgCO₂e/y, respectively.

Factors associated with preventive behaviors against unwanted pregnancy among university students in Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

AMANDA CHAIKAN — 2025-06-06

This cross-sectional survey research aimed to study the level of knowledge, attitudes and preventive behaviors toward unwanted pregnancy and to investigate factors associated with preventive behaviors toward unwanted pregnancy among students at a university in Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The sample consisted of 371 participants who were randomly selected using multi-stage sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire with an Item Objective Congruence Index (IOC) value was ranging from 0.67-1.00, a Kuder-Richardson (KR-20) value of 0.87, and the Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of attitude and behavior questionnaires of 0.82 and 0.89, respectively. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square and Pearson product moment correlation statistics. The participants had a moderate level of knowledge (Mean=6.64, S.D. = 2.13) and high levels of attitudes and preventive behaviors towards unwanted pregnancy (Mean=3.79, S.D.=0.72), (Mean=4.12, S.D.= 0.73). Knowledge and attitudes were positively correlated with behaviors at a significant level (p<0.001; r = 0.340 and r = 0.611). Furthermore, the faculty and income were significantly correlated with behaviors at a significant level of 0.05 (χ² = 30.513 and χ² = 67.970). These findings suggest that universities should implement educational programs on safe sex and reproductive health to promote knowledge, positive attitudes, and appropriate preventive behaviors and promote safe sex health literacy to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy.

Effects of a Self-management Program via Tele-Nursing on Health Behaviors of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension at the Urban Community Health Center, Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University

Ubonrat Suksub — 2025-06-30

This research was quasi-experimental research with two groups measuring the results before and after the experiment. The objectives were to 1) compare the mean health behavior scores of the experimental group receiving the self-management program through telenursing before and after participating in the program,
2) compare the mean health behavior scores between the experimental group receiving the self-management program through telenursing and the control group receiving usual nursing, and 3) study the level of health behavior of the experimental group receiving the self-management program through telenursing. The sample consisted of 46 patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, divided into the experimental group (23 patients) and the control group (23 patients). The research instruments were health behavior questionnaires. The statistics used were percentage, mean, standard deviation, Paired t-test, and Independent t-test. The research results found that 1) The experimental group received the self-management program through telenursing. The mean health behavior score before the experiment was at a moderate level ( x̄ = 3.39, S.D. = .49) and after the experiment, the health behavior was at a good level ( x̄ = 3.86, S.D. = .34), which was significantly increased (p < .001).
2) The experimental group that received the self-management program through telenursing had a significantly higher mean health behavior score than the control group that received regular nursing at a statistical level
(p < .001). 3) The experimental group mostly had a good level of health behavior, 17 people or 73.9 percent.
The study showed that the telenursing self-management program can improve patients' health behavior in all aspects. Nurses and medical personnel can use the program as a guideline for developing health behavior to support patients in managing themselves through telenursing to effectively and efficiently reduce accumulated blood sugar levels.

SEDENTARY BEHAVIOR AND ABDOMINAL OBESITY IN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Jirawan Panyasan — 2025-06-30

This study aims to examine sedentary behavior, abdominal obesity, and factors associated with abdominal obesity in high school students at the Demonstration School of Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak. A cross-sectional analytical study design was employed. The sample was 4^th grade high school students consisting of 140 students, selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a socio-demographic, sedentary behavior, and physical activity questionnaire. Abdominal obesity is defined as having a waist circumference exceeding the standard. Descriptive and inferential statistics including binary logistic regression, were applied. The findings revealed that students spent the most time on their mobile phones for entertainment during weekends, averaging 297.39 minutes, or about 5 hours per day. Analysis of the related factors found that being overweight or obese (OR=42.73; 95%CI=12.72-143.56), sleeping more than 8 hours per day on weekdays (OR=5.25; 95%CI=1.53-18.01), and watching television more than 4 hours per day on weekends (OR=4.71; 95%CI=1.59-13.99) were significantly associated with abdominal obesity. The results of this study can be used as a policy to reduce belly fat or to develop guidelines to reduce sedentary behavior in educational institutions to prevent abdominal obesity in adolescents, which is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Effectiveness of a program for enhancing perception of dietary salt reduction on salt- reduction dietary behavior among prehypertension risk group in Tha Bun Mi Sub-District, Ko Chan District, Chonburi Province

Patchana Hengboriboonpong Jaidee — 2025-06-30

This quasi-experimental study with two groups pretest-posttest design aimed to examine the effectiveness of a program for enhancing perception of dietary salt reduction, which was developed based on the health belief model, on salt-reduction dietary behavior. The sample consisted of 76 individuals at risk of hypertension, who were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group, with 38 participants in each. The experimental group received the 8-week intervention program comprising the following four activities: “Know your numbers, know your risk, avoid hypertension activity”, “Awareness of severity”, “Salt reduction wheel game”, and “sharing to overcome barriers”. The control group received routine care from health service providers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as percentages, means, and standard deviations and inferential statistics including paired t-test and independent t-tests. The results indicated that after the intervention, the experimental group had significantly higher mean scores in dietary salt reduction perception and salt-reduction dietary behaviors compared to both their pre-intervention scores and the control group. Moreover, the systolic blood pressure of the experimental group statistically significant decreased from baseline and was lower than the control group (p-value < 0.01). In conclusion, the program for enhancing perception of dietary salt reduction was effective in promoting the sodium reduction perception, improving salt-reduction behaviors, and lowering systolic blood pressure. This program could serve as a model for developing interventions targeting individuals with chronic health conditions.

