Pub Date : 2024-01-26DOI: 10.55131/jphd/2024/220109
Dutsadee Khaweewong, Kavin Thinkhamrop, A. Suwannatrai, Attapol Titapun, W. Loilome, Matthew Kelly
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing global public health concern, including Thailand. Prior research has established an association between fatty liver disease (FLD) and DM. Moreover, the distribution of DM was also found in liver fluke endemic areas where praziquantel (PZQ) was used prevalently. However, limited information exists regarding factors associated with DM, specifically in FLD patients undergoing PZQ treatment. Our study aimed to evaluate the association between the combination of PZQ treatment and FLD diagnosis, and DM in Northeast Thailand. We conducted the study among participants in northeastern Thailand with self-reported DM diagnosis and PZQ treatment history using health questionnaires. Additionally, FLD diagnosis was confirmed through ultrasonography from the Cholangiocarcinoma Screening Program data collected from 2013-2022. We employed multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression to assess the association between the combination of PZQ treatments and FLD diagnosis, and DM, represented as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Of 756,431 participants, the overall DM prevalence was 7%. Notably, 10.45% of individuals with FLD+ and 8.23% with PZQ+ were found to have DM. Specifically, the prevalence of DM in individuals with PZQ+ and FLD-, PZQ- and FLD+, and PZQ+ and FLD+ combinations were 7.14%, 10%, and 11.81%, respectively. In comparison to PZQ- and FLD-, participants with PZQ+ and FLD-, PZQ- and FLD+, and PZQ+ and FLD+ were associated with DM (AOR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.24-1.30, AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.76-1.85, and AOR = 2.19; 95% CI: 2.12-2.27, respectively). In conclusion, the combination of PZQ and FLD plays a crucial role in the association with DM, particularly in individuals with PZQ+ and FLD+. Our findings emphasize the importance of DM screening, with special attention to individuals with a combination of PZQ treatment and FLD diagnosis, in order to promote early detection and management of DM in Northeast Thailand.
{"title":"The combination between praziquantel treatment and fatty liver disease in relation to diabetes mellitus in Northeast of Thailand","authors":"Dutsadee Khaweewong, Kavin Thinkhamrop, A. Suwannatrai, Attapol Titapun, W. Loilome, Matthew Kelly","doi":"10.55131/jphd/2024/220109","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55131/jphd/2024/220109","url":null,"abstract":"Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing global public health concern, including Thailand. Prior research has established an association between fatty liver disease (FLD) and DM. Moreover, the distribution of DM was also found in liver fluke endemic areas where praziquantel (PZQ) was used prevalently. However, limited information exists regarding factors associated with DM, specifically in FLD patients undergoing PZQ treatment. Our study aimed to evaluate the association between the combination of PZQ treatment and FLD diagnosis, and DM in Northeast Thailand. We conducted the study among participants in northeastern Thailand with self-reported DM diagnosis and PZQ treatment history using health questionnaires. Additionally, FLD diagnosis was confirmed through ultrasonography from the Cholangiocarcinoma Screening Program data collected from 2013-2022. We employed multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression to assess the association between the combination of PZQ treatments and FLD diagnosis, and DM, represented as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Of 756,431 participants, the overall DM prevalence was 7%. Notably, 10.45% of individuals with FLD+ and 8.23% with PZQ+ were found to have DM. Specifically, the prevalence of DM in individuals with PZQ+ and FLD-, PZQ- and FLD+, and PZQ+ and FLD+ combinations were 7.14%, 10%, and 11.81%, respectively. In comparison to PZQ- and FLD-, participants with PZQ+ and FLD-, PZQ- and FLD+, and PZQ+ and FLD+ were associated with DM (AOR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.24-1.30, AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.76-1.85, and AOR = 2.19; 95% CI: 2.12-2.27, respectively). In conclusion, the combination of PZQ and FLD plays a crucial role in the association with DM, particularly in individuals with PZQ+ and FLD+. Our findings emphasize the importance of DM screening, with special attention to individuals with a combination of PZQ treatment and FLD diagnosis, in order to promote early detection and management of DM in Northeast Thailand.","PeriodicalId":36393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health and Development","volume":"24 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139594176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-24DOI: 10.55131/jphd/2024/220110
Napas Taechasan, W. Jiamjarasrangsi
