bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Material Flow Analysis (MFA) Study for Sustainable Management of PVC Wastes in Thailand (Phase III)
Authors:   , Khomchu Wikanda
Published: September 2023

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products are used for domestic consumption more than 400,000 tons annually and tend to be increasing in Thailand. After discarded, these products will become wastes which are being accumulated and could cause several environmental problems if they are disposed by inappropriate method. In previous studies, our group investigated the material flow of PVC in Thailand to handle the PVC waste problems. Material Flow Analysis (MFA) model was developed to estimate the quantity and route of PVC wastes in Thailand. Furthermore, the primary data were collected from recycle shops and landfill sites were used to estimate the amount of PVC wastes that are generated and recycled on yearly basis. Phase III study was carried out in order to further proceed the MFA model by using annual domestic production data from 1971 to 2016 as an input in the model along with an average service lifetime of each product, consumer behaviour and economic decisions and off-spec products for accuracy estimation. Moreover, sheet & film product were included in this investigation in order to expand range of PVC products, in which covers about 93% of total PVC products in Thailand. In addition, the existing primary data were revised along with the new data were from other recycle shops and converters to estimate the amount recycled PVC products in 2015 and 2016 together with recycling ratio of each PVC product in Thailand. Finally, potential improvements of PVC waste management and suitable data collection system are proposed in order to promote environmentally friendly schemes for PVC production and utilization.
GAS SENSING RESPONSE OF NICKEL DOPED CALCIUM COPPER TITANATE THIN FILMS SYNTHESIZED BY SOL-GEL METHOD
Authors:   , Boontum Arisara
Published: September 2023

Nickel-doped calcium copper titanate (Ni-doped CCTO) thin films prepared by nickel oxide (NiO) and nickel (II) acetate (C4H6NiO4) have been synthesized using sol-gel method. Four layers of Ni-doped CCTO films with various nickel dopant concentrations including undoped film were deposited by a spin coating technique on silicon and alumina substrates. Each film layer was annealed at a fixed annealing temperature of 800 °C. All samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Only the doped films prepared by NiO were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, the CCTO films were fabricated as gas sensors to measure gas sensing properties. XRD patterns showed that the main phase of undoped and Ni-doped CCTO were a cubic perovskite structure and there is only a small amount of impurity phase of rutile TiO2. The XPS signals confirmed that Ni2+ was found in Ni-doped CCTO films. Moreover, FESEM images presented the films thickness of approximately 400-600 nm for four-layered films on silicon and the surface of the films contained granular particles. In case of gas sensing property measurements, the obtained films were tested towards different types of gases (NO2, H2, NH3, H2S and ethanol). All films exhibited the best selectivity towards H2S compared to other gases. In addition, the sensor response of the films increases with increasing Ni-doping concentrations. The 7 wt% Ni-doped CCTO sensor prepared by NiO exhibited the highest sensor response of 112 under 10 ppm H2S at 250 °C while the highest sensor response of 5 wt% Ni-doped CCTO sensor prepared by nickel (II) acetate was 175 at 300 °C. In both cases, the sensor response of Ni-doped CCTO films is more than that of the undoped indicating that Ni-dopants in the films acting as a catalyst improve much better sensor responses.
EFFECTS OF GAMMA RAY IRRADIATION ON STRUCTURAL AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF CsI:Tl CRYSTALS
Authors:   , Sintham Poramin
Published: September 2023

In this research work, effects of gamma ray irradiation on structural and optical properties of CsI doped with Tl (CsI:Tl), which is a scintillator material used for radiation detector applications, were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-VIS spectroscopy and X-ray luminescence spectroscopy. The CsI:Tl crystals used in this study were grown by a modified homemade Bridgman-Stockbarger technique with CsI powder precursors purities of 99.999% and 99.9% and with the same amount of Tl in form powder of Tl. It is observed that CsI:Tl crystal grown with the 99.999% CsI powder precursor exhibited a colorless crystal ingot, while a use of the 99.9% CsI powder precursor resulted in an orange CsI:Tl crystal ingot. To verify a uniformity of CsI:Tl crystals, the ingots were divided into three parts: the top, middle and bottom of the ingots. Both the CsI:Tl crystals exhibited a poly crystalline, which has a cubic structure with a lattice constant in the range of 0.453-0.456 nm. Noted that only a bottom part of an orange crystal ingot exhibited a lower crystallinity and showed XRD feature, corresponding to calcite (CaCO3). This results in a merging of the Tl-related state and the CsI bandgap for the orange crystal. To avoid an effect from impurity, the middle part of both the crystal was selected to irradiate by gamma ray, showing an increase of grain size, a higher crystallinity and a decrease of conductivity observed by FESEM images. Moreover, a merging of the Tl-related state and the CsI bandgap, which was observed in the orange crystal before a gamma ray irradiation, was observed in both CsI:Tl crystals after gamma ray irradiation of 5 Gy. X-ray luminescence spectra showed a large reduction of luminescence intensity after one day irradiation of the gamma ray and then it recovered back to a similar intensity compared to that of before gamma ray irradiation of 1.0 Gy after 7 days. Furthermore, an efficiency of radiation detection and an energy resolution of both the CsI:Tl scintillator were detected. It is found that with increasing gamma ray irradiation doses up to 5.0 Gy, an efficiency of radiation detection was decreased, while an energy resolution was not significantly different. Noted that the colorless CsI:Tl crystal shows a higher energy resolution than that of the orange crystal. As a result, effects of gamma ray on both the structural and optical properties of CsI:Tl crystals, which depended on an impurity level, were directly affected on a performance of radiation detection.
Effect of TiO2 morphology on efficiency of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite solar cells
Authors:   , Songtanasit Ramon
Published: September 2023

