https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/issue/feedJournal of Health Science of Thailand2024-10-31T16:29:27+07:00นพ.วิวัฒน์ โรจนพิทยากรwiwatroj@hotmail.comOpen Journal Systems<p><strong>Journal of Health Science of Thailand:</strong> Objectives are to support public health researches of health institutions at all levels and also to distribute their dedicated works and researches on public health.</p> <p><strong>Free access online:</strong> 6 issue per year (January-February, March-April, May-June, July-August, September-October, November-December)</p> <p><strong>Languague:</strong> Abstract in English, Text in English or Thai</p>https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/16009Basic Concepts of Health Literacy for Equitable Thai Health Systems2024-10-31T10:39:15+07:00Saichon Kloyiamsaichon.k@anamai.mail.go.thKamonwan Sukprasertsaichon.k@anamai.mail.go.thParujee Charoenpaosaichon.k@anamai.mail.go.thThanita Kunaraksaichon.k@anamai.mail.go.thDuangporn Khaikhwansaichon.k@anamai.mail.go.thMontol Wanwajasaichon.k@anamai.mail.go.th<p>Health literacy refers to individual knowledge and competencies needed to access, understand,<br>appraise, and apply health information for making health related decisions in order to maintain and<br>improve health for oneself and others. It accumulates throughout the life course through daily activities<br>and social interactions. Health literacy is influenced not only by individual factors, but also organizational<br>structures and availability of resources. Therefore, health systems have direct effects on health literacy<br>among people. With a health literacy friendly health system, people will improve their health literacy and<br>be able to utilize available health related resources. In contrast, there might be an increasing proportion<br>of the population with limited health literacy left behind. The rate of utilization of basic preventive and<br>promotive health services will drop while that of curative services will rise and the health systems cannot<br>handle the situation. This special article presents the basic concepts of health literacy and enabling factors<br>for improving Thai health systems to become health literate and promote health equity. The content<br>covers health literacy as the national agenda, organizational health literacy, health literacy as a modifiable<br>determinant of health, and health literacy as an empowering factor. Furthermore, enabling factors for<br>health literacy friendly health systems are elaborated such as health literacy workforce, health literate<br>organization, health literacy data management, shared decision making in health services, partnerships,<br>technology and innovation for health literacy, financial support and investment, and health literacy<br>leadership. These basic concepts have been drawn from theories and practices from various countries.<br>They will help policy makers, healthcare professionals, and technical health workers to develop equitable<br>health systems to achieve the goal of the national strategic plan.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15985Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Policy Proposals to Reduce Hospitalization with Acute Exacerbation of COPD Patients Attributed to PM 2.5 in Bangkok2024-10-30T21:25:39+07:00Phattarin Phongwutthipongd.phattarin@gmail.comChatphot LairungruangChatphot@hotmail.comKritchawat PloddeeKritchawat@hotmail.comRitthikrai NamkasetRitthikrai@hotmail.comRapeepong SuphanchaiyamatRapeepong@hotmail.com2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15983Editorial Board2024-10-30T21:11:57+07:00Wiwat Rojanapithayakornwiwatroj@yahoo.com2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15981Content2024-10-30T20:58:27+07:00Wiwat Rojanapithayakornwiwatroj@yahoo.com2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15986Health and Social Factors Related to Tobacco Cultivation: a Literature Review2024-10-30T21:54:06+07:00Chakkraphan Phetphumwichadak65@nu.ac.thWichada Khongcharoenwichadak65@nu.ac.th<p>The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control or WHO FCTC, is a<br>framework of an agreement aimed at protecting the population from the harmful effects of tobacco consumption<br>and secondhand smoke exposure. Thailand as one of the countries that participated in ratifying<br>this framework and need to respond by achieving the specified goals. In the past, it has been found that<br>Thailand still has limited empirical evidence related to Article 18 on environmental protection and the<br>health of individuals related to tobacco cultivation and production. This article aimed to review original<br>research articles