Shift work, particularly night shift work, has several detrimental health outcomes. This retrospective study investigated the associations of shift work with the incidence rates of liver enzyme abnormalities and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using the annual health check-up database between 2009 and 2016 and self-administered questionnaires from two large organizations in Thailand. Among 10,205 participants, 3620 eligible participants, classified into three subgroups by their shift work status, were followed up until abnormal liver outcomes were observed. The incidence rate of abnormal outcomes was calculated, and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the associations. Current shift work was not associated with abnormal liver outcomes, including elevated alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, elevated lipid accumulation product (e-LAP), and elevated hepatic steatosis index (e-HSI). However, when the frequencies and duration of shift work were investigated, the duration of shift work was associated with NAFLD outcomes. Healthcare personnel with 10–20 years of shift work experience had a higher risk of e-LAP (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04–1.65), while workers with more than 20 years of shift work had a lower risk of e-LAP (adjusted HR = 0.77, 95% CI–0.62–0.97). Nonhealthcare shift workers with fewer than 10 years of work exposure had a higher risk of e-HSI (adjusted HR = 4.30, 95% CI = 1.28–14.47). In summary, the shift work status was not associated with liver abnormalities, but the duration of shift work was associated with NAFLD.
{"title":"Relationship of shift work with liver enzyme abnormalities and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A retrospective cohort study of Thai workers in Bangkok, Thailand","authors":"Napas Taechasan, W. Jiamjarasrangsi","doi":"10.55131/jphd/2024/220110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55131/jphd/2024/220110","url":null,"abstract":"Shift work, particularly night shift work, has several detrimental health outcomes. This retrospective study investigated the associations of shift work with the incidence rates of liver enzyme abnormalities and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using the annual health check-up database between 2009 and 2016 and self-administered questionnaires from two large organizations in Thailand. Among 10,205 participants, 3620 eligible participants, classified into three subgroups by their shift work status, were followed up until abnormal liver outcomes were observed. The incidence rate of abnormal outcomes was calculated, and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the associations. Current shift work was not associated with abnormal liver outcomes, including elevated alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, elevated lipid accumulation product (e-LAP), and elevated hepatic steatosis index (e-HSI). However, when the frequencies and duration of shift work were investigated, the duration of shift work was associated with NAFLD outcomes. Healthcare personnel with 10–20 years of shift work experience had a higher risk of e-LAP (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04–1.65), while workers with more than 20 years of shift work had a lower risk of e-LAP (adjusted HR = 0.77, 95% CI–0.62–0.97). Nonhealthcare shift workers with fewer than 10 years of work exposure had a higher risk of e-HSI (adjusted HR = 4.30, 95% CI = 1.28–14.47). In summary, the shift work status was not associated with liver abnormalities, but the duration of shift work was associated with NAFLD.","PeriodicalId":36393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health and Development","volume":"60 40","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139600483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-24DOI: 10.55131/jphd/2024/220108
Subhra Rani Das, Sharmin Sultana, Ebney Sunjida Abedin, A. A. Chowdhury, M. Haque
COVID-19, being the most terrible occurrence of the 21st century, has profoundly affected the physical and mental well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs). Throughout this pandemic, HCWs have been at the forefront, confronting numerous physical and mental health problems. Our study aimed to identify the major mental health issues experienced by HCWs in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Additionally, we aimed to uncover the contributing factors that led to their heightened stress. According to this purpose, this cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021 to February 2022 with different categories of HCWs selected from twelve hospitals exclusively designated for COVID-19 patients. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. A 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to assess the stress levels experienced by the respondents. Among the total of 483 HCWs, 76.6% were nurses, 19.9% were doctors, and 3.5% were medical technologists. Our study found that the prevalence of COVID-19 positive cases among HCWs (nurses, doctors, and medical technologists) was 28.6%. Based on the PSS, 93.2% experienced low to moderate levels of stress, and 6.8% reported high levels of stress. A number of sociodemographic, habitual, organizational, and family factors of the respondents were significant, with the PSS at a 5% level of significance and a p-value less than 0.05. However, the variable ‘experience of any negligence, torture, blaming/bullying/threat from society’ was insignificant to the stress experienced by the HCWs. In brief, the study highlights the mental health issues faced by HCWs amid the pandemic, emphasizing significant associated factors. Organizational support and the role of the HCWs' families are crucial in reducing their stress levels.
