Royal Thai Air Force Medical Gazette

The Critical Role of Aeromedical Nurses in the Air Transport of Premature Infants

Sqn.Ldr.Chalinthra Wannaphak, M.N.S., Wg.Cdr.Duangporn Chasri, M.N.S — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Premature infants are highly vulnerable to environmental changes, particularly during aeromedical transport to advanced care facilities. While crucial for ensuring timely care, the aeromedical environment exposes these infants to significant flight-related stress, adversely affecting their respiratory, circulatory, and thermoregulatory systems. This article synthesizes and applies current international evidence and established aeromedical principles to develop a comprehensive practice framework for flight nurses. It provides a detailed analysis of the unique physiological challenges and in-flight stressors, including hypobaric hypoxia, gas expansion, thermoregulatory instability, noise, and vibration specific to the preterm population. Furthermore, the article consolidates evidence-based strategies for pre-transport assessment, in-flight monitoring, and specialized nursing interventions to mitigate these risks. By integrating global knowledge with practical clinical expertise, this work aims to establish structured guidelines to enhance the preparedness and efficacy of flight nurses, ultimately ensuring the safe and effective aeromedical evacuation of premature infants.

Predictive Factors of Depression Among the Elderly with Non-Communicable Diseases Taking Multiple Medications

Nalinthip Duangtip, Cheechong Tan, Khoy La-ongon — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study employed a predictive correlational research design with the objectives of (1) examining

factors associated with depression among older adults with chronic non-communicable diseases who were taking multiple medications, and (2) identifying factors that could predict depression. The sample

consisted of 101 older adults who had been diagnosed with chronic non-communicable diseases and were taking two or more medications. Participants were selected using purposive sampling based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire; the Social Participation

Questionnaire for Older Adults; the Self-Esteem Scale; the Modified Barthel Activities of Daily Index;

the Brief Family Relationship Scale; and the 9Q Depression Screening Questionnaire. Data analysis

included descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) and multiple regression.

The results revealed that self-esteem, ability to perform activities of daily living, level of family relationships, and social participation were all significantly and negatively correlated with depression. These four factors jointly predicted depression, accounting for 35.6 % of the variance. Therefore, healthcare professionals can use these findings as a guideline to promote self-esteem, rehabilitate activities of daily living, strengthen family relationships, and enhance social participation to reduce the risk of depression among older adults with chronic non-communicable diseases who are taking multiple medications

Factors Associated with the Support Needs of Caregivers for Patients After Open-Heart Surgery Receiving Treatment at Rajavithi Hospital

phawinee khandhiworadham, Assistant Professor Dr. Panitan Grasung — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The objectives of this quantitative research study were to determine 1) the support needs of caregivers of patients after open-heart surgery, 2) the level of social support received by these caregivers, and 3) the relationship between gender, age, educational level, occupation, income, and social support with caregivers’ support needs. The conceptual framework was the applied Hierarchy of Needs Theory of Maslow. The sample group consisted of 220 caregivers of patients who had undergone open-heart surgery and were receiving treatment at Rajavithi Hospital, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with a content validity index of 0.96 and an overall reliability coefficient of 0.97. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (chi-square test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and Spearman’s rank correlation) were used for data analysis. The findings revealed that 1) caregivers’ overall support needs were at a high level, 2) the overall social support received was also at a high level, and 3) overall social support is positively correlated with the supportive needs of caregivers of patients after open-heart surgery, with statistical significance at the 0.01 level. While gender, occupation, and income are not related to the supportive needs of caregivers of patients after open-heart surgery. The department of cardiothoracic surgery

should provide support in terms of information and resources for patient care to help reduce postoperative complications after heart surgery.

Knowledge and Attitudes about Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM) of Family Planning Providers at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital

Gp.Capt. Asst.prof. Chanita Amornratanathada, Wg.Cdr. Supattra Pinkaew — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitudes regarding the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) among family planning providers at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital.