on the impact of tobacco cultivation both internationally and domestically, and identify<br>research gaps in Thailand by collecting data from research articles related to the WHO FCTC Article 18<br>published in electronic databases generated 559 articles. There were 37 articles met the criteria for inclusion<br>in the final analysis. The study concluded that all original research articles focus on four main areas<br>which include physical health impacts, mental health impacts, quality of life impacts, and environmental<br>impacts. In Thailand, there was a lack of research on the mental health impacts of tobacco farmers and<br>environmental impacts. These research gaps may lead to a lack of comprehensive empirical evidence that<br>is a concrete result of tobacco cultivation and production in Thailand. Therefore, the Tobacco Control<br>Research and Knowledge Management Center should prioritize research topics that are still missing to<br>address these research gaps in the future.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15987Factors Associated with Tuberculosis Stigma among School Adolescents in Bangkok, Thailand2024-10-30T22:00:46+07:00Sarut Moonsarnnewsoul.hp@gmail.comPankaew Tantirattanakulchainewsoul.hp@gmail.comSiriporn Santrenewsoul.hp@gmail.comSukanya Khumponewsoul.hp@gmail.com<p>A descriptive study design was employed to explore factors associated with tuberculosis stigma<br>among school adolescents in Bangkok, Thailand. The participants were school adolescents aged 15-19<br>years old, who were studying in grades 10-12 in Bangkok-based schools under the Office of Basic<br>Education Commission (OBEC). Data were collected by questionnaires consisting of the following four<br>parts: (1) factors related to demographic characteristics, (2) knowledge about pulmonary tuberculosis<br>(TB), (3) attitudes toward pulmonary tuberculosis, and (4) TB stigma. The data were analyzed using<br>descriptive statistics, whereas Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare proportions<br>and associations between variables. The result showed that factors related to demographic characteristics<br>significantly associated with TB stigma were sex, age, classes, and type of accommodation (p<0.05).<br>Similarly, attitudes toward pulmonary TB were significantly associated with TB stigma (p<0.05), while<br>knowledge about pulmonary TB was not. The study suggested that the results should be utilyzed to assist<br>the development of TB interventions for enhancing TB knowledge, fostering a positive attitude toward<br>pulmonary TB as well as to advocate social mobilization both directly and indirectly in educational institutions<br>such as public or private schools, vocational schools, and universities in order to reduce TB stigma<br>and discrimination against TB patients.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15988Incidence and High-Risk Factors for Developmental Delay and Cerebral Palsy in Children Aged 0-6 Years at Child Development Clinic, Buddhachinaraj Hospital, Phitsanulok2024-10-30T22:14:19+07:00Mattana Bhumipraphatmattanaa@nu.ac.thWaranya Prathepmattanaa@nu.ac.thOrawan Keeratisirojmattanaa@nu.ac.thNitipat Bussabaratimattanaa@nu.ac.thPiyatida Arunwattanachokmattanaa@nu.ac.th<p>A retrospective five-year study was aimed to determine the incidence and biological risk-factors<br>for developmental delay and cerebral palsy (CP) in 905 children aged 0-6 years who received the<br>first-visit treatments at the Child Development Clinic, Buddhachinaraj Hospital, Phitsanulok in the fiscal<br>year: 2014-2018. Medical records were examined. Maternal and infant characteristics and incidence<br>data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Biological risk-factors associated with developmental<br>delay and CP were analyzed using the Chi-Square test, Fisher’s Exact test and Crude Odds Ratio at 95%<br>confidence interval. Of 905 first-visit cases aged 0-6 years, the incidence of developmental delay was<br>19.78%, equivalent to 14.13 cases per 1,000 live-births of infants born at Buddhachinaraj Hospital. The<br>incidence of CP was 11.27%, calculated as 8.05 cases per 1,000 live-births. Biological risk factors that<br>sigmificantly affected developmental delays (p<0.01) in prenatal period were genetic diseases and preeclampsia.