{"title":"Mental health status and associated factors with stress among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study","authors":"Subhra Rani Das, Sharmin Sultana, Ebney Sunjida Abedin, A. A. Chowdhury, M. Haque","doi":"10.55131/jphd/2024/220108","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55131/jphd/2024/220108","url":null,"abstract":"COVID-19, being the most terrible occurrence of the 21st century, has profoundly affected the physical and mental well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs). Throughout this pandemic, HCWs have been at the forefront, confronting numerous physical and mental health problems. Our study aimed to identify the major mental health issues experienced by HCWs in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Additionally, we aimed to uncover the contributing factors that led to their heightened stress. According to this purpose, this cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021 to February 2022 with different categories of HCWs selected from twelve hospitals exclusively designated for COVID-19 patients. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. A 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to assess the stress levels experienced by the respondents. Among the total of 483 HCWs, 76.6% were nurses, 19.9% were doctors, and 3.5% were medical technologists. Our study found that the prevalence of COVID-19 positive cases among HCWs (nurses, doctors, and medical technologists) was 28.6%. Based on the PSS, 93.2% experienced low to moderate levels of stress, and 6.8% reported high levels of stress. A number of sociodemographic, habitual, organizational, and family factors of the respondents were significant, with the PSS at a 5% level of significance and a p-value less than 0.05. However, the variable ‘experience of any negligence, torture, blaming/bullying/threat from society’ was insignificant to the stress experienced by the HCWs. In brief, the study highlights the mental health issues faced by HCWs amid the pandemic, emphasizing significant associated factors. Organizational support and the role of the HCWs' families are crucial in reducing their stress levels.","PeriodicalId":36393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health and Development","volume":"9 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139600095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-24DOI: 10.55131/jphd/2024/220112
Supat Kongsrima, W. Laohasiriwong, Nakarin Prasit, Puwanart Sresutham, Nattaporn Nidthumsakul
Currently, an increasing number of workers are migrating to Thailand; a trend that is increasing along with the economic growth of the country. However, the cultural conditions, traditions and adjustments of migrant workers in Thailand have a significant impact on their mental state, leading to mental health problems. This study used a cross-sectional analytical study design and secondary data. This study investigated the relationship of socioeconomic conditions and quality of life with depression among migrant workers from Laos employed in Northeast Thailand. The study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2020. Study participants included 1,205 Laos migrant workers working in Northeast Thailand. Data was analysed using Multi-level Logistic Regression Analysis to determine the relationship of socioeconomic conditions and quality of life with depression. The effects of covariates were controlled and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) values and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are presented. The results of the study revealed that the prevalence of depression was 9.29% (95%CI: 7.78–11.07) and factors affecting depression among Laos migrant workers included low-moderate psychological quality of life (AOR =6.69, CI: 2.96–15.10), low-moderate social quality of life (AOR =4.00, 95%CI: 2.32–6.99) and sufficient income but no savings (AOR=2.56, 95%CI: 1.57–4.19). Therefore, agencies related to migrant workers should focus on developing policies that promote their quality of life, as it directly affects their mental health. This should include the development of social and psychological quality of life as well as income and well-being security, which serves as the foundation for workers who contribute to the country’s sustainable economic and industrial development.
