UBRU Journal for Public Health Research

Faculty of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University

Faculty of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University — 2026-08-30

Wearable technologies for early detection and management of Parkinson’s disease in underserved settings: A narrative review

Pichayapar Euachongprasit — 2026-08-30

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremor, bradykinesia, gait disturbances, and postural instability. Early detection is essential for improving disease management; however, diagnosis is often delayed, particularly in rural and resource-limited settings where access to neurological specialists is limited. Wearable technologies have emerged as promising tools for continuous monitoring of motor symptoms and remote assessment of PD progression.

This review aimed to synthesize current evidence on wearable technologies used for the detection and monitoring of Parkinson’s disease and to evaluate their feasibility for implementation in underserved and resource-limited healthcare settings, including Thailand.

A narrative review supported by a systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore databases for studies published between January 2010 and March 2025. Keywords related to Parkinson’s disease and wearable monitoring technologies were applied using Boolean operators. Following duplicate removal and two-stage screening, 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on device type, sensor placement, monitored symptoms, clinical validation, and technological characteristics.

The reviewed studies identified multiple wearable technologies, including smartwatches, wrist-worn sensors, finger-worn motion trackers, and shoe-based inertial measurement unit systems. These devices primarily utilized accelerometers and gyroscopes to capture movement-related biomarkers associated with PD symptoms. Several studies demonstrated strong correlations between wearable sensor outputs and clinical assessment tools such as the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Sensor placement influenced symptom detection, with wrist-based devices effectively monitoring tremor and bradykinesia, while lower-body sensors provided more accurate assessment of gait disturbances and balance abnormalities. Wearable monitoring systems also showed potential to support remote patient monitoring and improve access to neurological assessment in underserved regions.

Wearable technologies represent a promising approach for improving early detection and long-term monitoring of Parkinson’s disease. Their integration into digital health systems may help reduce diagnostic delays, enhance remote monitoring capabilities, and improve healthcare accessibility in underserved populations. However, successful implementation in middle-income healthcare systems such as Thailand will require further real-world validation, improved digital health infrastructure, and clear clinical integration strategies.

Air pollution and allergic diseases: Mechanistic pathways, clinical phenotypes, and public health implications

Nunnaphat Wongsuwan — 2026-08-30

Allergic diseases—including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and allergic conjunctivitis—affect ~30–40% of the global population and are rising rapidly. Air pollution (PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, NO₂, O₃, and PAHs) is a major, modifiable environmental driver that contributes to allergic sensitization and worsens disease severity, with disproportionate impacts in children and underserved populations. This narrative review critically synthesizes epidemiological, mechanistic, and clinical evidence linking air pollution to allergic disease, with emphasis on shared mechanisms across organ systems, life-course and gene–environment vulnerability, and implications for prevention and policy.

A structured literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar identified English-language studies addressing major pollutants, allergic outcomes, and mechanistic pathways. Epidemiological, experimental, clinical, and high-quality reviews were included; non–peer-reviewed and occupational-only reports were excluded. Evidence was synthesized thematically with critical appraisal of relevance and study quality. Across respiratory, cutaneous, ocular, and gastrointestinal phenotypes, air pollution acts as an immune adjuvant via oxidative stress, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and type 2 (Th2) immune polarization mediated by epithelial alarmins (TSLP, IL-33, IL-25). Associations are strongest and most consistent for asthma and allergic rhinitis, with growing coherence for atopic dermatitis; evidence for food allergy and allergic conjunctivitis remains emerging and heterogeneous. Early-life exposure represents a critical window, with gene–environment interactions (e.g., antioxidant and barrier gene variants) contributing to heterogeneity.

Climate change amplifies risk through increased ozone formation, wildfire smoke, extended pollen seasons, and extreme events such as thunderstorm asthma. Pollution-related allergic disease reflects a multisystem “barrier–alarmin–Th2” framework shaped by exposure timing, susceptibility, and climate stressors. While individual mitigation can reduce acute risk, durable prevention requires upstream emission reduction and equity-centered implementation. Future priorities include longitudinal multi-omics, precision prevention, improved exposure assessment, and policy translation that explicitly considers allergic outcomes.