<br>In perinatal period, two important biological factors were (1) premature births (32-37 weeks<br>GA) with low birth weight, and (2) full-term births with critical complications. In postnatal period, the<br>risk-factors included but not limited to bronchopulmonary dysplasia, respiratory distress syndrome, and<br>patent ductus arteriosus. For cerebral palsy, biological risk-factors included meningitis, brain ischemia,<br>seizure and birth asphyxia. Most children with CP were diagnosed with bilateral spastic CP. In accordance<br>with the mission of the Child Development Clinic, Buddhachinaraj Hospital, Phitsanulok emphasizes<br>importance on early intervention, care, and treatment, and following up on treatment outcomes to help<br>children develop appropriately or to effectively reduce the risks of delayed development and disabilities.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15989Factors Associated with Wasting among Preschool Children in Child Development Center, Tamot District, Phatthalung Province2024-10-30T22:24:51+07:00Amonrat Yusohswitchada@tsu.ac.thNur-areena Yamaswitchada@tsu.ac.thWitchada Simlaswitchada@tsu.ac.thTum Boonrodswitchada@tsu.ac.thJanjira Kotchasingswitchada@tsu.ac.th<p>This cross-sectional research aimed to explore factors related to the wasting among preschool<br>children in child development centers. The sample was 155 pairs of preschool children and caregivers in<br>child development centers under the responsibility of Tamot hospital, Phatthalung province. The samples<br>were recruited by simple random sampling. Interview forms were used for data collection; and the data<br>were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. The results of the study revealed<br>that the factors statistically significantly associated with wasting among preschoolers were child’s age,<br>nap duration, sleeping with a bottle in the mouth, watching television, eating a high-fat diet, household<br>income, and caregivers’ marital status (p<0.05). The factors mentioned above contribute to the probability<br>of children of this age group being vulnerable to wasting. Consequently, it is crucial to observe these<br>factors in the programs to monitor and promote nutrition in pre-school-aged children.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15991Relationship between Health Literacy and Covid-19 and Emerging Infectious Diseases Preventive Behaviors among Older Adults in Pa-Sao Sub-district, Mueang District, Uttaradit Province2024-10-30T22:40:44+07:00Pongsak Onmoyo.pongsak@hotmail.comKittiwan Junritho.pongsak@hotmail.comJongruk Duangthongo.pongsak@hotmail.comSasithorn Sukjito.pongsak@hotmail.com<p>This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to assess the level of health literacy, and preventive<br>behaviors on COVID-19 and emerging infectious diseases, and study the relationship between the health<br>literacy and preventive behaviors among older adults in Pa-Sao Sub-district, Mueang District, Uttaradit<br>Province. The samples were older adults aged between 60-69, totaling 300 people from 10 villages.<br>They were systematically randomized based on the proportion of elderly individuals in each village. Data<br>were collected by questionnaires; and were analyzed by using descriptive statistics; percentage, mean,<br>standard deviation and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. The results showed that the older<br>adults had overall health literacy about coronavirus 2019 and emerging infectious diseases at a fair level<br>(mean=118.09, SD=34.22); and the preventive behaviors were at a fair level (48.37, SD=13.83).<br>The overall health literacy had a statistically significant positive correlation to the preventive behaviors<br>against coronavirus 2019 and emerging infectious diseases, although at a moderate level (r=0.63). There<br>was a statistically significant positive correlation between each dimension of health literacy and behaviors<br>to prevent coronavirus 2019 and emerging infectious diseases at a relatively high level. Thus, this study<br>recommended that responsible governmental sector should applied these results as baseline information<br>for designing activities to develop health literacy programs to promote preventive behaviors against coronavirus<br>2019 and emerging infectious diseases for older adults.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15992Predicting Concentration of Air Pollution Using AERMOD Model and Estimating Its Health Impact on the Population Near Biomass Power Plants in Khon-Buri District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province2024-10-30T22:48:15+07:00Samakarn Tongkliangkarn.t2012@gmail.comAraya Intakarn.t2012@gmail.comSomrat Nairamkarn.t2012@gmail.com<p>Although biomass power plants play a role in enabling Thailand to produce electricity in response to<br>economic development, the potential issue of air pollution should not be overlooked. This study aimed<br>to predict the air pollution concentration from biomass power plants using the AERMOD air quality<br>modeling and assess its