A TiO2 compact (cp) layer or blocking layer (bl) plays a crucial role in a hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cell (PSC) because it prevents the carrier recombination at the interface of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and perovskite layers. In this work, fabrication, characterizations of cp-TiO2 and their effects on the PSC were studied. The cp-TiO2 layers in this work were fabricated by radio frequency (RF)-magnetron sputtering method and spin coating method with various conditions. The cp-TiO2 layer was incorporated into the PSC device structure consisting of Au/spiro-OMeTAD/MAPbI3/mp-TiO2/cp-TiO2/FTO. For the sputtering method, cp-TiO2 could selectively block the transport of holes from TiO2 to the FTO layer, but it might not be appropriate to transfer electrons from the perovskite layer to the FTO. For a spin coating method, TiO2 layer cannot completely block the transport of holes from TiO2 to the FTO layer, but it can be used as an electron transporting layer for PSCs. Energy gaps of TiO2 by sputtering and spin coating were found to be in the range of 3.65 – 3.77 eV corresponding to the anatase phase. However, morphologies of TiO2 fabricated by sputtering and spin coating methods are not the same. For the sputtering method, morphology of TiO2 layer is similar to FTO. For spin coating, there are very fine round grains of TiO2 on FTO surface as observed in the AFM phase images. This directly affects the performance of the PSCs. It is found that the best condition for spin coating of compact and mesoporous TiO2 layers is 5,000 rpm for 30 s with the corresponding maximum power conversion efficiency of about 6.6%.
Catalytic Activity of Cu-CeO2ZrO2 for Biodiesel Production
Authors:   , Wongvitvichot Wasupon
Published: September 2023

CeO2-ZrO2 was synthesized by co-precipitation (CZ copre) and nanocasting (MSP CZ) methods for supporting 9%wt Cu catalyst loaded by deposition-precipitation (DP) method (CuCZ copre and Cu-MSP CZ, respectively). Both CuCZ copre and Cu-MSP CZ were used in esterification reaction for biodiesel production. Structure and specific surface area of the synthesized supports and catalysts were characterized by XRD and BET tecnhiques. It was found that the specific surface area of CZ copre was less than MSP CZ support. The XRD result of CuCZ copre exhibited the diffraction peak of CuO, indicating the agglomeration of Cu species on support while that of Cu-MSP CZ showed no diffraction peaks of any Cu species, indicating that Cu was well dispersed on the MSP CZ support. Both CuCZ copre and Cu-MSP CZ were treated with sulfuric acid to test their catalytic activity using oleic acid and methanol as starting materials by microwave heating. The optimal conditions obtained were following: 2.0 M sulfuric acid, 5 wt% catalyst, and 12:1 methanol:oleic acid molar ratio at 60 °C for 1h.
The synthesis, modification and application of silica nanoparticles in polymethyl methacrylate denture base
Authors:   , jiangkongkho Pornpot
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to investigate amount of γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) silanized on experimental nanosilica particles (NPs), amount of NPs and amount of MPS silanized NP on flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), and fracture toughness (FT) of NP reinforced polymethymethacrylate (PMMA). The chemisorbed amount of MPS was determined using elemental analysis. Six groups (n=8) were prepared with chemisorbed amount and mixed with PMMA-monomer to make 0.25, 0.5, 1, 5, 10 and 15% (w/w) of NP reinforced PMMA. PMMA without NP served as control. Seven groups (n=8) were prepared with 1% of NPs silanized with 0, 0.061, 0.123, 0.246, 0.493, 0.987, and 1.974 gMPS/gsilica and mixed with PMMA-monomer to make NPs reinforced PMMA. FS, FM, and FT were determined using 3-point bending test. One-way ANOVA and multiple comparisons showed that 0.246 gMPS/gsilica of 1% amount of silanized NP group was significantly highest in FS, FM, and FT compared to the others (p<0.05).
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND CULTURAL FACTORS TOWARDS UTILIZATION OF INSECTICIDE TREATED NETS (ITNS) AMONG RAKHINE ETHNIC GROUP IN ANN TOWNSHIP, RAKHINE STATE, MYANMAR
Authors:   , Oo Aung
Published: September 2023