{"title":"Association of socioeconomic conditions and quality of life with depression among Laos migrant workers in Northeast Thailand: multilevel-level logistics regression analysis","authors":"Supat Kongsrima, W. Laohasiriwong, Nakarin Prasit, Puwanart Sresutham, Nattaporn Nidthumsakul","doi":"10.55131/jphd/2024/220112","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55131/jphd/2024/220112","url":null,"abstract":"Currently, an increasing number of workers are migrating to Thailand; a trend that is increasing along with the economic growth of the country. However, the cultural conditions, traditions and adjustments of migrant workers in Thailand have a significant impact on their mental state, leading to mental health problems. This study used a cross-sectional analytical study design and secondary data. This study investigated the relationship of socioeconomic conditions and quality of life with depression among migrant workers from Laos employed in Northeast Thailand. The study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2020. Study participants included 1,205 Laos migrant workers working in Northeast Thailand. Data was analysed using Multi-level Logistic Regression Analysis to determine the relationship of socioeconomic conditions and quality of life with depression. The effects of covariates were controlled and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) values and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are presented. The results of the study revealed that the prevalence of depression was 9.29% (95%CI: 7.78–11.07) and factors affecting depression among Laos migrant workers included low-moderate psychological quality of life (AOR =6.69, CI: 2.96–15.10), low-moderate social quality of life (AOR =4.00, 95%CI: 2.32–6.99) and sufficient income but no savings (AOR=2.56, 95%CI: 1.57–4.19). Therefore, agencies related to migrant workers should focus on developing policies that promote their quality of life, as it directly affects their mental health. This should include the development of social and psychological quality of life as well as income and well-being security, which serves as the foundation for workers who contribute to the country’s sustainable economic and industrial development.","PeriodicalId":36393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health and Development","volume":"55 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139601110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-24DOI: 10.55131/jphd/2024/220111
Anis Febri Nilansari, Rahmad A Hi Wahid, Fitri Andriani Fatimah
Hypertensive patients need long-term therapy and control. Uncontrolled blood pressure can aggravate the incidence of hypertension and develop into a more dangerous disease that can have an impact on quality of life and medical costs. The study aimed to analyze the differences in clinical outcomes on quality of life and direct medical costs. The method employed was a cross-sectional study with 400 outpatient hypertensive patients in August 2023 at Panembahan Senopati Regional Hospital, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data were collected by filling out questionnaires and observing medical and financial record data. Demographic data were analyzed descriptively and showed that the majority of female patients (65%), aged 46 - 65 years (51%) possessed a high school education (30%). Sixty-six percent of patients had hypertension with a duration of <5 years and 61% had comorbidities. This study attempted to measure the clinical outcomes on quality of life and direct medical costs of hypertensive patients. The EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D-5L) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaires were used to measure patients' quality of life. The data on direct medical costs included medications, laboratories, medical equipment, and administrative costs. Clinical outcome indicators were blood pressure measurements. The results showed that 316 of 400 patients showed uncontrolled clinical outcomes (79%) with an average score for a good quality of life based on the quality of life assessment with EQ5D5L and VAS and incurred direct medical costs of Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) 663,80. Based on the VAS measurement, there was a significant difference in quality of life between patients with controlled and uncontrolled clinical outcomes (p<0.001). Patients with controlled clinical outcomes had higher quality of life and incurred lower costs. Altogether, controlling hypertension in all patients with or without complications can be practical and cost-effective.
高血压患者需要长期治疗和控制。血压如果得不到控制,会加重高血压的发病率,并发展成更危险的疾病,对生活质量和医疗费用造成影响。本研究旨在分析临床结果对生活质量和直接医疗费用的影响差异。研究采用横断面研究方法,于2023年8月在印度尼西亚日惹特区Panembahan Senopati地区医院对400名门诊高血压患者进行了调查。通过填写调查问卷、观察医疗和财务记录数据来收集数据。对人口统计学数据进行了描述性分析,结果显示,大多数女性患者(65%),年龄在 46 - 65 岁之间(51%),拥有高中学历(30%)。66%的患者患有持续时间小于 5 年的高血压,61%的患者患有合并症。本研究试图测量高血压患者生活质量和直接医疗费用的临床结果。研究采用了EQ-5D-5L(EuroQol-5 Dimension)和视觉模拟量表(VAS)问卷来测量患者的生活质量。直接医疗成本数据包括药物、实验室、医疗设备和管理成本。临床结果指标为血压测量值。结果显示,400 名患者中有 316 人(79%)的临床结果未受控制,根据 EQ5D5L 和 VAS 生活质量评估,平均生活质量得分良好,直接医疗费用为 663,80 印尼盾。根据 VAS 测量结果,临床结果得到控制和未得到控制的患者在生活质量方面存在显著差异(P<0.001)。临床结果得到控制的患者生活质量更高,花费更少。总之,无论是否有并发症,控制所有患者的高血压都是切实可行且具有成本效益的。