health impacts on the population residing within a 10-kilometer radius of the<br>plant in the Khon-Buri District of Nakhon Ratchasima Province. During the period from October 2019<br>to September 2020, air samples from four potentially affected communities within the radius were<br>analyzed. These communities were Subkanlueng Subdistrict health promoting hospital, Chorakhehin<br>Subdistrict health promoting hospital, Khon-Buri Tai Subdistrict municipality, and Ban-Clongyang<br>(Moonbon Ubpatum) School. The analysis results showed that the concentration of total suspended<br>particles (TSP), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) was lower than the national<br>ambient air pollution standard in all four locations. In terms of health impacts, the most prevalent symptoms<br>observed was fatigue (13.5%), followed by blurred vision (12.6%). The analysis of the relationship<br>between the pollutants and particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) and<br>health symptoms using binary logistic regression revealed that only PM2.5 exposure was significantly<br>associated with multiple symptoms including nasal congestion, runny nose, burning nose, sore throat, dry<br>cough, cough with mucus, trouble breathing, headache, fatigue, burning and itchy eyes. For instance, an<br>increase of 1 microgram per cubic meter of PM2.5 was associated with a 1.01 times higher likelihood<br>of experiencing nasal congestion. In light of these results, the researchers recommend (1) the establishment<br>of an air pollution health risk assessment center that utilizes AERMOD model to monitor and<br>alert the public to the impact of air pollution, and (2) the development of database system linking health<br>and environmental factors for the use in proactive monitoring and warning of health disaster caused by<br>environmental pollution.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15993Development of a Model for Health Promotion, Prevention and Control of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases with the Principles of Buddhism Discussion by Applying the Tools of 3Sor, 3Or and 1Nor Integrating Buddhist Principles2024-10-30T23:38:42+07:00Sudafa Wongharimatsudafawongharimat@gmail.comDenchai Sompongsudafawongharimat@gmail.comWaranist Lamyaisudafawongharimat@gmail.com<p>This study aimed to develop and analyze a model for health promotion, prevention and control of<br>chronic non-communicable diseases with the principles of Buddhism discussion by applying the tools of<br>3Sor (pray, meditation, Buddhism discussion - Dhamma way), 3Or (food, exercise, emotion - Dhamma<br>way) and 1Nor (biological clock) integrating Buddhist principles. It was conducted with multi-phase<br>design. Samples were 402 individuals from the North, the Central, the South and the Northeast regions.<br>The tools were questionnaire and measurement questionnaire developed from the principles of 3Sor, 3Or,<br>and 1Nor with the principles of Buddhism discussion. Data were analyzed by exploratory factor analysis<br>(EFA) by principle component analysis. Results of studies revealed changes in health conditions after<br>participating in the Buddhism discussion for 3 months compared to those before the participation. It was<br>found that the blood pressure level of most samples (60%) decreased by an average of 7.5 mm Hg. The<br>waist circumference of 60% of samples decreased by an average of 2.50 inches. The weight of 70%<br>of samples decreased by an average of 3.20 kg. The blood sugar level of 70% of patients in the patient<br>group decreased on average by 2 mg/dl. In addition, the body mass index of 50% of samples decreased<br>by an average of 1.5 kg/m2 (p<0.05). Thus, applying the principles of Buddhism discussion using the<br>tools of 3Sor, 3Or, and 1Nor integrating Buddhist principles could promote health resulting in the prevention<br>of chronic non-communicable diseases. This model should be expanded to other groups and areas<br>with similar contexts.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15994A Study of Appropriate Caring the Elderly: a Case Study of the Elderly Population in Rim Klong Lat Phrao Community, Chandrakasem Subdistrict, Chatuchak District, Bangkok2024-10-30T23:47:17+07:00Teerasak Koployklangka_enza@hotmail.comKobthong Ladkoomka_enza@hotmail.com<p>The purposes of this research were to study the suitable patterns of public health care for elderly and<br>to develop the suitable patterns for elderly public health care. The samples were 30 elderly in Lim Klong<br>Lad Proa community, Bangkok, selected by purposive sampling, and 15 public health care volunteers.