UBRU Journal for Public Health Research

Faculty of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University

2025-08-28T06:21:37+07:00

The effect of using a medication awareness program on the medication-taking behavior of elderly chronic patients

2024-08-18T16:49:48+07:00

This study employed a quasi-experimental research design with pre- and post-experimental measurements in two groups. The objectives were: (1) to compare the medication use behavior of elderly individuals with chronic diseases before and after using the program in the experimental group, and (2) to compare the medication use behavior between the experimental and control groups. The sample consisted of elderly individuals with hypertension or diabetes, selected by simple random sampling. A total of 70 participants were included, with 35 in the experimental group and 35 in the control group. The experimental period was conducted from February to April 2024. The research instruments included a questionnaire to assess medication use behavior and a program designed to enhance medication adherence in elderly patients with chronic diseases. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, Independent t-test, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test, and Mann-Whitney U test.

The results revealed that the elderly in the experimental group had significantly higher mean scores for appropriate chronic medication use behavior after the program (Mean = 110.57, SD = 5.34) compared to before the program (Mean = 84.34, SD = 11.24), with a significance level of .001. Furthermore, the experimental group had significantly higher mean scores (Mean = 110.57, SD = 5.34) than the control group (Mean = 82.51, SD = 12.18), also at the .001 level.

Therefore, caregivers of patients with chronic diseases in clinics and communities can apply this program model to improve medication adherence among elderly patients with chronic conditions, thereby enhancing the efficiency of medication management in this population.

Knowledge and Literacy of Health Products and Online Advertising among The Elderly in Bueng Niam sub-district, Muang District, Khon Kaen

2024-08-28T14:08:38+07:00

This cross-sectional study aimed to study the knowledge and literacy of health products and the advertising of health products through online media of the elderly in Bueng Niam sub-district. Data collection was conducted between January to February 2024, using a questionnaire. 200 elderly were recruited using a cluster random sampling method. Descriptive statistics were used include frequency distribution, percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, and maximum.

The results showed that most of the sample were female (64.50%), average age was 69.10 years (S.D.=7.65), minimum age was 60 years, maximum age was 93 years old, graduated primary school 79.50%, had congenital diseases 53.50%, regular medication use, 46.50%, knowledge of health products was at moderate level, mean (S.D.) was 21.10 (4.65). Literacy of health products was at high level (77.50%), mean (S.D.) was 20.55 (2.69), and literacy of health product advertising through online media was at moderate level (55.00%) mean (S.D.) was 14.43 (1.66).

Therefore, relevant agencies should enhance elderly knowledge of health products and online advertising literacy through various age-appropriate approaches. This will enable them to effectively protect and safeguard themselves against online fraudulent activities.

Forecasting the herbal usage value at Ban Bong Tai Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Sakon Nakorn

2024-08-28T14:23:52+07:00

This descriptive study aimed to predict herbal medicine expenditures for the fiscal year 2024 using a model based on Grey System Theory. Secondary data were obtained from herbal medicine expenditure records for fiscal years 2017 to 2023, covering a total of seven years, at Ban Bong Tai Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Bong Tai Subdistrict, Sawang Daen Din District, Sakon Nakhon Province. The data were analyzed using quantitative forecasting techniques, specifically time-series models. Model accuracy was validated using the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE).

An analysis of herbal medicine expenditure over the past eight fiscal years revealed that in 2016 the expenditure was more than twice that of other years; therefore, this outlier was excluded from further analysis. Applying the GM (1,1) model of Grey System Theory, the predicted expenditure for 2024 was estimated with a MAPE of 20.26 percent, indicating a satisfactory level of forecasting accuracy. The forecasted expenditure for 2024 is 229,323, representing an estimated 38.48 percent increase from 2023. This projection is consistent with the observed pattern, which displayed a saw-tooth trend of increases and decreases, with a decline in 2023 following an increase in 2022.

The findings suggest that Ban Bong Tai Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital can utilize these predictive data to ensure adequate supplies of frequently prescribed herbal medicines, thereby supporting effective operations within the local community.

Situation of stroke occurrence in high-risk groups Thai Charoen Subdistrict Thaicharoen District, Yasothon Province

2024-09-22T13:22:11+07:00

This phenomenological qualitative research aimed to study the situation of stroke in Thaicharoen Subdistrict, Thaicharoen District, Yasothon Province. The study examined problem situations and operational contexts. Data were collected through interviews and conversations and analyzed using content analysis. The purposively selected sample consisted of officials from the Thaicharoen Subdistrict Administrative Organization, village headmen, Thaicharoen Subdistrict kamnans, representatives of village health volunteers, public health officials responsible for chronic non-communicable diseases from hospitals and district public health offices, and community leaders.