{"title":"Clinical outcomes: analysis of quality of life and direct medical costs of outpatient hypertensive patients at Panembahan Senopati Hospital, Indonesia","authors":"Anis Febri Nilansari, Rahmad A Hi Wahid, Fitri Andriani Fatimah","doi":"10.55131/jphd/2024/220111","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55131/jphd/2024/220111","url":null,"abstract":"Hypertensive patients need long-term therapy and control. Uncontrolled blood pressure can aggravate the incidence of hypertension and develop into a more dangerous disease that can have an impact on quality of life and medical costs. The study aimed to analyze the differences in clinical outcomes on quality of life and direct medical costs. The method employed was a cross-sectional study with 400 outpatient hypertensive patients in August 2023 at Panembahan Senopati Regional Hospital, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data were collected by filling out questionnaires and observing medical and financial record data. Demographic data were analyzed descriptively and showed that the majority of female patients (65%), aged 46 - 65 years (51%) possessed a high school education (30%). Sixty-six percent of patients had hypertension with a duration of <5 years and 61% had comorbidities. This study attempted to measure the clinical outcomes on quality of life and direct medical costs of hypertensive patients. The EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D-5L) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaires were used to measure patients' quality of life. The data on direct medical costs included medications, laboratories, medical equipment, and administrative costs. Clinical outcome indicators were blood pressure measurements. The results showed that 316 of 400 patients showed uncontrolled clinical outcomes (79%) with an average score for a good quality of life based on the quality of life assessment with EQ5D5L and VAS and incurred direct medical costs of Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) 663,80. Based on the VAS measurement, there was a significant difference in quality of life between patients with controlled and uncontrolled clinical outcomes (p<0.001). Patients with controlled clinical outcomes had higher quality of life and incurred lower costs. Altogether, controlling hypertension in all patients with or without complications can be practical and cost-effective.","PeriodicalId":36393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health and Development","volume":"54 13","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139599392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-04DOI: 10.55131/jphd/2024/220106
Sarun Poobunjirdkul, Apisorn Laorattapong, T. Rattananupong, W. Jiamjarasrangsi
Recent research on the link between exposure to ambient particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter up to 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and hypertension risk has primarily concentrated on spatial variation (or between-individual comparisons). Research into temporal variations (or within-individual comparisons over time) has largely been neglected. This study sought to examine the spatial–temporal effects of long-term exposure to PM2.5 on hypertension risk among military personnel in Thailand. A retrospective cohort study was conducted, encompassing 40,984 Royal Thai Army officers from 400 army units stationed across 51 provinces in Thailand. Medical check-up data from 2018 to 2021 were analyzed alongside ambient PM2.5 data from 2015 to 2017, sourced from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency. Two parameters, PM2.5-baseline and PM2.5-change, were introduced to assess the impact of spatial and temporal PM2.5 variations on hypertension incidence. Cox proportional hazard regression was used, with hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) serving as the measure of association. The association between PM2.5-baseline and hypertension incidence yielded hazard ratios in Quartiles 2 to 4 compared to Quartile 1 of: Q2 HR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.10–1.28; Q3 HR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02–1.20; Q4 HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05–1.22. Additionally, the PM2.5-change showed a J-shaped association with hypertension incidence. Our findings underscore the role of both temporal and spatial factors in hypertension development and highlight the necessity for comprehensive investigations into the causal relationship between PM2.5 exposure and hypertension risk. They also provide valuable insights for devising effective strategies to mitigate the adverse health impacts of PM2.5 pollution.