<br>The instruments used in this research were questionnaires and interviewing. The statistics used to analyze<br>the data were frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and t-test: paired two samples for means.<br>The result showed that (1) there were 4 patterns of public health care for elderly (elderly taking care<br>of themselves, elderly taking care by their family, elderly taking care by agency or organization, and<br>elderly taking care by community); and (2) there were 4 steps that important and suitable for elderly in<br>developing suitable patterns in public health care for elderly in this area as follows: (1) studying the<br>context of community and elderly situation, determining the roles and responsibilities of partners, and<br>initiating a plan of taking care of elderly and improve quality of a life of elderly in community involved<br>by the community partners with the technique of A-I-C (planning), (2) organizing activities according<br>to a plan to take care of elderly and improve quality of a life of elderly in community involved by the<br>community partners (action), (3) assing the elderly quality of life in community (observation), and (4)<br>synthesizing for the lessons learned (reflection).</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15995Media and Communication Platform Development for Supporting the Intermediate Care Services System in M1 Network Hospital2024-10-31T00:19:36+07:00Siwaporn Sukittanonsiwaporn.s@cmu.ac.thChalatip Suewattanasivapom.s@cmu.ac.th<p>The research had three primary objectives: firstly, to investigate the context and needs associated<br>with intermediate care and rehabilitation; secondly, to develop a media and platform for facilitating<br>the communication of essential information among patients and caregivers; and finally, to assess user<br>satisfaction. The research and development study consisted of three distinct phases. The first phase<br>comprised a situational analysis, drawing insights from a focus group report involving 100 individuals<br>engaged with the intermediate care system. Key insights indicate a lack of understanding among hospital<br>staff about the intermediate care system. Caregivers and patients also struggle with role comprehension<br>and express distrust in Village Health Volunteers (VHVs). Insufficient knowledge hampers caregivers<br>and patients in providing adequate care. In the second phase, media and platform production occurred<br>through a qualitative approach, employing participatory observation tools. The researchers utilized the<br>insights obtained from phase 1 to design content, presentation, media, and platform. This effort<br>resulted in the creation of 12 videos and 15 infographics, distributed through a Facebook page and<br>a YouTube channel. In the evaluation phase, a mixed-methods approach was employed. Qualitative<br>findings from focus groups revealed a preference for educational entertainment videos among patients and<br>caregivers. Viewership could be enhanced by addressing their specific concerns. Recommendations include<br>producing 3-5 minute videos, generating more content, aligning media use with the interprofessional<br>team’s advice, and incorporating Line as an additional distribution channel. After 10 months of public<br>access, quantitative findings from the Facebook page revealed that women from Chiangmai were the main<br>users. Videos correcting attitudes outperformed knowledge-based ones in terms of reaches, views, shares,<br>and comments. Infographics reached a smaller audience but had a higher share rate.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15996Comparison of Cold Copolymer Gel Pack before Botulinum Toxin Injection Versus Standard Cold Pack in Subjects with Crow’s Feet: Non-Inferiority Trial2024-10-31T00:27:17+07:00Sirintip Thongkaowmicky.sirintip@gmail.comTanongkiet Tienthavornmicky.sirintip@gmail.com<p>At present, cold compresses are quite expensive. Developing using cold copolymer gel pack can be<br>useful to reduce skin sensation. This was a split-face non-inferiority double-blind randomized controlled<br>trial, to compare the effectiveness of cold copolymer gel pack before botulinum toxin injection versus<br>standard cold pack in subjects with crow’s feet. Twenty-one patients given bilateral periocular injections<br>for wrinkle reduction were randomized into experimental side (cold copolymer gel pack) and control side<br>(standard cold pack) using block randomization. Relative pain scores were recorded to assess the effects<br>of treatment. Non-inferiority hypothesis was evaluated at -1.20 (non-inferiority margin). It was found<br>that the experimental side and the control side had the pain score 4.52±2.36 and 4.14±2.83 which was<br>no statistical differences (p>0.05) (absolute difference of 0.38, 95%CI=-0.97 - 1.73). The 95%<br>confidence interval was on the right side of non-inferiority margin, Thus, cold copolymer gel pack was<br>not inferior to standard cold pack. The authors recommended that cold copolymer gel pack could be an<br>effective and acceptable substitution of the standard cold pack.