This study is to find associations between general characteristic, knowledge, attitudes and cultural factors on malaria prevention toward utilization of insecticidal nets (ITNs) among Rakhine ethnic groups, in Ann Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar. An analytic cross sectional study was conducted among 420 Rakhine ethnic groups aged more than 18 years old from 10 villages in Ann Township. Data were collected by using face-to-face interview. The study found only 3.6% of respondents had good knowledge level, 19.0% good attitude level and 38.8% good practice level towards utilization of ITNs. Female participants were 8.015 times had good practice level than male (p-value <0.001, AOR 8.015, 95% CI = 3.395-18.923). High school level participants likely to use ITNs for 14.518 times than lower education level (p-vale <0.001, AOR 14.518, 95% CI = 4.642-45.408). Married participants were 13.753 times done good practice (p-vale <0.001, AOR 13.753, 95% CI = 4.371-43.267) and widowed participants were 5.403 times done good practice than singles (p-vale 0.039, AOR 5.403, 95% CI = 1.085-26.909). Regarding the cultural factors, participants who always worked from dawn to night time were 2.203 times had good practice level than who never work at that time (p-vale 0.032, AOR 2.203, 95% CI = 1.070-4.536). Regarding knowledge level of the participants, moderate and good knowledge level were 5.125 times had good practice level than lower knowledge level participants (p-vale <0.001, AOR 5.125, 95% CI = 1.062-6.429). Health education and encouragement of people should be done to improve knowledge and utilization to use insecticide treated nets.
The Effect of Religious Intervention on Depression and Quality of Life among Indonesian Elderly: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors:   , Pramesona Bayu
Published: September 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of religious intervention on depression and quality of life among Indonesian elderly in nursing homes (NHs). Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with repeated measures. Sixty elderly residents at three NHs in three districts in Yogyakarta, Indonesia with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score of 5 to 11 were recruited and purposively assigned to the religious intervention group (combining 36 sessions of listening to Qur’anic recital and three sessions of attending a sermon by a preacher), n=30) and the control group (treatment as usual/TAU, n=30). The primary outcome was depression, measured by a short form GDS questionnaire. The quality of life (QOL) as the secondary outcome was assessed by the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF Indonesian version. Multiple comparisons on depression scores were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U-test, Friedman test, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test post-hoc analysis. For multiple comparisons on QOL scores were analyzed by Independent t-test, repeated measurement ANOVA (analysis of variance), and Bonferroni post-hoc analysis. Both groups were evaluated at the baseline, 4th, 8th, and 12nd week after the interventions were performed. Results: In both groups, there were statistically significant reductions in depression scores after the12-week intervention (p<0.001). There was also a statistically significant improvement in QOL mean scores in both intervention and control groups at the 12-week post-intervention. However, the religious intervention group showed a greater decrease in depressive symptoms and a greater improvement in the QOL mean scores than those in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference in geriatric depression median scores and QOL mean scores between groups at the 4th, 8th, and 12nd week post-interventions. Conclusions: It can be concluded that religious-based intervention has a greater impact on relieving depressive symptoms and increasing the QOL amongst elderly NH residents.
ASSESSMENT OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONGCHRONIC LIVER DISEASE PATIENTS IN MANDALAY, MYANMAR
Authors:   , Tun Chan
Published: September 2023

Background: Alcohol drinking is one of the common addictive hazardous behaviours nowadays that would definitely cause consequent health system deteriorations, especially the hepatobiliary system - chronic liver diseases. This study was to find out the patterns of alcohol consumption, levels of alcohol screening, quality of life according to gender and age groups and associations between variables among the chronic liver disease patients in Mandalay, Myanmar. Methodology: A cross-sectional study, data collection was completed by face to face interviews and secondary data from medical records from total 280 chronic liver disease patients. The questionnaires consisted of structured parts, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ). The collected data were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics using Chi-square test. Results: More than 90% of male and 7.6% of female patients had drinking alcohol in their lifetime. The commonest types of alcohol consumed in the male patients were beer (69.2%) and spirit (57.9%). Among the male drinker patients in the last month, about 66.7% drank 21 to 30 days and 22.4% drank 51-100 grams and 26.9% drank more than 100-gram for average intake and 31.3% had 51-100 gram and 28.4% had more than 100-gram for intensity. Among the lifetime drinker patients, more than 30% of the cirrhosis Child A patients, more than 50% of cirrhosis Child B or cirrhosis Child C patients, 20 % and above of the hepatitis B or hepatitis C patients were still found to be alcohol dependents. Quality of life was lowest in females, age group 55-64 year, cirrhosis Child C grading. Conclusion and Recommendation: The study indicated that even in severe disease stage, there are still a considerably proportion of current drinkers. Beer and spirit are the most available types for the drinker patients. It is strongly recommended that public health policy, alcohol counselling, harms reduction programs, mental health support should be taken actions to control the drinking practices in chronic liver disease patients because of being high risks groups – the diseased population.
UV-A AND -B BLOCKING AGENTS FOR PSORIASIS PHOTOTHERAPY
Authors:   , Mawaha Sruangsuda
Published: September 2023