{"title":"Long-term effects of ambient particulate matter on hypertension among royal Thai army officers: a retrospective cohort study","authors":"Sarun Poobunjirdkul, Apisorn Laorattapong, T. Rattananupong, W. Jiamjarasrangsi","doi":"10.55131/jphd/2024/220106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55131/jphd/2024/220106","url":null,"abstract":"Recent research on the link between exposure to ambient particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter up to 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and hypertension risk has primarily concentrated on spatial variation (or between-individual comparisons). Research into temporal variations (or within-individual comparisons over time) has largely been neglected. This study sought to examine the spatial–temporal effects of long-term exposure to PM2.5 on hypertension risk among military personnel in Thailand. A retrospective cohort study was conducted, encompassing 40,984 Royal Thai Army officers from 400 army units stationed across 51 provinces in Thailand. Medical check-up data from 2018 to 2021 were analyzed alongside ambient PM2.5 data from 2015 to 2017, sourced from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency. Two parameters, PM2.5-baseline and PM2.5-change, were introduced to assess the impact of spatial and temporal PM2.5 variations on hypertension incidence. Cox proportional hazard regression was used, with hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) serving as the measure of association. The association between PM2.5-baseline and hypertension incidence yielded hazard ratios in Quartiles 2 to 4 compared to Quartile 1 of: Q2 HR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.10–1.28; Q3 HR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02–1.20; Q4 HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05–1.22. Additionally, the PM2.5-change showed a J-shaped association with hypertension incidence. Our findings underscore the role of both temporal and spatial factors in hypertension development and highlight the necessity for comprehensive investigations into the causal relationship between PM2.5 exposure and hypertension risk. They also provide valuable insights for devising effective strategies to mitigate the adverse health impacts of PM2.5 pollution.","PeriodicalId":36393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health and Development","volume":"32 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139384374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-12-19DOI: 10.55131/jphd/2024/220103
Nan San Thidar Ohn, Shirley Worland
The accessibility to quality family planning (FP) information and counselling for Myanmar ethnic migrants in Thailand is questionable. Inadequate knowledge and lack of informed choice to practice FP methods increase the risk of unmet needs and method failures in FP, which could result in unplanned pregnancies and induced abortions. This research aimed to understand the FP information behaviour of a Pa-O migrant group, as well as structural and agency influencing factors on FP knowledge acquisition in Chiang Mai. A qualitative research based on the Information Behaviour model and Structuration theory was conducted using participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. A non-probability sampling method was employed, and 31 respondents participated in the study. The study found that actively seeking FP information from formal sources to make an informed decision was not common among Pa-O migrants. Instead, there was more reliance on informal information sources for choosing FP methods. Cultural norms related to sex, marriage, and age hinder migrant health information-seeking behaviour from formal and informal information sources. Pa-O migrants were alienated from structural resources, limiting the opportunities to promote FP knowledge. The personal and situational factors that significantly influenced the agency of migrants were lack of awareness of the right to information, language barriers, and perceived communication barriers with health staff. Limited resources of migrant-friendly health education programmes adversely affect migrant FP information behaviour. Reproductive health education programmes, including quality FP counselling services, should be accessible for marginalised migrants to ensure that their choices of FP are well-informed.
{"title":"Information behaviour and factors influencing family planning knowledge of Myanmar ethnic migrants: a qualitative study","authors":"Nan San Thidar Ohn, Shirley Worland","doi":"10.55131/jphd/2024/220103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55131/jphd/2024/220103","url":null,"abstract":"The accessibility to quality family planning (FP) information and counselling for Myanmar ethnic migrants in Thailand is questionable. Inadequate knowledge and lack of informed choice to practice FP methods increase the risk of unmet needs and method failures in FP, which could result in unplanned pregnancies and induced abortions. This research aimed to understand the FP information behaviour of a Pa-O migrant group, as well as structural and agency influencing factors on FP knowledge acquisition in Chiang Mai. A qualitative research based on the Information Behaviour model and Structuration theory was conducted using participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. A non-probability sampling method was employed, and 31 respondents participated in the study. The study found that actively seeking FP information from formal sources to make an informed decision was not common among Pa-O migrants. Instead, there was more reliance on informal information sources for choosing FP methods. Cultural norms related to sex, marriage, and age hinder migrant health information-seeking behaviour from formal and informal information sources. Pa-O migrants were alienated from structural resources, limiting the opportunities to promote FP knowledge. The personal and situational factors that significantly influenced the agency of migrants were lack of awareness of the right to information, language barriers, and perceived communication barriers with health staff. Limited resources of migrant-friendly health education programmes adversely affect migrant FP information behaviour. Reproductive health education programmes, including quality FP counselling services, should be accessible for marginalised migrants to ensure that their choices of FP are well-informed.","PeriodicalId":36393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health and Development","volume":"110 24","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138959233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-12-19DOI: 10.55131/jphd/2024/220102