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15997Clinical Outcomes of the Use of an Innovative Sharp-Tipped Hemostatic Device2024-10-31T00:41:21+07:00Phatchaleepore Pongwasinkittyjeabmba@gmail.com<p>Most surgeries require the use of an electrical cautery device to stop the bleeding and cut tissue.<br>Electric cautery head sold in hospitals has a large flat tip unsuitable for surgery and stopping bleeding in<br>small or narrow areas, resulting in injury to nearby organs. This research is a quasi-experimental research.<br>The objective was to compare the injury to nearby tissues and organs between a pointed-tip electrocautery<br>and a normal electrocautery. The sample group consisted of patients who received services at the operating<br>room of the Otolaryngology Department, Amnat Charoen Hospital from 1 October 2021 to 30 September<br>2022, totaling 140 people, who were selected by simple random sampling, divided into an experimental<br>group of 70 people and a control group of 70 people by means of individual matching. The tools used<br>included a form to record injuries to nearby tissues and organs and the use of an electric cautery during<br>surgery. The validity and reliability were checked by 3 experts and the content validity index was 0.89<br>and 0.85, respectively. Data on injury to nearby tissues and organs were analyzed by comparing the<br>pointed end electric cautery head and the normal electric cautery head. Data were analyzed by using paired<br>t-test to compare the means of the 2 groups. The results of the study revealed that the use of a pointed<br>electric cauterizer caused less injury to nearby tissues and organs during surgery than when using a normal<br>cauterizer (p<0.05). It is an innovation created from observing problems that occur with patients during<br>surgery; and the innovation can prevent problems from damaging nearby tissues and organs and improve<br>the efficiency of nursing practice. It is beneficial and convenient to use and it can also reduce hospital<br>costs.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15999Lessons learned of Andrographis paniculata Usage in Popular Sector during the COVID-19 Situation in the Years 2020-20212024-10-31T08:24:59+07:00Yongsak Tantipidokeyskidok@gmail.comPakakrong Kwankhaoyskidok@gmail.comWannisa Theantaweeyskidok@gmail.comJantima Suwanyskidok@gmail.com<p>This qualitative research aimed to extract lessons from the use of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.)<br>Wall. ex Nees or “Fah Talai Jone” herb in population sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, from the<br>beginning of the outbreak until 31 December 2021. Five case studies were purposively selected including<br>one family, one community, two volunteer groups and one non-profit organization that involved in assisting<br>patients during the pandemic. Focus group discussion and in-depth interview were used to collect<br>data. Case studies and content analysis were performed to answer research questions. The study found<br>that self-care using the Fah Talai Jone herb by the general public occurred in three patterns: self-care<br>within families, self-care within communities, and care provided by volunteer groups, with advocacy<br>and support from non-profit organizations. This led to a more widespread use of herbal remedies and<br>expanded assistance to other communities. Data regarding the use of herbal medicine in patients were<br>recorded, monitored, and evaluated in various manner. However, the study concluded several key lessons<br>that should be reviewed and utilized to promote the more effective use of herbal remedies, including<br>prioritizing the fastest possible access to medicine for patients, using other types of herbal remedies and<br>treatment methods to alleviate symptoms for faster recovery, and reducing potential side effects resulting<br>from excessive use of any particular type of herbal medicine. Furthermore, the study emphasized the use<br>of herbal remedies in high-risk groups, ensuring that they were able to avoid contracting COVID-19.<br>Recommendations for the development of herbal medicine use for the self-reliance of general public in<br>emergency situations were finally formulated.