Effects of Self-Health Care Program on Four Smart Concepts to Enhance Health Literacy and Health Behaviors Among the Elderly at Bansuan Subdistrict, Mueang Chonburi District, Chonburi Province

PRIMRATA THASSANAMONTHIAN — 2025-06-30

The purpose of this study was to study the effectiveness of Self-Health Care Program on Four Smart concepts to Enhance Health Literacy and Health Behaviors Among the Elderly at Bansuan Subdistrict, Mueang Chonburi District, Chonburi Province. This was a quasi-experimental study with a two-group pretest-posttest design. The sample consisted of elderly individuals aged 65–75 years who were members of the Baan Suan Municipality Elderly Club. A random selection assigned 30 members from Elderly Club 1 to the experimental group, while 30 members from Elderly Club 2 formed the comparison group. The experimental group received the Self-Health Care Program on Four Smart concepts, while the comparison group received regular health care. Data were collected before and after the intervention using a health literacy assessment form and a Self-Health Care on Four Smart concepts assessment form. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests.

The results showed that, after the intervention, the experimental group had significantly higher mean scores in health literacy and Self-Health Care on For Smart concepts compared to both their pre-intervention scores and the comparison group (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that the program was effective in enhancing health literacy and Self-Health Care on For Smart concepts, and it can be applied in activities or projects aimed at improving the quality of life for the elderly.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Work Accident among Elderly Dairy Farmers

Pornthip yenjai — 2025-06-30

เกษตรกรสูงอายุที่เลี้ยงโคนมเป็นแรงงานนอกระบบที่อาจมีความเสี่ยงต่อการเกิดอุบัติเหตุจากการทำงาน การวิจัยนี้มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อศึกษาความชุกของการเกิดอุบัติเหตุและปัจจัยที่มีความสัมพันธ์กับการเกิดอุบัติเหตุจากการทำงานของเกษตรกรสูงอายุที่เลี้ยงโคนม เป็นการศึกษาเชิงพรรณนาแบบภาคตัดขวาง กลุ่มตัวอย่างคือ เกษตรกรสูงอายุที่เลี้ยงโคนมในพื้นที่ตำบลลำพญากลาง อำเภอมวกเหล็ก จังหวัดสระบุรีที่มีอายุตั้งแต่ 45 ปีขึ้นไป จำนวน 136 คน เครื่องมือที่ใช้ในการวิจัยคือแบบสัมภาษณ์ แบบประเมินสภาพแวดล้อมในการทำงาน และแบบทดสอบความสามารถในการทรงตัว วิเคราะห์ข้อมูลโดยใช้สถิติเชิงพรรณนา สถิติไค-สแควร์ และ Fisher’s exact test

ผลการศึกษาพบว่ากลุ่มตัวอย่างเกิดอุบัติเหตุจากการทำงานในรอบ 6 เดือนที่ผ่านมาร้อยละ 63.24 พบมากในเพศหญิง ร้อยละ 59.30 อุบัติเหตุที่พบมากที่สุดคือการถูกกระแทก/ชน ร้อยละ 44.19 สาเหตุเกิดจากโคนมตื่นตัวทำให้โดนถีบเตะ โดนหางฟาด โดนเหยียบเท้าและไล่ขวิด ร้อยละ 34.88 บริเวณร่างกายที่ได้รับอุบัติเหตุส่วนใหญ่เกิดที่มือและแขนร้อยละ 30.23 สถานที่เกิดจะเกิดภายในบริเวณโรงรีดนม ร้อยละ 68.60 โดยสภาพพื้นที่จะมีลักษณะเปียกลื่น ร้อยละ 66.28 และส่วนใหญ่ระดับความรุนแรงของการบาดเจ็บอยู่ในขั้นปฐมพยาบาล ร้อยละ 69.77 ปัจจัยที่มีความสัมพันธ์กับการเกิดอุบัติเหตุจากการทำงานอย่างมีนัยสำคัญทางสถิติที่ระดับ 0.05 ในด้านปัจจัยส่วนบุคคล ได้แก่ เพศ (p=0.001) อายุ (p = 0.008) ค่าดัชนีมวลกาย (p=0.001) ประสบการณ์จากการทำงาน (p=0.001) ด้านปัจจัยสภาพแวดล้อมในการทำงาน ได้แก่ โรงเรือนที่มีพื้นที่ไม่เพียงพอต่อการปฏิบัติงาน (p=0.018) และการไม่ทำความสะอาดโรงรีดนม (p=0.004) ในด้านปัจจัยพฤติกรรมความปลอดภัยในการทำงาน ได้แก่ การพักผ่อนไม่เพียงพอ (p=0.001) ไม่มีการตรวจสอบความพร้อมของเครื่องจักร/อุปกรณ์ก่อนปฏิบัติงาน (p=0.001) การเข้าไปทำงานในบริเวณที่มีสภาพพื้นที่เปียกลื่นหรืออาจมีคราบน้ำมัน (p=0.001) และในด้านปัจจัยด้านร่างกาย ความบกพร่องด้านการทรงตัวของผู้สูงอายุ (p=0.001) ทั้งนี้พบการเกิดอุบัติเหตุของเกษตรกรสูงอายุที่เลี้ยงโคนมค่อนข้างสูง ดังนั้นผู้ที่มีส่วนเกี่ยวข้องควรให้ความสำคัญกับการจัดทำแนวทางมาตรการป้องกันการเกิดอุบัติเหตุ และสร้างสภาพแวดล้อมในการทำงานที่ปลอดภัย รวมถึงควรมีการส่งเสริมความแข็งแรงของร่างกายด้านการทรงตัวของเกษตรกรผู้สูงอายุที่เลี้ยงโคนมเพื่อลดความเสี่ยงอุบัติเหตุจากการทำงานต่อไป