Rania Itani
The COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon has been compounded by the economic collapse and devastating Beirut port explosion, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. This study aimed to assess the satisfaction of the Lebanese population with the government's response to the pandemic and evaluate the public perception of the economic crisis and the Beirut port blast's impact on the COVID-19 situation. This is a web-based cross-sectional study that utilized a self-administered questionnaire comprising closed-ended questions with predefined response options. To identify predictors of the governmental response score, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. A total of 2,384 participants were enrolled, with a mean COVID-SCORE of 15.38 ± 5.28 (out of 40 points). The majority of participants (2,163, 90.7%) expressed mistrust in the Lebanese government's ability to effectively address unexpected health threats related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two-thirds of the participants (1,849, 77.6%) believed that the economic crisis had impacted the government's response to the pandemic. Nearly 70% of the participants perceived that the Beirut port explosion contributed to COVID-19 transmission. Government mistrust, along with the economic crisis impact, were significantly associated with lower satisfaction scores (P < 0.001). This study revealed a significant level of dissatisfaction among the Lebanese population regarding the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring a lack of trust in its ability to effectively manage the crisis. The compounding challenges arising from the Beirut port explosion, economic collapse, and depleted resources have further impeded Lebanon's ability to navigate the pandemic successfully. Urgent interventions and collaborative efforts are required to effectively manage the economic and political repercussions, rebuild a resilient healthcare system, and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.
{"title":"A crisis amidst many others: COVID-19 response satisfaction during the economic collapse and post-Beirut port explosion in Lebanon","authors":"Rania Itani","doi":"10.55131/jphd/2024/220102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55131/jphd/2024/220102","url":null,"abstract":"The COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon has been compounded by the economic collapse and devastating Beirut port explosion, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. This study aimed to assess the satisfaction of the Lebanese population with the government's response to the pandemic and evaluate the public perception of the economic crisis and the Beirut port blast's impact on the COVID-19 situation. This is a web-based cross-sectional study that utilized a self-administered questionnaire comprising closed-ended questions with predefined response options. To identify predictors of the governmental response score, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. A total of 2,384 participants were enrolled, with a mean COVID-SCORE of 15.38 ± 5.28 (out of 40 points). The majority of participants (2,163, 90.7%) expressed mistrust in the Lebanese government's ability to effectively address unexpected health threats related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two-thirds of the participants (1,849, 77.6%) believed that the economic crisis had impacted the government's response to the pandemic. Nearly 70% of the participants perceived that the Beirut port explosion contributed to COVID-19 transmission. Government mistrust, along with the economic crisis impact, were significantly associated with lower satisfaction scores (P < 0.001). This study revealed a significant level of dissatisfaction among the Lebanese population regarding the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring a lack of trust in its ability to effectively manage the crisis. The compounding challenges arising from the Beirut port explosion, economic collapse, and depleted resources have further impeded Lebanon's ability to navigate the pandemic successfully. Urgent interventions and collaborative efforts are required to effectively manage the economic and political repercussions, rebuild a resilient healthcare system, and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. ","PeriodicalId":36393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health and Development","volume":" 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138960929","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hypertension is a persistent global public health concern, particularly affecting elderly individuals and is further compounded by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Innovative interventions are essential to effectively manage blood pressure in this vulnerable demographic group. This quasi-experimental study implemented a calendar-based intervention among 84 elderly individuals in Phrae Province, Thailand. The intervention integrated dietary recommendations, physical activity guidelines, and hypertension education. Over eight weeks, the intervention group exhibited a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (6.59 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (2.52 mmHg) levels (p-value<0.05), contrasting with the comparison group's increase. The calendar-based program effectively enhanced hypertension knowledge, empowering participants to make informed health decisions. The study's holistic approach, grounded in health behavior change models, effectively promoted hypertension awareness and facilitated healthier lifestyles. Results suggest the calendar-based program's suitability for elderly individuals at high risk of hypertension, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to its cost-effectiveness and accessibility. This research underscores the potential of calendar-based interventions in supporting blood pressure management among elderly populations, with broader implications for public health strategies, especially during challenging circumstances such as pandemics.
