Nursing Journal of The Ministry of Public Health

The Effect of the Online Psychoeducation Program on Health Literacy and Knowledge about Caring of Person with Schizophrenia

2026-04-27T16:34:24+07:00

Psychoeducation is necessary for caregivers of patients with schizophrenia, as it directly impacts their ability to provide home-based care. This quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effects of an online psychoeducation program for caregivers on health literacy and knowledge regarding schizophrenia care. The sample consisted of 60 caregivers of schizophrenic patients at a psychiatric outpatient department of a hospital, selected through purposive sampling. They were divided into an experimental group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). The research instruments were developed based on Jorm’s concept of mental health literacy. The experimental tool was the online psychoeducation program, while data collection tools included a personal information questionnaire, a health literacy scale, and a schizophrenia care knowledge scale. These instruments were validated for content validity by experts, with an Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) ranging from .80 to 1.00. Reliability coefficients were tested using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (resulted in .96) and the Kuder-Richardson coefficient (resulted in .81), respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and independent sample t-tests. The results revealed that the experimental group’s mean score for health literacy regarding schizophrenia care showed no significant difference when compared before and after the experiment or when compared with the control group post-experimentation. However, regarding knowledge of schizophrenia care, the experimental group had a significantly higher mean score after the intervention compared to their baseline and when compared to the control group post-experiment. In conclusion, this program is effective in increasing caregivers' knowledge of schizophrenia care within the context of time constraints and social distancing. Nevertheless, further study and development are needed to enhance the program’s capability to promote mental health literacy.

Factors Associated with Caregiving Prevention Behaviors to Inappropriate Sexual Behaviors among Family Caregivers of Children with Intellectual Disability in Northeast Thailand

2026-04-27T16:53:16+07:00

Children with intellectual disabilities are often at risk of engaging in inappropriate sexual behaviors, and caregivers play a crucial role in preventing such actions. This study aimed to examine factors associated with caregivers' preventive behaviors regarding inappropriate sexual expression in children with intellectual disabilities in the Northeast region. The participants consisted of 127 caregivers, selected through multi-stage random sampling. The research instruments included a personal information questionnaire, a questionnaire on knowledge of appropriate sexual expression, a self-efficacy scale for preventive care, and a questionnaire on caregiving behaviors to prevent inappropriate sexual expression. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, and point-biserial correlation. The results revealed that caregivers had a low level of knowledge about appropriate sexual expression (mean=12.50, SD=3.90), a moderate level of self-efficacy perception regarding prevention of inappropriate sexual expression (mean=42.50, SD=10.50), and a moderate level of preventive care behaviors for inappropriate sexual expression (mean=42.30, SD=8.30). Factors significantly associated with preventive care behaviors for inappropriate sexual expression in children with intellectual disabilities included caregivers' education level (r=.226, p<.05), knowledge of appropriate sexual expression (r=.509, p<.001), and self-efficacy perception regarding prevention of inappropriate sexual expression (r=.686, p<.001). Therefore, programs developed to prevent inappropriate sexual expression in children with intellectual disabilities should focus on enhancing both the knowledge and self-efficacy of their caregivers.

Predicting Factors of Safety Riding Behaviors Among Food Delivery Motorcycle Riders in Chon Buri Province

2026-04-27T17:53:43+07:00

The occurrence of accidents among motorcycle food delivery workers highlights the critical importance of promoting safe driving behavior. This study aimed to identify factors predicting safe riding behaviors in motorcycle delivery riders. A total of 340 participants in Chonburi province were selected using cluster random sampling. Data were collected using a four-part questionnaire: (1) personal information; (2) working conditions; (3) safety behaviors in motorcycle riding (Cronbach’s alpha .81); and (4) perceptions of motorcycle riding, including perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of .91, .93, .95, and .90, respectively. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that motorcycle delivery riders exhibited a high level of overall safe driving behavior (mean=3.81, SD=.59). Perceived benefits, work shifts, perceived severity, and working hours collectively predicted safe riding behaviors, accounting for 51.8% of the variance with statistical significance (R²=.51, F=90.15, p<.001). These findings suggest that intervention programs should prioritize enhancing the perception of benefits and accident severity, alongside optimizing working hours and operational shifts to further enhance the safety of food delivery motorcyclists.