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/16000Exploring the Effects of Establishing a Psychiatric Ward in Hatyai Regional Hospital2024-10-31T08:45:14+07:00Chaiyasit Thepchatrithepeye@gmail.comSorawat Sangkaewthepeye@gmail.comHathaitip Tamviriyakulthepeye@gmail.comThanyalak Wanliangthepeye@gmail.comWilawan Prayoonsawatdatthepeye@gmail.comSiwawong Petcharatthepeye@gmail.comPawanrat Kongrueangthepeye@gmail.comChada Khongpaitoonthepeye@gmail.comKhodeeyoh Kasohthepeye@gmail.com<p>Mental health disorders and substance abuse in Thailand heavily strain healthcare resources. Psychiatric wards in general hospitals improve access to comprehensive care, but their effect on patient outcomes and healthcare system efficiency in Thailand remains underexplored. This study aimed to compare patient<br>demographics, clinical characteristics, and referral rates before and after establishing a psychiatric ward, and to evaluate the impact of ward on patient’s care outcomes. This quasi-experimental pre-post study analyzed data from patients treated at a tertiary care hospital between 2019 and 2024. Demographic and clinical<br>characteristics, including psychiatric and physical conditions, referral rates, and outcomes, were compared before and after the psychiatric ward’s establishment in October 2022. Interrupted time series analysis assessed referral trends, and descriptive statistics compared patient characteristics and treatment outcomes. From this study, a total of 783 patients were recruited, with 497 treated before and 286 after the ward’s establishment. The primary diagnoses shifted from substance use disorders (78.7% to 34.9%) to schizophrenia (6.4% to 33.2%), while mood disorders increased from 14.9% to 24.1%. Many patients presented with coexisting physical conditions requiring care. The median length of stay increased from 2 days (IQR: 1-4) to 13 days (IQR: 7-23, p<0.001), while readmission rates remained stable (1.6% vs. 2.8%, p=0.258). Clinical<br>outcomes improved, with reductions in psychiatric symptoms and SAVE scores at discharge. Referral rates trended downward with a non-significantly immediate reduction (change=-8.64, 95% CI: -234 to 307,p=0.848) and no significant change in trend after the ward’s establishment (slope change=-1.16, 95% CI:-6.33 to 4.01, p=0.656). The establishment of psychiatric wards in regional and general hospitals has<br>significantly improved patient care outcomes, allowing for comprehensive treatment addressing both physical<br>and mental health needs through multidisciplinary teams. Patient care outcomes have also markedly improved,<br>while referral rates to specialized facilities have trended to decline. Expanding psychiatric units and resources<br>in regional and general hospitals has improved patient access and care continuity. This integrated model<br>enhances treatment efficacy and reduces mental health stigma by incorporating psychiatric care into general<br>healthcare settings.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/16001Development Palliative Pharmaceutical Care in Maharaj Nakhonsrithammarat Hospital, Thailand2024-10-31T09:08:24+07:00Supenporn Aksornwongsupenporn5715@gmail.com<p>This study aimed to develop a palliative care system at Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital,<br>enabling patients to access high-quality opioids analgesics while meeting the health service system criteria<br>(Service Plan) in the field of palliative care which was set at no less than 40 percent, It also aimed to<br>explore knowledge and understanding of drug use issues, patient behaviors, with a focus on addressing<br>protection of unwanted side effects of medication. The study was conducted as a action research<br>involving problem analysis in collaboration with the patient care team, tool development for system<br>improvement, and following the laid-out system. The study was divided into two periods. The first period, from<br>October 2018 to September 2020, focused on the system for delivering injectable opioids to<br>patients for home use. The results showed that patients access to opioid drugs increased from 5.84% to<br>20.25%, and 42.60% from the year 2018 to 2020, respectively. All patients could choose to return<br>to pass away at home as per their wishes by receiving injectable opioids pain relief drugs. The second<br>period, from January to September 2020, concentrated on pharmaceutical care by pharmacists at palliative<br>outpatient clinics. Data were collected from March to August 2020, involved 85 patients with 40 males<br>(47.06%), and 45 females (52.94%). The study involved a review of drug use history and medication<br>recommendations of 345 follow-up visits. The most common issue identified was adverse drug reactions,<br>accounting for 45.41% of all medication-related problems out of a total of 262 occurrences, with<br>constipation being the most prevalent (89.07%). The most common reason for non-compliance with<br>medication was the concern about side effects when patients learned that the medication contained opioids<br>(29.41%); and the most common problem regarding medication use was the irregular administering of<br>pain relief drugs (around the clock), with a rate of 27.9%. A system for tracking medication returns was<br>created, with a total value of 62,747.70 baht.