UV-A and –B blocking agents are essential components for the formulation of topical cream for psoriasis phototherapy. In this research, many natural compounds were discovered as potent UV-A and UV-B blocking agents, but small number could absorb narrowband UV-B. Quercetin hydrate, oxyresveratrol and curcumin were good UV-A blocking agents, while catechin, hesperetin, lutein and naringenin were proper for UV-B blocking agents. Berberine chloride hydrate, demethoxycurcumin and mansonone G were UV-A and –B blocking agents. From random combination, the mixture of mansonone G 0.010 % w/v and quercetin hydrate 0.0025 % w/v was disclosed to be a right choice for this developed topical cream. The combination of truly two natural products as quercetin and mansonone G has never been reported for psoriasis phototherapy. In addition, this combination revealed no difference in cytotoxicity at low concentration from combination of avobenzone and octinoxate (standard compounds). For photostability test, the combination of these two compounds exhibited the same absorption at 311 nm as the unexposed compounds for the period no longer than 30 min. These two compounds were eventually formulated to produce yellow cold topical cream.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Sexual Activites among High School Students in Kendal Regency, Indonesia
Authors:   , Fauzi Ekha
Published: September 2023

Background: The risk of sexual activities among adolescents is high in globally. Unwanted pregnancy, sexual transmitted infections, and HIV are still the big problem in adolescents. This study was involved to exam the prevalence and factor associated with sexual activities among high school students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted around 145 male students and 315 female students. The total populations was 460 students with multistage random sampling technique. A self-reported questionnaire was used including Illustrative Questionnaire for Interview-Surveys with Young People, Sexual Activity Scale and Sex Education Inventory. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results: The prevalence and factor associated with sexual activities were separated 4 groups to be 60.8% of male students, 21.4% of female students, 32.9% of rural area, and 35.2% of urban area. Factor associated with sexual activities where were to be significant association in the bivariate analysis pornography p<0.001, substance use p<0.001, and smoking p<0.001, accessed sexual activities by internet p<0.001. In the multivariate analysis, pornography [OR: 7.50, 95% CI = 2.50-22.50], knowledge of reproductive health [OR: 6.49, 95% CI= 2.29-18.35], substance use [OR: 2.67, 95% CI= 1.02-6.97) conducted significant factor associated with sexual activities among high school students. Conclusions: The comprehensive sexual and HIV-AIDS education programs are extremely needed for adolescents. To provide some availability learning services, including health clinic for young people and community.
Characteristics and factors affecting contraceptive utilization in premarital sexual relationship among unmarried youths in rural Yangon Myanmar
Authors:   , Lwin Hnin
Published: September 2023

Background: Globally, youths are more sexually active compared to other age groups of the population. Several studies showed premarital sexual intercourse appears all regions around the world. The objective of this study was to access characteristics and factors affecting actual and intended contraceptive utilization in premarital sexual relationship among unmarried youths in rural Yangon, Myanmar.

Methods: A quantitative cross sectional descriptive study was done with 270 unmarried youths with the age of 15-24 who are residing in a rural township of Yangon region. Data was collected by using combined interviewer-administered questionnaire and self-administered questionnaire between September and October 2017. Self-administered questionnaire was prepared for sensitive questions on sexual experiences.

Result: The finding showed 44% of sexually active unmarried youths used at least one modern contraceptive method in their latest sexual intercourse. Always use at least one modern contraceptive method was found only in 17.6% of sexually active unmarried youths. 44.8% of unmarried youths intended to use only modern contraceptive method while 8.1% intended to use both modern and traditional contraceptive methods in the future. The final model of multiple logistic regression revealed that there was no association between any independent variables and actual use of contraception in the latest sexual intercourse and always use in the life-time. Intended use of contraception in the future showed significant positive associations with age group of respondents (p value<0.001), sex (female, p value=0.044), having own income (p value=0.013), level of attitude (p value=0.034), level of belief (p value=0.002), ever heard about contraception (p  value= 0.003), easy availability of contraception when needed (p value< 0.001), same gender service provider (p value= 0.003) and experience on sexual intercourse (p value< 0.001)in the final model of regression.

Conclusion: Low prevalence of contraceptive utilization, and low level of knowledge about contraception especially for emergency contraceptive pill and IUD were found among unmarried rural youths. Delivering more information about contraceptive methods through comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education in middle and high schools, Facebook, mobile application and edutainment program in TV channels should be implemented. Furthermore, unbiased and respectful care should be provided to both married and unmarried youths who seek reproductive health care or contraceptive service at the public or private or NGO clinic. Youth information centers or youth-friendly clinic should also be provided for youths who live in rural areas of Yangon region.
Knowledge attitude and practice (kap) of long term care services for the elderly among trained caregivers in Sisaket province Thailand
Authors:   , Doungjan Kamonthip
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices of long term care for the elderly among caregivers and to identify association between socio-demographic factors, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of long term care for the elderly among caregivers in Sisaket province.

