Journal of disease and health hazard Eastern Region Thailand (JDH)

Supporting Factors Affecting Health Literacy in the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases Among Village Health Volunteers in Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province

Panya Suwanthong — 2025-09-26

Health literacy plays a crucial role in reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly among village health volunteers (VHVs), who serve as key agents in communicating and disseminating health knowledge at the community level. This study aimed to examine personal factors and supportive factors influencing health literacy in NCDs prevention, assess the level of health literacy, and identify significant predictors of health literacy among VHVs in Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a stratified random sample of 265 VHVs. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire with content validity and high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.95–0.99). Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and Multiple regression
analysis (enter method) were applied. The results revealed that more than 60% of VHVs were older than 50 years, female, had an education level lower than an associate degree, had over seven years of volunteer experience, and had attended health training more than five times. Supportive factors for health literacy were rated high to very high, including attitude and motivation support (Mean = 4.53, S.D. = 0.58), access to health information
(Mean = 4.31, S.D. = 0.64), support from health agencies (Mean = 4.42, S.D. = 0.64), and community
network support (Mean = 4.18, S.D. = 0.79). The overall health literacy level for NCDs prevention was also high
(Mean = 4.32, S.D. = 0.62). Multiple regression analysis indicated that three factors significantly predicted health literacy at the 0.05 level: access to health information (Beta = 0.56, p-value < 0.001), community network support (Beta = 0.27, p-value < 0.001), and attitude and motivation support (Beta = 0.13, p-value < 0.001), jointly explaining 79% of the variance in health literacy (R² = 0.79, F = 238.93, p-value < 0.001). In conclusion, enhancing access to health information, strengthening community network support, and fostering positive attitudes and motivation are key strategies to improve VHVs’ health literacy and effectiveness in NCDs prevention. Investment in capacity building for VHVs is therefore essential to support Thailand’s long-term strategy for sustainable NCDs prevention and control.

Development of Cholangiocarcinoma Screening System in Community

sirunnat kanthasap — 2025-09-26

This research and development study aimed to develop a screening service system for cholangiocarcinoma
among at-risk populations under the strategic plan for the elimination of liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma
in Lamphun Province. The study was conducted in three phases: (1) situation survey and problem analysis,(2)
development of the screening service system, and (3) monitoring and evaluation. Data were collected from October 2023 to April 2025. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, and mean.
The results showed that the developed service model comprised five key components: (1) integration of collaboration between the Department of Disease Control and partner networks to support mobile royal ultrasound units, increase the number of ultrasound machines in the area, and provide skilled screening personnel; (2) proactive communication through multiple channels of health promotion and initial risk assessment conducted by village health volunteers and community health leaders; (3) provision of proactive screening services in communities; (4) development of an information system for recording risk behaviors and abdominal ultrasound results; and
(5) assignment of a primary responsible physician in each area for referral management when further investigation was required. The outcomes revealed that the number of people receiving cholangiocarcinoma screening services increased by 9.8%, which exceeded the Ministry of Public Health’s target by 12.1%.
In conclusion, the development of this screening service system improved access to cholangiocarcinoma
screening, enhanced the efficiency of resource utilization, and enabled timely management of suspected
cholangiocarcinoma cases.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections among At-Risk Populations in Lopburi Provincial Administrative Organization