Night-shift work, sleep disturbance, and obesity risk: A review of epidemiological evidence and biological mechanisms in Thailand

Nattapat Eamsoponkul — 2026-08-30

Obesity is a major global public health challenge and an important risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. Increasing evidence suggests that night-shift work and sleep disturbance may contribute to obesity through circadian disruption, hormonal dysregulation, metabolic impairment, and behavioral changes. These issues are becoming increasingly relevant in Thailand due to rapid urbanization and expansion of shift-based labor systems. This narrative review aimed to synthesize current epidemiological evidence and biological mechanisms linking night-shift work, sleep disturbance, and obesity risk, with particular emphasis on the Thai context. A structured narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Thai Journals Online (ThaiJO). The literature search was performed between August and October 2025 and included studies published between January 2000 and October 2025. Search terms related to night-shift work, sleep disturbance, circadian disruption, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and Thailand were applied. Of approximately 120 initially identified articles, 24 studies met the predefined inclusion criteria and were included in the final review. Evidence was synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcome measures. Current evidence consistently indicates that night-shift workers are at increased risk of overweight, abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome, and impaired glucose metabolism compared with day workers. Meta-analyses report that night-shift workers have approximately a 23% higher risk of overweight or obesity and a 35% greater likelihood of abdominal obesity. Biological evidence suggests that sleep deprivation and circadian misalignment alter appetite-regulating hormones, impair insulin sensitivity, and disrupt energy metabolism. Thai studies, although limited, demonstrate similar patterns, particularly among healthcare workers and individuals with metabolic disease exposed to irregular work schedules. Night-shift work and sleep disturbance appear to be important occupational determinants of obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Circadian disruption, hormonal alterations, and behavioral adaptations may collectively contribute to increased obesity risk among shift-working populations. Integrating sleep health and occupational considerations into obesity prevention and public health strategies may help reduce the growing burden of obesity and related NCDs, particularly in rapidly developing countries such as Thailand.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and risk factors affecting metabolic syndrome among hospital personel in Maha Sarakham Province

Jadsadakorn Purachago — 2026-08-30

This study examined the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, health belief patterns, dietary and exercise behaviors, and associated factors among hospital personnel. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 staff at Borabue Hospital, Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand. Data on metabolic syndrome prevalence were obtained from annual health check-up records (2024) using the HOSxP system. Health beliefs, dietary, and exercise behaviors were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to randomly selected participants. The research was conducted between February and March 2025. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, and multiple logistic regression to identify associated factors, reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) at a significance level of 0.05.

Results the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 46.5%. Health belief scores were high (mean = 16.47, SD = 2.04), while dietary (mean = 34.08, SD = 6.90) and exercise behaviors (mean = 29.53, SD = 7.58) were at moderate levels. Participants with appropriate dietary behaviors were less likely to develop metabolic syndrome (Exp(B) = 0.962, p = 0.05), whereas higher BMI increased risk (Exp(B) = 0.920, p = 0.05).

Therefore, promoting healthy behaviors among healthcare workers particularly balanced diets, regular exercise, and supportive workplace environments is vital for metabolic syndrome prevention. Integrating the Health Belief Model into workplace health promotion may foster sustainable behavioral change and reduce long-term metabolic risks.

Factors related to the payment mechanism of hospital fees for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 from the National Health Security Office (NHSO), Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Phithak Buttho — 2026-08-30

This study aimed to examine the factors associated with reimbursement of medical expenses for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) under the National Health Security Office (NHSO) in Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. This analytical cross-sectional study collected data from 202 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and confirmed positive by RT-PCR at Nam Yuen Hospital between January 2022 and December 2023. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including mean, percentage, and standard deviation, were used for data analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with reimbursement of medical expenses. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to control for potential confounding variables and to assess the independent associations between factors and reimbursement outcomes. The results were presented as Adjusted Odds Ratios (ORadj) with 95% confidence intervals to reflect the strength and precision of the associations. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of 0.05.