            A cross sectional descriptive study with a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among 209 caregivers in Sisaket province from March to July 2018. Analysis of the variables was done using univariate and bivariate at 95% confident interval by SPSS Version 16.

           The result founded out of 209 caregivers, majority of them (93.8%) were female, whereas 6.2% were male. Twenty-three percent of caregiver are relatives with the elderly in their responsibility. The Majority of respondents had a high level of knowledge in elderly care (90%), 80.4% were having neutral attitude towards elderly care in long term care and 53.6 % had the moderate practice level in long term care. For association between variables found that number of home bound, caregivers’ relationship with elderly and attitude level were significantly associated with practices of long term care for the elderly among caregivers (p-value <0.05).
Factors Influencing Practice Regarding Severe Malaria Among Health Workers in Central Province, Papua New Guinea.
Authors:   , Nawara Leonard
Published: September 2023

Severe malaria is the severe form of malaria which usually leads to significant morbidity, or death if left untreated. Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one country outside sub-African where malaria is heavily endemic, despite the recent positive progresses resulting from intensified control. This study was designed to describe the current practice and investigate factors influencing practice regarding severe malaria among health workers in Central Province, PNG. This was a health facility-based cross-sectional study conducted in May 2018. A total of 142 participants completed self-administered questionnaires for analysis. The dependent variable covered all aspects of case management: overall practice, diagnosis, treatment and follow up in dichotomous outcomes – compliant and non-compliant. Pearson chi-square and Fishers exact test were used to identify associations between independent and dependent variables, and logistic regression was used to control confounders and identify predictors associated with practice regarding severe malaria. Training was lacking, where only 18.3% received some form of training in the last 6 months. Low-moderate knowledge was prevalent in 90% of the participants. Negative attitude to clinical practice was associated with non-compliance in overall practice. High knowledge, positive attitude to responsiveness and favourable cues were associated with following up of discharged severe malaria patients. High perceived benefit was associated with compliance in overall and treatment practices. This study found that high perceived benefits, high knowledge, positive attitude to responsiveness and favourable cues were associated with different aspects of practice regarding severe malaria.
Factors affecting contraceptive utilization in Myanmar youth migrants in Samutsakhon Province, Thailand.
Authors:   , Thwe Myat
Published: September 2023

In present, Myanmar youths have to face several barriers in accessing reproductive health care services for many reasons and especially migrant youths suffer more health problems and inaccessibility to health care services compared with older migrants. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors affecting the contraceptive utilization among Myanmar youth migrants in Samutsakhon Province, Thailand. The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study among 372 Myanmar youth migrants between 15- 24 years of age residing in Samutsakhon Province, Thailand. Data was collected by using self-administered questionarries with convenient sampling method between May 2018 to June 2018. Analysis of the variables was done using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis at 95% confidence level. The contraceptive utilization rate among Myanmar youth migrants in this study was 59.7% in which married youths accounted for 66.9% and unmarried youths for 46.5%.Moreover,higher percentage of traditional contraceptive methods use(21.5%) was found in this study that were considered to be ineffective methods. Most commonly used contraception among sexually active youth migrants were OC pills, injections, male condom and withdrawal method. We found that education (P value=0.000), marital status (P value=0.033), ever heard of contraception (P value=0.008), level of knowledge (P value=0.001), discussion with partners (P value=0.006) and peer pressure to use contraception (P value=0.001) were significantly associated with current use of contraception in multi-variate analysis. In addition, among health system factors, availability of contraceptive information (P value=0.037), health education materials (P value=0.004), easy availability in need (P value=0.000) and working or opening hours (P value=0.000) had significant associations with current use of contraception. Moreover, significant association was also found between waiting time responsiveness factor (P value=0.001) and current use of contraception in multivariate-analysis in this study. This study indicated that low level of contraceptive utilization rate among Myanmar youth migrants and poor level of contraceptive knowledge indicating the needs of health education and information among Myanmar youth migrants in Samutsakhon Province. Providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health knowledge, education and youth friendly health care services were critical needs to youth migrants who were vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health risks.
KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE TOWARDS HIV/AIDS PREVENTION AMONG MYANMAR FEMALE SEX WORKERS IN MAE SOT DISTRICT, TAK PROVINCE, THAILAND
Authors:   , Derkinderen Napapan
Published: September 2023