{"title":"Applying the transtheoretical model of health behavior change: using calendars for hypertension management in elderly individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Phrae Province, Thailand","authors":"Apichet Jumneansuk, Phitchasuda Dechboon, Rattanaporn Arsa, Anongnat Pansathin, Tanatas Pudpong","doi":"10.55131/jphd/2024/220105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55131/jphd/2024/220105","url":null,"abstract":"Hypertension is a persistent global public health concern, particularly affecting elderly individuals and is further compounded by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Innovative interventions are essential to effectively manage blood pressure in this vulnerable demographic group. This quasi-experimental study implemented a calendar-based intervention among 84 elderly individuals in Phrae Province, Thailand. The intervention integrated dietary recommendations, physical activity guidelines, and hypertension education. Over eight weeks, the intervention group exhibited a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (6.59 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (2.52 mmHg) levels (p-value<0.05), contrasting with the comparison group's increase. The calendar-based program effectively enhanced hypertension knowledge, empowering participants to make informed health decisions. The study's holistic approach, grounded in health behavior change models, effectively promoted hypertension awareness and facilitated healthier lifestyles. Results suggest the calendar-based program's suitability for elderly individuals at high risk of hypertension, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to its cost-effectiveness and accessibility. This research underscores the potential of calendar-based interventions in supporting blood pressure management among elderly populations, with broader implications for public health strategies, especially during challenging circumstances such as pandemics.","PeriodicalId":36393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health and Development","volume":" 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138963113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The emergency medical service system is a pre-hospital medical service that effectively helps reduce the severity of emergencies and mortality rates before transferring patients to the hospital. This cross-sectional study investigated people's perceptions, attitudes, and expectations toward the emergency medical services system and aimed to find the relationship between the perceptions, attitudes, and expectations toward the emergency medical services system in Samut Songkhram province, Thailand. The samples consisted of 491 individuals who were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using linear regression analysis to identify correlations. Results revealed that most participants demonstrated a good overall perception of the use of the emergency medical service system (M = 2.46, SD = 0.27), a good attitude towards the emergency medical service system (M = 2.40, SD = 0.23), and a high level of expectation towards the emergency medical service system (M = 2.85, SD = 0.25). Perception of the use of emergency medical services and attitude towards the emergency medical service system showed positive correlation with expectation towards the emergency medical service system, with R2 = 0.23 (p-value < 0.05). These findings can be used to plan and develop strategies for improving the utilization of emergency medical services, ensuring that the public is informed, understands, and accesses the emergency medical service system correctly and effectively.
{"title":"Perception, attitudes and expectations among people toward emergency medical services system in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand","authors":"Niwat Songsin, Thinnaphat Pattamarit, Pronsiwa Jantawee, Wanwimon Mekwimon kingkaew, Sureewan Siladlao, Kanokporn Somporn, Tossapon Chamnankit, Badint Laokakham","doi":"10.55131/jphd/2024/220101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55131/jphd/2024/220101","url":null,"abstract":"The emergency medical service system is a pre-hospital medical service that effectively helps reduce the severity of emergencies and mortality rates before transferring patients to the hospital. This cross-sectional study investigated people's perceptions, attitudes, and expectations toward the emergency medical services system and aimed to find the relationship between the perceptions, attitudes, and expectations toward the emergency medical services system in Samut Songkhram province, Thailand. The samples consisted of 491 individuals who were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using linear regression analysis to identify correlations. Results revealed that most participants demonstrated a good overall perception of the use of the emergency medical service system (M = 2.46, SD = 0.27), a good attitude towards the emergency medical service system (M = 2.40, SD = 0.23), and a high level of expectation towards the emergency medical service system (M = 2.85, SD = 0.25). Perception of the use of emergency medical services and attitude towards the emergency medical service system showed positive correlation with expectation towards the emergency medical service system, with R2 = 0.23 (p-value < 0.05). These findings can be used to plan and develop strategies for improving the utilization of emergency medical services, ensuring that the public is informed, understands, and accesses the emergency medical service system correctly and effectively.","PeriodicalId":36393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health and Development","volume":"26 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139172483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}