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/16002A Preliminary Study on Computer Vision Syndrome Symptoms among Hospital Staff in Trang Hospital2024-10-31T09:21:39+07:00Watcharin Tayatitidaporn.pthcu@gmail.comTidaporn Tairattanasuwantidaporn.pthcu@gmail.com<p>Currently, the era of digital technology is rapidly advancing in the fields of medicine and public health.<br>Technology is being leveraged to develop systems and manage healthcare, including the use of digital<br>platforms for data organization, disease diagnosis, and the development of medical devices to enhance<br>patient treatment. However, prolonged use of digital devices such as smartphones and computers may<br>result in computer vision syndrome (CVS), characterized by symptoms like headaches, blurred<br>vision, dry eyes, and visual instability. This study aimed to investigate and compare CVS symptoms<br>between medical professionals and support staff at Trang Hospital, Thailand. The investigation involved a<br>questionnaire on CVS symptoms and utilizes descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test for group<br>differences, and Chi-square test for population proportions. A total of 139 participants were categorized<br>into medical professionals (n=85) and support staff (n=54). The basic demographic data showed no<br>significant differences between the 2 groups, except for the proportion of hours spent using computers,<br>which was higher in the support staff group. Statistical analysis revealed that support staff, who use<br>computers regularly, reported higher levels of CVS symptoms compared to medical professionals. The<br>most reported symptoms were eye pain, eye irritation, and headaches. The study suggests a correlation<br>between CVS symptoms in hospital staff and the number of hours spent using computers. These<br>findings offer valuable insights for policy development and preventive measures. Additionally, the study<br>encourages the exploration of physical therapy interventions to alleviate CVS symptoms in hospital staff<br>in the future.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/16003Pulmonary Embolism in Reoperation of Alveolar Ridge Cancer: a Case Study2024-10-31T09:30:37+07:00Thitinat Anukoolprasertoty42@hotmail.com<p>Complications after alveolar ridge cancer surgery such as a dehiscenced wound or infected wound<br>because this is rich of saliva organ requiring reoperation to correct these complications. In addition, deep<br>vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are major postoperative complications which life threatening<br>conditions, particularly in patients with many risk factors such as old age (>70 years old), active<br>cancer, immobilization for more than 3 days, and infected postoperative wound. In this case report we<br>found thrombosis in the right internal jugular vein and a massive pulmonary embolism during surgery<br>making the patient to have unstable vital signs. It was difficult condition to decide because we could not<br>perform definite treatment for pulmonary embolism between surgery. The use of anticoagulant might<br>increase blood loss in the surgical field and our institute was unable to perform thrombectomy. This case<br>study shares an experience when encounters difficult hematological condition during surgical operation.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15984Challenges of the Public Health Policies for the Year 20252024-10-30T21:14:44+07:00Wiwat Rojanapithayakornwiwatroj@yahoo.com2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15982Introduction2024-10-30T21:02:44+07:00Wiwat Rojanapithayakornwiwatroj@yahoo.com2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 https://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/15980Full Issue2024-10-30T20:48:02+07:00Wiwat Rojanapithayakornwiwatroj@yahoo.com2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024 Ministry of Public Healthhttps://thaidj.org/index.php/JHS/article/view/16007Cover2024-10-31T10:10:34+07:00Wiwat Rojanapithayakornwiwatroj@yahoo.com2024-10-31T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2024