The study was carried out by using quantitative research method. The information of 120 Myanmar female sex workers (MFSW) from various prostitution businesses in different areas in Mae Sot district was collected during 20-31 October 2016 by face-to-face interview using structured questionnaires. This study aimed to describe the characteristics, to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practices on HIV/AIDS prevention and to examine the association between these independent variables with the HIV/AIDS preventive practice of MFSW. The data showed 52.5% of MFSW aged between 18 to 24 years old, 21.7% were from Karen State, 90% were Buddhist, 56.7% were illegal migrants, and 78.3% worked 3 years as FSW. In general, MFSW respondents had moderate level of overall knowledge, attitude and practice towards HIV/AIDS prevention. In addition, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman’s correlation Statistics were used for analysing the associations and correlations between independent and dependent variables. The findings revealed that earning last month of MFSW significantly associated with negative correlation (r = - 0.233 and p = 0.010). There were other factors facilitated or influenced the respondents in performing their HIV/AIDS preventive practice including type of prostitution business they belong to, location of the business and also the influence or pressure from their employers or work colleagues. Initial baseline studies and survey on HIV/AIDS should be carried out for supporting public health workers in identify interventions. Also, HIV/AIDS programme intervention needs to concern more about gender and cultural sensitivity.
RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT IN RELATION TO RESPIRATORY AND ASTHMA SYMPTOMS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN DIN DAENG DISTRICT BANGKOK THAILAND
Authors:   , Apichainan Nawarat
Published: September 2023

Background: Environmental factors have played important role to children health. Limited studies were focused on residential environments and respiratory symptoms among children living in urban area. Our study sought to 1) estimate prevalence of respiratory and asthma symptoms, and 2) examine the association between children characteristic / residential environments with the symptoms among primary school children in urban area of Bangkok, Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 658 primary school children aged 6 to 10 years between April and May 2018. Self-reported questionnaire from child’s parent was used as a measurement tool. Children’s history of respiratory and asthma symptoms within 1 year was modified from International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Binary logistic regression models were performed to find the associations. Results: Running nose without cold symptom was the highest reported respiratory and asthma symptom in the past 12 months (52.7%). Living in tenant residence was significantly associated with wheezing or whistling in the chest (asthma) (AOR = 2.362, 95%CI 1.156-4.828). Having garment/clothing shop near residence was significantly associated with shortness of breath (AOR = 1.935, 95%CI 1.060-3.529). Living in cigarette smoke area was significantly associated with dry cough at night (AOR = 1.887, 95%CI 1.075-3.309). Living in incense smoke area was significantly associated with shortness of breath (AOR = 3.767, 95%CI 1.183-11.990). Having doll in bedroom was significantly associated with dry cough at night (AOR = 2.610; 95%CI 1.720-3.959), phlegm (AOR = 2.375; 95%CI 1.618-3.488), shortness of breath (AOR = 2.440; 95%CI 1.164-5.11), and running nose without cold (AOR = 2.265; 95%CI 1.558-3.291) symptoms. Wall dampness near children’s bedroom was significantly associated with shortness of breath (AOR = 3.435; 95%CI 1.297-9.098), and running nose without cold (AOR = 2.331; 95%CI 1.034-5.257). Conclusions: Residential environments including tenant status, garment/clothing shop near residence, cigarette smoke, incense smoke, doll, window, and wall dampness were positive significantly associated with respiratory and asthma symptoms. Further intervention to improve residential environment should be considered to reduce respiratory and asthma symptoms among urban children.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MATERNAL FLUORIDE LEVEL AND PRETERM DELIVERY AND LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AMONG PREGNANCY AT ENDEMIC FLUORIDE AREAS IN LAMPHUN, THAILAND : A PREGNANCY- BIRTH COHORT STUDY
Authors:   , Theerawasttanasiri Nonthaphat
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND: Many studies mention that fluoride can transfer through placenta and exposure to fluoride during pregnancy can risk to preterm delivery and low birth weight (LBW). Nowadays, water fluoride (WF) at 0.7 mg/L was recommended as standard level for good oral health to protect dental caries while controlling the risk of dental fluorosis. Lamphun is one of six provinces in Thailand where natural WF >10.0 mg/L were found, and >50% of households used water with high fluoride. However, the evidence advocate maternal fluoride level is associated with Preterm delivery and LBW have yet to be well studied in Thailand. This study aims to assess the association between maternal fluoride (MF) among pregnancy with preterm delivery and LBW. To compare the incidence (Relative Risk: RR) of preterm birth and LBW between Low-exposed and Exposed METHODS: the cohort study on pregnancy-birth was conducted in Lamphun province between July 2016 to November 2017.Purpose sampling was used to select study areas of districts with WF >10.0 mg/L in the Mueang Lamphun, Pasang, and Ban Thi districts where WF >10.0 mg/L and LBW >7%. Village WF was used to classify study population group; WF≤ 0.70 ma/L as Low-exposed and WF>0.70 mg/L as Exposed. The 141-pregnant women age between 20 - 35 years, live in study areas within one year or more, have no risk at first ANC visit, gestational age < 30wks at first coming to the research and plan delivery at Lamphun, Pasang or Ban Thi hospital. Data will collect by interview questionnaires and medical records. Maternal urine at <30wks, 31-33wks, 34-36wks were collected to analyze fluoride level with Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) follow by TISAB. Preterm delivery and LBW were diagnosed by obstetrician or doctors. The descriptive statistics were used to describe general information of pregnant and newborn. Logistic regression will use to test the association between concentration level of fluoride in urine and preterm delivery LBW, and to compare the incidence of preterm delivery and LBW between the two study areas. RESULTS: The average level of maternal urine fluoride (MUF) was 1.27 (± .1.08) mg/L. There was a strong significant difference of MUF (p=.001) between two groups, the MUF level of Exposed (1.65 ± 1.35) was higher than Low-exposed (0.98 ± .0.16). There were not suspected factors statistically significantly associated with Preterm delivery, whereas pregnant who have MUF level more than 0.5 mg/L (p = .003), was associated with increased of LBW. The RR of preterm delivery = 0.35 (95% CI = 0.0748 - 1.7129), and RR of LBW = 1.53 (95% CI = 0.6188 - 3.8011) CONCLUSIONS: Our finding on MUF more than 0.5 mg/L was determined to increase of LBW but there was no associated with Preterm birth.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Self-medication with Antibiotics among General Public in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors:   , Shrestha Parishan
Published: September 2023