Suchanwat Somsorn — 2025-09-26

Hepatitis B and C viruses remain major public health concerns worldwide and in Thailand, as they can lead to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Populations born before 1992, who did not benefit from universal hepatitis B vaccination, are at particular risk. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of hepatitis B and C infections among at - risk populations in Lopburi Province.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 429 at - risk individuals aged 30 years and older who underwent proactive screening with rapid test kits. The screening took place between October 2024 and February 2025 in four subdistrict health - promoting hospitals under Lopburi Provincial Administrative Organization. Data were collected using standardized screening forms from the Demonstration Center for Preventive Medicine, Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 4, and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 1.17%, while anti - hepatitis C virus antibody (Anti-HCV) was 0.70%. Most HBV - positive individuals were female, aged 60 years or older, and married, whereas most HCV - positive cases were male, aged 50–59 years, and engaged in informal occupations (labor/trade). The most common risk factors included being born before 1992 (99.3%) and sharing sharp instruments (55.94%), both of which were associated with infection. Tattooing or body piercing outside medical facilities was reported by only 0.47% of participants, yet half of them were HCV - positive.
Conclusion: Although the prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections among at-risk populations in Lopburi Province was lower than national and specific population estimates, the issue remains a significant concern. Proactive
screening of individuals born before 1992, campaigns to reduce high-risk behaviors, and strengthened local
collaboration to ensure timely treatment are essential for reducing transmission and supporting the national strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.

Health Literacy on Preventive Behaviors for HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections among Female Sex Workers in Pattaya City, Chonburi Province

chanissara thuwakham — 2025-09-30

This cross - sectional survey aimed to assess health literacy regarding HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) preventive behaviors among female sex workers in Pattaya City, Chonburi Province. The target population comprised women aged over 18 years who voluntarily participated. A total of 348 participants were selected using two - stage cluster sampling. Data were collected by a questionnaire adapted from the Ministry of Public Health's health literacy framework and Huynh’s instrument. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. The findings indicated that 59.8% of participants had a high level of health literacy in HIV/AIDS and STIs prevention, with an average score of 125 points (range 43–160 point). When categorized into five key skills, over 70% of the participants demonstrated high levels in accessing (76.4%), understanding (83.0%), appraising (71.8%), and decision - making (76.1%), while only 49.7% achieved a high level in application. Reported gaps included difficulty remembering important health information (32.8%), inconsistent condom use with intimate partners (56.6%) compared to clients (occasional and regular: 89.0%), never undergoing HIV testing (27.6%), and never receiving gynecological examinations for STIs screening (25.9%). The study suggests that public health personnel should promote co - designed health literacy interventions, particularly in developing self - reminder and self - management skills for disease prevention. Additionally, risk communication and the consistent, correct use of condoms with all sexual partners should be emphasized to prevent HIV infection among female sex workers and to improve their overall quality of life.

A Study of Factors Affecting to Falls with Hip Fractures in Elderly in Health Region 6

Charnchai Manafao — 2025-09-30

This study was a retrospective cross - sectional study. The objective was to examine the characteristics of older adults with hip fractures from falls and to analyze the factors influencing hip fractures after falls among older adults in Health Region 6. Data were obtained from the Injury Surveillance Online (IS - Online) system during
2020 – 2024. The study population was older adults aged 60 years and above, totaling 1,918 cases. Statistical analysis included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, and the relationships among variables were examined using inferential statistics with a significance level of 0.05. Descriptive statistics were frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, and logistic regression analysis was performed. All cases were diagnosed as hip fractures from falls.
The study results found that most of the deceased were female (56.7%), with an average age of 74 years. The largest proportion was older adults aged 80 years and above (53.3%). Most falls occurred inside the home (86.7%), with the main cause being tripping or mis-stepping (96.7%). The proportion of older adults transferred for treatment after more than 30 minutes was as high as 91.7%. Analysis of risk factors related to death showed that older adults aged 80 years and above had a higher risk than those in younger age groups (OR = 2.35,
p = 0.002). Falls occurring outside the home increased the risk (OR = 1.75, p = 0.030), and receiving treatment after more than 30 minutes also increased the likelihood of death (OR = 1.50, p = 0.010).
The findings indicated that emphasis should be placed on preventing falls outside the home such as improving walkways and roads for safety, increasing lighting in transit areas, and encouraging older adults to wear appropriate footwear when going outdoors. Promotion of exercise to prevent falls among older adults as well as the development of health service systems that can ensure safety for older adults should be further implemented.