The results of the study revealed that the occurrence of cerebrovascular disease in Thaicharoen Subdistrict was influenced by several factors: 1) Cultural values in food consumption – High intake of sweet and salty foods, increased consumption of processed foods, and health knowledge disseminated mainly through quantitative indicators rather than consideration of real-life contexts. Annual health screenings revealed that the number of high-risk groups for stroke has continued to increase. 2) Daily activities and lifestyle changes – Shifts in occupations outside the home, reduced physical activity, and limited attention to personal health. 3) Cultural values in self-care and health care – Dependence on community leaders and health systems, with individuals entering the treatment system rather than prioritizing preventive self-care.
4) Public health system response – Existence of a seamless district strategic plan supported by a quality of life development committee at both district and subdistrict levels (PCHO.), which drives health promotion efforts in the area.

In summary, the incidence of cerebrovascular disease in Thaicharoen Subdistrict reflects the interplay between social and cultural factors related to health and chronic diseases. Health services should place greater emphasis on proactive and continuous activities to reach at-risk groups, understand local health problems within their specific contexts, and inform effective problem-solving and policymaking to better support at-risk populations in the community.

Effects of the health behavior modification program for weight control among students with overnutrition at Sida Subdistrict, Sida District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

2024-09-22T13:46:38+07:00

This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the effects of a health behavior modification program for weight control among students with overnutrition in Sida Subdistrict, Sida District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The study employed a two-group, two-measurement design (equivalent pretest-posttest control group design). The sample consisted of 60 male and female students in grades 4–6 identified as having overnutrition. Participants were divided into an experimental group of 30 students from Wat Ban Hin Hae School and Wat Ban Don Koi School, and a control group of 30 students from Wat Ban Sida School. The intervention was conducted over a 12-week period. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, paired-sample t-test, and independent-sample t-test.

The results showed that after the intervention, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher mean scores for self-efficacy (Mean diff = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.71–4.48, p < 0.001) and outcome expectancy (Mean diff = 3.16, 95% CI: 1.47–4.86, p = 0.001), as well as a greater reduction in mean weight (Mean diff = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.03–1.08, p = 0.039), compared to before the intervention. In the posttest comparison between the experimental and control groups, the experimental group had significantly higher self-efficacy (Mean diff = 2.97, 95% CI: 2.04–3.88, p < 0.001) and outcome expectancy (Mean diff = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.46–4.40, p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was found in mean weight between the two groups (Mean diff = 1.58, 95% CI: –0.43 to 3.59, p = 0.121).

Therefore, the implementation of health behavior modification programs should be considered as a strategy to control overnutrition among school-aged children.

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of using dietary supplements for weight loss of undergraduate students regular session, Sisaket Rajabhat University

2024-10-07T14:49:35+07:00

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding the use of dietary supplements for weight loss among undergraduate students in the regular session at Sisaket Rajabhat University. The study population comprised undergraduate students enrolled in the academic year 2023 across five faculties and one college. A stratified random sample of 113 students was selected. Data were collected using a questionnaire from March to April 2024 and analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and 95% confidence intervals. The relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were examined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

The results showed that knowledge was not significantly correlated with attitudes or behaviors regarding dietary supplement use for weight loss at the 0.05 significance level. However, attitudes were significantly correlated with behaviors at the 0.05 level. In the past month, 7 out of 10 students reported using dietary supplements for weight loss. The overall level of dietary supplement use behavior was moderate (Mean = 2.46, SD = 1.46, 95% CI: 2.19–2.73). Students demonstrated a high level of knowledge (84.96%, 95% CI: 10.17–10.91) and a good level of attitude (Mean = 3.90, SD = 1.07, 95% CI: 3.70–4.09).

These findings are useful for developing policies and strategies to promote the safe use of dietary supplements for weight loss, particularly among students who, despite having high knowledge, still demonstrated only moderate safe-use behaviors. Strengthening awareness of the risks of uncertified or unreliable products is essential. Since attitudes were shown to be significantly related to behaviors, interventions aimed at attitude modification may help foster safer dietary supplement practices. Providing accurate information and encouraging the selection of certified products from trusted agencies are key strategies to reduce the risk of unsafe supplement use.

The effects of acupressure massage and herbal footbath on foot numbness in patients with type 2 diabetes at Ban Khuan Kae health promotion hospital, Ron Phibun District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

2024-10-11T15:27:24+07:00

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the effects of acupressure and herbal foot baths on foot numbness in patients with type 2 diabetes at Ban Khuan Kei Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital. The sample consisted of 30 patients with type 2 diabetes, determined using the G*Power program. Research instruments included a foot numbness assessment form, a monofilament detector, and acupressure and herbal foot bath equipment. The instruments were validated by three experts, with item-objective congruence (IOC) values ranging from 0.67 to 1.00, and demonstrated a Cronbach’s alpha reliability of 0.81. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test.

The results showed that, after the intervention, participants had a statistically significant reduction in mean foot numbness (p < 0.001). The mean score before the intervention was 5.27 (SD = 1.55), compared to 3.37 (SD = 1.45) after the intervention.

Therefore, public health agencies may apply this approach as a complementary method for alleviating foot numbness in diabetic patients, alongside conventional treatments, to help prevent severe complications that could impact patients’ quality of life in the future.