Background: The inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to development and spread of bacterial resistance globally resulting in thousands of deaths every year. In Nepal, the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics is higher. This study is designed to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication with antibiotics among the general public. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey conducted during the month of May, 2018 among 437 general public of Ward number 16 of Kathmandu Metropolitan using standardized questionnaire which has been validated and reliability tested. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the general characteristics (socio-demographic, socio-economic and distance from nearest health facility) and level of knowledge, attitude and practice. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between general characteristics and level of knowledge, attitude and practice and multivariate analysis was used when needed (multinomial logistic regression). Result: Out of 437 participants, 31.1% had poor knowledge on antibiotics, 16.2% had poor attitude while around 10.0% self-medicated with antibiotics within the last 1 year. Gender, marital status, education, occupation and income were associated with level of knowledge while age, marital status, education and occupation were associated with level of attitude at 95% confidence interval whereas none were associated with level of practice. Being male, single, education of high school or lower, and lower income were statistically significant with poor knowledge (p-value < 0.05) while being single, educational of high school or lower, with employment and in non-health related field were found to be independently associated with poor attitude (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: Although, low prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics in this study indicates good practice which could possibly be due to urban population, low knowledge on antibiotics underscore the need of educational interventions from the government on rational use of antibiotics targeting both rural and urban population.
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND BEHAVIOR REGARDING MEDICAL SOCIAL WORK AMONG HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS IN ONCOLOGY HOSPITAL- HO CHI MINH CITY- VIETNAM
Authors:   , Truong Quynh
Published: September 2023

Understanding the knowledge, attitude and behavior of healthcare providers about medical social work is very important to understand the challenges that social worker might face in multidiscipline teams or hospital settings; and the feasibility of adopting new policies. This study is designed to investigate knowledge attitude and behavior among healthcare professional towards medical social work in Oncology hospital in Ho Chi Minh city. The data of this cross-sectional study was collected by face – to face interviews with full-time medical staffs who have working in the Oncology hospital for more than one years. Based on the literature review and previous studies, a structured questionnaire had been developed and validated by expert reviews to measure the level of knowledge, attitude, and behavior. The stratified random sampling technique was used Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Multiple Linear Regression were applied for data analyze. The study found there was a low level of knowledge. There were nearly a half of respondents had a negative attitude and two-thirds of medical staffs had towards medical social work. Among 298 participants who are nurses, physicians, pharmacists and medical technicians, physicians had the lowest knowledge and behavior score, second lowest attitude score. Gender, education level, and number of working hour were all the factors which were statistically significantly associated with attitude score. Interaction frequency, education level and interaction with social workers were associated with behavior score while just only experience factor was associated with knowledge score. their knowledge, attitude, and behavior towards medical social work of medical staffs should be improved by education programs.This study provides a baseline information on the knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding social work and serves as a basis for conducting future research as well as designing intervention program.
QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG HYPERTENSION POPULATION AGE 45 YEARSAND ABOVE IN KATHMANDU VALLEY NEPAL: A HOSPITAL BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors:   , Bastola Sasmrita
Published: September 2023

The importance of the issue, in recent years, the disease has a high prevalence of the disease is higher in countries with low income. But there is a constant among the countries with high income. According to the World Health Organization It is estimated that in the year 2573 population of almost 23.6 million people will die from cardiovascular disease. The main cause of heart disease and intracranial hemorrhage. The main purpose of this research. To study the factors that affect quality of life. Patients with hypertension aged 45 years and over at the hospital. In the city of Kathmandu, Nepal. Method The study is based on cross-sectional study. In patients with hypertension aged 45 years and over were calculated by Cochran of patients with high blood pressure, which in 2549 had a rate of 22.7 percent, according to a selected sample. conveniently Analyzed using descriptive statistics to summarize the physical characteristics of the sample and one-way ANOVA test to determine the relationship between independent variables and the dependent variable. Result: A sample of 300 people were male, 55.3 percent female, 44.7 percent were high blood pressure, age range 51-60 years, or at least as high blood pressure at age 71 years and over are married and live. with 86.7 percent, 12 percent did not receive a school education, 56.3 percent of nonsmokers and 59 percent of those who do not drink alcohol disease, high blood pressure and 64 percent have no medical MRI. 20.3 percent had diabetes, found that age, income, duration of disease, high blood pressure and duration of oral disease, high blood pressure. And the patient's underlying disease Is related to the quality of life of patients suffering from high blood pressure. And responding to the impact of the quality of life of patients with hypertension at the age of 45 years.
Residential environments and sleep-disordered breathing in Bangkok Thailand: a repeated cross-sectional study
Authors:   , Lappharat Sattamat
Published: September 2023