The Effects of a Health Literacy Program for Recurrent-Stroke Prevention on Preventive Behaviors and Blood Pressure of Stroke Patients

2026-04-28T09:27:17+07:00

Health literacy is a fundamental basis that enables patients to access, understand, question, make informed decisions, and take appropriate actions. This quasi-experimental research aimed to evaluate the effects of a health literacy program for recurrent stroke prevention on preventive behaviors and blood pressure among stroke patients. The sample consisted of 60 individuals (both male and female), aged 35 years and older, who were diagnosed with a first-time stroke. They were divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 30 participants in each group, selected through simple random sampling combined with pair matching. The experimental group participated in the program for 12 weeks, while the control group received standard care. Research instruments included a health literacy program for recurrent-stroke prevention with a health literacy manual, a health literacy questionnaire, and a preventive behavior assessment form. All assessment tools were validated for content validity (I-CVI = .86–1.00), and reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of .93 for the health literacy questionnaire and .89 for the preventive behavior assessment form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests. The results showed that the experimental group had significantly higher post-intervention scores in health literacy and preventive behaviors compared to their pre-intervention scores and those of the control group. Additionally, their blood pressure was significantly lower than that of the control group. In conclusion, the program was effective in promoting health and can be applied as recurrent stroke prevention guidelines.

Factors Influencing Access to Health Services Among Migrant Workers in Ban Phaeng District, Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand

2026-04-28T09:47:40+07:00

Migrant workers are a population facing difficulty accessing local health services. This study aimed to study healthcare access among migrant workers and to identify factors associated with healthcare access in a border area. The sample consisted of 129 Lao migrant workers employed in the agricultural sector in Ban Phaeng District, Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand. Research instruments included a personal information questionnaire, a healthcare access questionnaire, and a questionnaire on factors related to healthcare access, covering five dimensions based on the Andersen Healthcare Utilization Model. The reliability coefficients were .92 for work-related risk factors and .99 for the healthcare access scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple linear regression. The results indicated that the overall level of healthcare access among migrant workers was low. Several factors were significantly associated with healthcare access, including receiving financial support for healthcare (β=.167, p<.05) and self-recovery behavior (β=.152, p<.05), which were positively associated with healthcare access. In contrast, receiving care at public healthcare facilities (β=-.318, p<.001), having caregivers (β=-.132, p<.05), and receiving chemical safety training (β=-.169, p<.01) were negatively associated with healthcare access. The model explained 19.00% of the variance in healthcare access (adjusted R²=.190). The findings of this study reflect the limitations in healthcare access among migrant workers in border areas. This information may serve as a fundamental basis for developing service systems that are responsive to the specific contexts and needs of migrant workers, thereby increasing opportunities for equitable and sustainable healthcare access.

The Effects of SKT Meditation Therapy Techniques 1 and 2 on Stress Levels among Public Health Students at a University in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

2026-04-28T09:57:30+07:00

Stress among university students is a significant issue that affects mental health and academic performance. This research aimed to study the effects of SKT Meditation Therapy (Techniques 1 and 2) on stress levels among public health students. A sample of 50 participants was selected through purposive sampling and divided into a control group (n = 25) and an experimental group (n = 25). The research instruments included the SKT Meditation Therapy program (Techniques 1 and 2), the Suan Prung Stress Test (SPST-20), and a meditation effectiveness questionnaire developed by the researchers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests. The results revealed that after participating in the program, the experimental group had significantly lower mean stress scores compared to their pre-test scores and the control group's scores. In conclusion, SKT Meditation Therapy (Techniques 1 and 2) can effectively reduce student stress. Therefore, educational institutions should consider organizing SKT meditation training to enhance students' mental health self-care skills by integrating it into coursework or extracurricular activities to support long-term stress management.