A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving 60 healthcare professionals engaged in family planning services. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire with acceptable content validity and reliability. The finding revealed that most participants were physicians and nurses, predominantly under 30 years of age, with an average of 10 years of experience. The median knowledge score was 7.00 (IQR=1.00), while the median attitude score was 67.50 (IQR=19.50). Analysis indicated that although healthcare providers possessed basic knowledge of LAM, gaps remained in their attitudes and practical application. Enhancing knowledge alone may not be sufficient to shift attitudes or counseling behaviors. Strengthening both accurate knowledge and positive attitudes among healthcare providers is essential to improve counseling effectiveness, ensure appropriate use of LAM, reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies, and promote exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months postpartum.

Factors Affecting the Job Retention of Generation Y Nurses at Police General Hospital

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The objective of this research was to study the environmental, organizational structure,

administrative and personnel factors that affected the job retention of generation Y nurses at Police General Hospital.

This research used the quantitative research method of a survey to collect data from a sample population of 129 Generation Y nurses. They were chosen through a simple random sampling of nurses who met the inclusion criteria. The research instrument was a questionnaire about factors affecting the job retention of nurses at Police General Hospital. The content validity indexes of each question item were between 0.80-1.00 and the average of the whole version was 0.99. The Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients were between 0.714-0.925. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis.

The results showed that environmental factors could predict the job retention of generation Y nurses at Police General Hospital to a statistically significant degree at p=0.001. Environmental factors explained 19.5% of the variation in job retention of generation Y nurses at Police General Hospital.

Environmental factors had a statistically significant (p=0.001) medium-level positive correlation with job retention. In addition, the factor of personnel had a statistically significant (p=0.05) low-level positive correlation with job retention. The factors of organizational structure and administration were not found to be correlated with job retention.

Experiences and Behaviors in Blood Sugar Control Among Pregnant Women with Diabetes in Rural Areas: A Qualitative Study

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This qualitative research aimed to explore the experiences of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in controlling their blood glucose levels. The study involved 18 purposively selected participants who were diagnosed with GDM. Data were collected through in-depth interviews conducted in private antenatal clinic rooms, following Lincoln and Guba’s trustworthiness criteria. The researcher established rapport, transcribed all recordings verbatim, and performed content analysis. The findings revealed five main themes: (1) Reactions and perceptions after diagnosis, reflecting feelings of shock, anxiety, and information received from healthcare providers; (2) Adaptation and self-management in daily life, including dietary modification and self-monitoring of blood glucose; (3) Driving forces and environmental influences, comprising motivation, support from family and healthcare providers, and barriers

encountered (4) Shaping maternal identity, which enabled women to recognize their maternal role; and (5) The power of sharing experiences, expressed through providing ideas and advice to other pregnant women. These findings highlight processes of learning, adaptation and meaning-making that support effective and sustainable blood glucose management.

Good Death from Gynecological Cancer Patients’ Perspective: A Qualitative Study

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Patients with gynecological cancer in the terminal stage often face complex physical, emotional, social, and spiritual challenges. Understanding their perception of a “good death” is crucial for designing palliative care services that are compassionate, patient-centered, and culturally appropriate. Objective of this study is to explore the perception of a good death from the perspective of gynecological cancer patients and to identify key components that can inform and improve end-of-life care services.

This qualitative study approaches, in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 terminal-stage gynecological cancer patients between June 2023-January 2024. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis to identify core themes that reflect the patients’ perspectives on a good death. Four main themes emerged from the analysis: 1) Death with no suffering, freedom from physical pain and psychological distress; 2) Quality of life in the final stage, being able to live meaningfully and comfortably; 3) Preparation for death, having time and space to settle unfinished matters and make personal decisions; 4) Social and spiritual support, being surrounded by loved ones and having spiritual beliefs as sources of comfort. These themes highlight the importance of holistic care that respects patient autonomy and addresses individual preferences and values at the end-of-life.

Findings from this study provide insight into the essential elements of a good death from the patient’s perspective. They support the development of palliative care models that emphasize advance care planning, spiritual well-being, family involvement, and symptom management, ultimately promoting a peaceful and dignified end-of-life experience.