The results revealed that factors significantly associated with reimbursement of medical expenses for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) under the National Health Security Office (NHSO) in Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province included being employed in agriculture (ORadj = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.09–3.97), having an educational level below a bachelor’s degree (ORadj = 4.32, 95% CI: 1.90–9.84), having no underlying diseases (ORadj = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.01–3.51), traveling to the hospital independently (ORadj = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.13–3.87), and receiving additional special diagnostic procedures (ORadj = 4.41, 95% CI: 3.26–5.96). These factors were statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

This study suggests the development of support strategies for patients with underlying diseases. The findings indicate that individuals without underlying diseases were more likely to receive reimbursement for medical expenses from the National Health Security Office (NHSO) than those with chronic conditions. Therefore, measures should be implemented to support patients with chronic illnesses in accessing NHSO benefits more conveniently. For example, integrating health information systems between primary hospitals and community healthcare facilities could facilitate easier reimbursement of medical expenses.

The association between rainfall and the number of Melioidosis patients at the provincial level in Health Region 10, Thailand

Darunee Rodma — 2026-08-30

This research aimed to analyze the quantitative relationship between monthly rainfall and the monthly number of melioidosis cases in five provinces within Health Region 10. This study was an ecological time-series analysis using secondary monthly data (n=84 months) from January 2018 to December 2024. Data included the number of melioidosis cases and three rainfall patterns (minimum, maximum, and average). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the association was analyzed using the the Generalized Linear Models (GLM).

The results indicated that the GLM for all five provinces were statistically significant, as evidenced by the Log-likelihood ratio test (p<.05). The model with the highest R² was observed in Amnat Charoen province, which utilized a Quasi-Poisson model with Monthly Average Daily Rainfall as the predictor. In Mukdahan and Yasothon provinces, the Quasi-Poisson model with Monthly Minimum Daily Rainfall provided the best fit. Conversely, for Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, the Negative Binomial model with Monthly Minimum Daily Rainfall as the predictor was identified as the most appropriate model. The Incidence Rate Ratios (IRR) for all five provinces ranged between 1.0015 and 1.0030

This study indicates that rainfall is a significant risk factor for Health Region 10, necessitating continuous self-protection campaigns.

Predictive factors of health literacy among older adults with uncontrolled hypertension in Nakian Community, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Waranipa Krungkaew — 2026-08-30

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to examine levels of social support, perceived severity of disease, self-awareness, and health literacy, as well as to analyze factors predicting health literacy among older adults with hypertension who were unable to control their blood pressure. The sample consisted of 138 participants selected by simple random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires with content validity indices ranging from 0.67 to 1.00. Reliability coefficients were 0.86 for social support, 0.83 for perceived disease severity, 0.84 for self-awareness, 0.91 for health literacy, and 0.91 for the overall questionnaire. Data were collected between July and September 2025 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and backward multiple regression analysis.

The results revealed that most participants were female (61.59%), with a mean age of 72.48 years (SD = 6.84). The average duration of hypertension was 14.13 years (SD = 4.19). Social support was at a high level ( = 2.23, SD = 0.22), perceived severity of disease was at a high level ( = 2.50, SD = 0.22), self-awareness was at a high level ( = 3.24, SD = 0.38), and 93.48% of participants had a good level of health literacy. The regression analysis revealed that age (β = –0.809, p < .001), duration of illness (β = 0.395, p < .001), and perceived severity of disease (β = 0.236, p < .01) significantly predicted health literacy, explaining 31.8% of the variance (Adj. R² = 0.318, p < .001).

In conclusion, health literacy among older adults with uncontrolled hypertension is influenced by age, duration of illness, and perceived severity of disease. Therefore, health literacy development should not focus solely on knowledge enhancement but should also emphasize strengthening skills in accessing, understanding, appraising, and applying health information for self-care decision-making, as well as establishing age-appropriate and context-sensitive health communication systems to support effective and sustainable disease management and blood pressure control.

Development and content validity of the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) for computer users Thai version

Sirawan Ek-iam — 2026-08-30

This study aimed to 1) develop a Thai version of the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) for Computer Users, 2) evaluate the content validity of the translated RULA for Computer Users from the original English version into Thai, and 3) examine the User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design of the Thai version of the RULA for Computer Users assessment tool.

This study employed a Research and Development design and was conducted between June and July 2025. Standardized translation and cross-cultural adaptation procedures were applied, including forward translation, synthesized translation, backward translation, and expert review by three linguists and sixteen ergonomics experts. Content validity was evaluated using the Item-level Content Validity Index (I-CVI) and the Scale-level Content Validity Index using Universal Agreement (S-CVI/UA). In addition, UX/UI evaluation was conducted in terms of usability, system function, and functional requirements.