Effects of Applying the Planned Behavior Theory and Feedback on Noise Protection Behaviors among at-risk Personnel in Hospital, Suphanburi Province

2026-04-28T10:24:24+07:00

The rising prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss among hospital personnel requires effective and sustainable prevention strategies. This study aimed to examine the effects of a program that incorporated the theory of planned behavior and provided feedback on preventing noise hazards among at-risk personnel in a hospital located in Suphanburi province. The research utilized a two-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, comprising a total of 104 participants—52 in the experimental group and 52 in the comparison group. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were employed for data analysis. The study found that after the program, the experimental group had significantly higher average scores in several areas, including attitudes, influences on behavior, motivation to perform specific behaviors, and actions related to noise hazard prevention, compared to their pre-program scores. When comparing the experimental group to the control group, the experimental group also showed significantly higher average scores in attitudes, motivation to engage in behaviors, perceived ability, behavioral intention, and noise hazard prevention behaviors. These findings of this study suggest that hospitals can effectively integrate this program with existing safety measures to enhance the prevention of occupational noise hazards among hospital personnel.

The Effects of the U-Care Program on Caregivers’ Infection Prevention Practices and the Incidence of Urinary Tract Infections among Patients with Indwelling Urinary Catheters

2026-04-28T10:40:34+07:00

Caregivers’ practices play a critical role in preventing infections and reducing infection incidence among patients with indwelling urinary catheters. This quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate the impact of the U-Care Program on caregivers’ preventive practices and the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients with indwelling catheters. The participants were home-based caregivers of patients with indwelling urinary catheters. A total of 60 caregivers were allocated into an experimental group (n=30), which received the U-Care Program for three months, and a control group (n=30), which received standard care. Data were collected using a caregiver practice questionnaire for UTI prevention, with a reliability coefficient (Cronbach’s alpha) of .91. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, an independent t-test, a Mann–Whitney U test, a Wilcoxon signed-rank test, a Chi-square test, and a Fisher’s exact test. The results showed that after implementing the program, the experimental group had significantly higher overall mean scores for preventive practices than both their baseline scores and the control group. Furthermore, the incidence of UTIs in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group, with an infection rate of 3.33% or .37 episodes per 1,000 catheter-days. These findings suggest that the U-Care Program is effective in improving caregivers’ preventive practices and reducing the incidence of UTIs among patients with indwelling urinary catheters.

Factors Related to Depression among Older Adults in Areas of Health Region 5

2026-04-28T10:54:53+07:00

Depression among the elderly is linked to multiple causes; however, it remains unclear which factors serve as significant predictors. This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design to investigate the levels of depression, its predictive factors, and the qualitative characteristics of those predictors. The sample consisted of 480 elderly individuals in Health Region 5, selected through stratified random sampling at the district, sub-district, and household levels. For the qualitative phase, 30 participants with depression were selected using purposive sampling. Research instruments included a Personal Information Questionnaire, Family Relationship Questionnaire, Social Participation Questionnaire, Insomnia Assessment Scale, Suanprung Stress Test, and the Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS). The instruments demonstrated reliability with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of .80, .82, .85, and .80 and a KR-21 coefficient of .83, respectively. Data collection took place from November 1, 2024, to April 6, 2025. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The quantitative results revealed an average depression score of 5.07 (SD=1.57), which, according to the assessment criteria, indicates no clinical depression. The independent variables collectively predicted depression by 68% (Adj R²=.68, p<.001). The significant predictors, in order of influence, were social participation, family relationships, insomnia, and stress (β=–.45, -.20, .15, and .11, respectively). Qualitative findings characterized these predictive factors through themes of family conflict, feeling lonely, despondency related to insomnia, and stress from life problems. The findings of this study highlight the factors influencing depression among the elderly, which relevant personnel should take into consideration when implementing interventions aimed at reducing depression in this population.