The effect of music media on breast cancer prevention on knowledge and satisfaction among female service recipients at Ubon Ratchathani Cancer Hospital

2024-12-09T09:58:54+07:00

This quasi-experimental study with a two-group comparison aimed to investigate the effects of breast cancer prevention music media on the knowledge and satisfaction of female service recipients at Ubon Ratchathani Cancer Hospital. The study was conducted with 56 female participants, divided into an experimental group and a control group of 28 each, randomly assigned using computer software.

The research instruments included: (1) the experimental tool, breast cancer prevention music media developed from a literature review and adapted to modern music. The content was based on the World Health Organization’s breast cancer prevention guidelines, covering four aspects: healthy eating, physical exercise, stress management, and self-breast examination; and (2) the data collection tools, comprising a breast cancer knowledge assessment and a satisfaction assessment. The tools demonstrated strong quality, with content validity indices (CVI) of .95, .90, and .97, respectively. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, paired t-test, and independent t-test, with a significance level set at 0.05.

The results showed that the experimental group’s mean knowledge score increased significantly from 7.96 (SD = 1.89) to 11.89 (SD = 1.55), higher than both their pre-test scores and the control group’s mean score of 8.04 (SD = 0.33) (p < .001). Regarding satisfaction, the experimental group reported a significantly higher mean satisfaction score (Mean = 4.25, SD = 0.52) compared with the control group (Mean = 2.15, SD = 0.48) (p < .001). Analysis of satisfaction dimensions in the experimental group indicated that overall content and melody received the highest ratings (Mean = 4.65, SD = 0.47), followed by ease of understanding (Mean = 4.46, SD = 0.49), while comprehensiveness of breast cancer prevention content received the lowest rating (Mean = 3.84, SD = 1.02).

In conclusion, the findings suggest that breast cancer prevention music media is effective in enhancing knowledge and increasing engagement among female service recipients compared with traditional document-based information. The hospital has implemented this innovation by broadcasting the music daily through its PA system and producing videos for dissemination on social media platforms such as YouTube. It is recommended that this music-based health education approach be expanded to other diseases in the future.

Factors associated with self-protection behaviors from cleaning products among cleaning staff at a university in Lampang Province

2024-12-09T10:23:40+07:00

Cleaning products containing harmful chemicals are commonly preferred for quick dirt removal, despite their potential to increase the risk of chemical hazards and adverse health effects. University cleaners may be exposed to such hazardous substances during their routine maintenance duties involving chemical use. This study aimed to examine factors related to protective behaviors when using cleaning products at a university in Lampang Province.

A mixed-methods design was employed, with data collected from 25 university cleaners between May and June 2024 using a structured questionnaire. The instrument assessed demographic characteristics, awareness, attitudes, and behaviors regarding chemical use in cleaning products. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation). Factors associated with self-protective behavior were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation.

Results indicated that 96% of participants were female, with an average age of 47.5 ± 7.5 years and an average work experience of 5.6 ± 4.0 years. Sixty percent of participants demonstrated a high level of knowledge about cleaning product chemicals, and 72% showed high awareness regarding cleaning product use. Self-protective behavior was reported at a high level by 96% of participants. Education level was positively correlated with self-protective behavior to a statistically significant degree (r = 0.44, p < 0.05).

These findings suggest that most participants exhibited high levels of risk perception and self-protective behavior. However, continued promotion of workplace safety and health in relation to cleaning chemicals should be prioritized by both the university and contracted companies to ensure a safer working environment.

Awareness, Risk Perception of health effects of global warming among high school students in Bangkok

2024-12-13T14:52:16+07:00

Global warming has significant health impacts, including heat-related illnesses, respiratory conditions, and the spread of vector-borne diseases. Understanding and addressing youth awareness and risk perception is essential, as young people are both vulnerable to these impacts and key agents of change. This study aimed to assess awareness and risk perception regarding the health effects of global warming among high school students in Bangkok and to identify significant predictors influencing their risk perception.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between August 12 and September 27, 2024, using a validated questionnaire. A total of 363 high school students participated, and their responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including linear regression analysis. The results showed that 81.82% of students demonstrated a good level of knowledge about the health effects of global warming, but 62.53% had difficulty understanding its indirect impacts, such as the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Overall, 51.24% of participants exhibited a high level of risk perception, 41.05% had a moderate level, and 7.71% had a low level.

Regression analysis identified knowledge as the strongest predictor of risk perception (B = 0.238, p < 0.001), explaining approximately 23.8% of the variance. Other significant predictors included gender (15.2% influence, p < 0.01), class level (10.7%, p < 0.01), household income (17.1%, p < 0.01), and participation in environmental activities (10.2%, p < 0.05).

These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions that address demographic differences, integrate comprehensive climate and health education into school curricula, and promote experiential learning opportunities. Enhancing youth awareness and fostering proactive behaviors are crucial to equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to mitigate and adapt to the health effects of global warming.