Since epidemiological associations have demonstrated the effects of long-term air pollution to OSA through a physiological mechanism linking particulate matter exposure to OSA. We enrolled 81 participants from the Excellence Center for Sleep Disorders at King Chulalongkorn Memorial hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. This study consists of two seasons (the wet and the dry seasons), which it started during the period of January in 2016 to April in 2017. Personal information, bedroom environmental characteristics, subjective sleep quality, underlying diseases, bedroom environmental conditions (PM10, temperature, and relative humidity), and urinary melatonin were obtained by a face-to-face interview, medical record, field analysis, and laboratory analysis respectively. A big proportion of participants experienced poor sleep and was suffered from severe OSA. An elevation in 1-year mean PM10 concentration was significantly associated with an increase in an apnea-hypopnea index (Beta = 1.04, p value = 0.021), and respiratory disturbance index (Beta = 1.07, p value = 0.013). An increase of bedroom temperature during sleep was significantly associated with poorer sleep quality (AOR = 1.46, 95% CI; 1.01, 2.10; p value = 0.044). Associations between PM10 concentration and respiratory disturbance index were observed in the dry season (Beta = 0.59, p value = 0.040) but not in the wet season (Beta =0.39, p value = 0.215). PM10 was not associated with subjective sleep quality. A significant association between PM10 concentrations and low levels of urinary melatonin was found (AOR = 1.06, 95% CI; 1.00, 1.11; p value = 0.048), and participants whose bedroom had an elevation of PM10 concentrations, it has a statistically significant 1.07-fold increased odds of low melatonin concentrations (≤ 15.24 ng/mg) (95% CI; 1.01-1.13; p value = 0.034). This research suggests that lowering in exposure to particulate matter and suitable bedroom environments may lessen the severity of OSA, promote good sleep, and improve or maintain melatonin level.
Internet addiction and health problems through smartphone among international students in a university in Bangkok Thailand : online questionnaire
Authors:   , Phromsiri Supattra
Published: September 2023

The increase in Internet use through smartphones, particularly among the generation Y group, has brought about several health challenges in today’s society. Few studies have investigated the issue of Internet addiction (IA) through the smartphone in Bangkok to date. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess IA level and to determine Internet-related health problems among international program students in a university in Bangkok. Further, this study sought to determine the association between level of smartphone IA and health problems. Data regarding the pattern of Internet use, IA level, and related health problems were collected via a self-administered online questionnaire. Validity and reliability of the instrument were evaluated and deemed acceptable for research prior to use. Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT), a standardized instrument, was used to measure the IA level (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact test. Of the 351 participants (mean age 26.8 years, SD ± 7.1), 44% were in the level of mild IA, 34% in the moderate level, and 3% severe level. Overall, eye strain was most reported by the participants (73%). More than one-third of all participants said having had experienced headaches (41%), inadequate sleep (55%), and cramped hand/wrist/arm (40%); accidents were the least reported (21%). IA level was significantly associated with the occurrence of eye strain, inadequate sleep, and hand/wrist/arm cramping. The evidence based of this study regarding Internet addiction and health problems may point to strategic plan of prevention and intervention for implementing policy in the future.
PATTERNS OF HEROIN USE AND RISK BEHAVIORS AMONG PRISONERS IN COLOMBO,SRI LANKA
Authors:   , Dissanayake Theruwani
Published: September 2023

Heroin is a highly addictive drug which affect a number of problems for users as well as society. However, there were no any recent data regarding heroin users among prisoner in Sri Lanka. This study aimed to identify the patterns of heroin use, risk behaviors and level of addiction among male prisoners in Sri Lanka. A face to face interview questionnaire was administrated purposively sampling among 334 heroin users aged 18 years and above. The average of age was 37.8 ± 6.1 while average age of heroin first used was 30.8 ± 4.2. Drug use was largely introduced from friends (86%) and peer pressure was the main reason to use heroin (93%). Smoking is the main route of administration (Almost 98%). Nearly 96% reported that they used every day. Only 5% reported drug overdose experience. Among them nearly 53% had two times of overdosing. Tobacco smoking and alcohol use were more prominent (62.6%, 76.3% respectively). There was a high prevalence (81%) of risk behavior with multiple partners. Tattoo making experienced was 37%. The majority (93%) had ever been arrested. Drug trafficking, heroin using and crimes were prominent reasons (55%, 9.4%, 8.7% respectively). Most heroin users were severely addictive (98%). It is essential for policy makers to provide prevention program and harm reduction for heroin use., overdose and risk behaviors among this group prior going out from the prison and living in the society.