Development of a Health Care Model for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory: A Research and Development Study

2026-04-28T11:29:34+07:00

Diabetes mellitus remains a significant global public health challenge, and its prevalence is steadily increasing. This research and development study aimed to develop a healthcare model for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory (IFSMT) and to examine clinical and hospital-related outcomes. The participants were 56 patients with type 2 diabetes receiving services at the diabetes clinic of Detudom Crown Prince Hospital. They were purposively selected and divided into two groups: an experimental group of 28 patients who received the developed health care model for type 2 diabetes and a control group of 28 patients who received standard nursing care. The research instruments consisted of the health care model for type 2 diabetes, a personal information questionnaire, a self-care behavior questionnaire, and an outcome recording form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, an independent t-test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results revealed that (1) the health care model for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, developed based on IFSMT, demonstrated a high content validity index (CVI) ranging from .85 to 1.00. The model was deemed appropriate and clinically applicable, producing the expected outcomes; (2) the overall self-care behavior of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group when controlling for baseline self-care behavior prior to the intervention; and (3) the experimental group had a significantly lower mean HbA1c level (Mean=9.89, SD=1.69) than the control group (Mean=11.32, SD=1.86). The treatment costs in the experimental group (Mean=413.39, SD=109.45) were significantly lower than in the control groups (Mean=492.54, SD=186.78). In conclusion, the healthcare model for patients with type 2 diabetes developed in this study yielded clinical outcomes and may be applicable to hospitals with a similar context to Detudom Crown Prince Hospital, potentially helping to reduce medical costs for this patient group.

Development of a Model for Transportation Critical Accident and Surgical Patient at the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani Province

2026-04-28T11:42:21+07:00

The transfer technique for critical accident and surgical patients is crucial for patient safety. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a model for transporting critical accident and surgical patients at the emergency department. The study framework integrated the Clinical Practice Guideline Development Framework of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australia, with the 7 Aspects Model of Care. The research was conducted in two phases: Phase I, the model development phase, consisting of 5 participants (1 physician and 4 nurses); and Phase II, the implementation and evaluation phase, involving 43 personnel (13 nurses and 30 porter staff) and 50 critically ill patients (25 in the pre-implementation group and 25 in the post-implementation group). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, relative risk (RR), Fisher’s exact test, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results revealed that the developed model comprised three phases: pre-transportation, during-transportation, and post-transportation. These phases integrated the dimensions of the 7 Aspects Model of Care to identify and prevent 30 common adverse events in the Emergency Department. Post-test results revealed that undesirable incidents among critically ill patients were significantly reduced from 44.00% to 8.00% [RR = .18; 95% CI (.05, 0.74); p < .05]. The experimental results indicate that the developed model reduced the risk of adverse events by 82.00% compared to the pre-implementation period. Furthermore, nursing competencies, as well as the satisfaction levels of nurses and stretcher-bearer staff, showed significant improvement. Therefore, it can be concluded that this model is clinically feasible and effective in enhancing nursing safety during the transfer of critically ill patients in the emergency department.

Development of a Guideline for Integrating Strategy and Budget Management in Digital Public Health at the Provincial Level: A Case Study of Chachoengsao Provincial Public Health Office

2026-04-28T11:56:12+07:00

The development of digital public health at the provincial level plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality and efficiency of healthcare service delivery in Thailand. This study aimed to (1) develop strategies and budget management guidelines to support digital public health at the provincial level and (2) evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of the proposed guideline. The research employed a research and development (R&D) design combined with applied analysis, conducted in three phases: situation analysis, development, and evaluation. The sample group consisted of 31 purposively selected personnel involved in digital public health projects and policy-level stakeholders. Research instruments included questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and a satisfaction assessment form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation; inferential statistics using univariate analysis (Wilks’ Lambda); and content analysis. The findings revealed that (1) the overall level of problems and challenges was high (mean=3.62, SD=.61), with insufficient budget allocation and a shortage of technology personnel identified as key issues; (2) the appropriate development guideline consisted of three main components: infrastructure enhancement and data integration, human capital development, and process reengineering, with the highest level of development demand (mean=4.35, SD=.50); and (3) the evaluation results indicated that the developed guideline was highly appropriate (mean=4.46, SD=.46). In conclusion, the development of digital-based strategies and budget management systems may enhance managerial decision-making efficiency and should be adopted as a practical guideline for driving sustainable digital public health at the provincial level.