The results showed that the Thai version of the assessment tool was newly developed with improved presentation formats, colored illustrations, and systematically organized assessment procedures to enhance clarity and suitability for computer-related work contexts. The forward and backward translations demonstrated comparable findings, with mean CVI scores of 0.93 and 0.92, respectively. Furthermore, all assessment steps demonstrated high I-CVI values ranging from 0.90 to 0.93, with an overall average CVI of 0.92, indicating acceptable content validity. The UX/UI evaluation revealed high levels of usability (X̅=4.07, ±S.D.=±0.64), system function performance (X̅=3.75, ±S.D.=±0.80), and functional requirements satisfaction (X̅=3.80, ±S.D.=±0.93).

In conclusion, the Thai version of the RULA for Computer Users demonstrated acceptable content validity and high levels of user experience and user interface evaluation. The assessment tool may be applicable for ergonomic risk assessment among computer users in the Thai context.

Demographic factors affecting the purchase decision of foot massage products: A case study of Kham Hai Yai Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Ratchadaphorn Pisaipan — 2026-08-30

This survey research aimed to examine the demographic factors influencing the purchase decision of foot massage products to establish guidelines for product development that align with target group needs. The sample consisted of 326 residents living within the service area of Kham Hai Yai Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Don Mot Daeng District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. Data were collected between January and February 2026. Statistical analysis was performed using jamovi version 2.6.44, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests to test relationships, and Binary Logistic Regression analysis to identify predictive factors, with a statistical significance level set at 0.05.

The results revealed that the respondents had a mean age of 51.1±13.5 years, were predominantly female (76.1%), and were mostly farmers (48.8%). Product identity was found to be the most influential factor in purchase decisions (77.0%). Preferred product characteristics included a cooling effect (59.9%), green-colored balm (43.3%), root wood scent (69.9%), glass jar packaging (42.9%), a 30-gram volume (53.4%), and a price range between 51 and 75 THB. Hypothesis testing showed a significant relationship between gender and the price factor (χ² = 4.372, p = .037), with males prioritizing price more than females. Age was significantly related to scent preferences (χ² = 10.493, p = .005), as the younger generation prioritized the scent of herbal balm at a higher proportion than other age groups. Furthermore, price was a significant predictor of purchase decisions (χ² = 14.2, df = 6, p = .028), despite having low predictive power (McFadden’s R² = 0.039). The study suggests that herbal balm products should be developed with a unique identity tailored to community needs, emphasizing production cost control to maintain affordable pricing while diversifying scents to attract younger consumers.

The development of a homebound bedridden and palliative care patient care model led by a community nurse team

Maneelug Matkao — 2026-08-30

This mixed-methods action research aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a care model for homebound, bedridden, and palliative care patients led by a community nurse team in Kut Chum Sub-district, Kut Chum District, Yasothon Province. The study was conducted from March to November 2025, totaling 9 months, and divided into two phases. Phase 1 involved model development using the Participation Technology (TOP Model) through focus groups, workshops, and A-I-C participatory planning with 224 network partners. Phase 2 evaluated the model's outcomes in 40 patients. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pair t-test.

The developed care model consisted of four main plans: (1) homebound patient care system development, (2) bedridden patient care system development, (3) palliative patient care system development, and (4) management and evaluation system. Key activities included establishing a sub-district medical equipment lending center, developing a discharge planning system with the community hospital, establishing a specialized palliative care team, and setting up a 24-hour telephone consultation hotline. After implementing the care model, patients consisting of 34 homebound patients, 3 bedridden patients, and 3 palliative/end-of-life patients showed significant improvements.) The mean ADL score increased (p = 0.013). The mean Morse Fall Scale score decreased (p < 0.001). The mean Braden Scale score decreased (p < 0.001). The mean ESAS score decreased (p < 0.001). The mean Pain Score decreased (p < 0.001). All differences were statistically significant at the .05 level.

The participatory care model developed through collaboration with health networks and community partners effectively and sustainably improved the physical functional status of patients, reduced the risk of complications, and alleviated symptoms. It should be expanded to other areas with similar contexts.