Journal of Health Promotion and Environmental Health Research Health Promotion Centre 8 Udon Thani

The Situation of Wastewater Treatment System in Hospital, Regional Health 8

2025-10-27T10:57:48+07:00

Abstract

This study investigated the Situation of Wastewater Treatment System in Hospital, Health Region 8. A survey research design was employed with three objectives: (1) to examine the status and conditions of hospital wastewater treatment systems, (2) to assess the relationship between hospital types and the capacity of wastewater treatment systems, and (3) to examine the relationship between hospital types and effluent quality. A purposive sampling method was applied to 88 hospitals, and data were collected via questionnaires from July to August 2024. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and group comparisons, were used for data analysis.

Results showed that 66 hospitals responded within the study period. The majority of respondents were male (54.54%), aged 31–41 years (33.33%), held a bachelor’s degree (95.45%), and were government officers (71.21%). The main wastewater treatment systems were Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) systems (50.00%), with an average system age of 25 years. Most hospitals, including regional and general hospitals (levels A, S, and M1), had insufficient treatment capacity, and some large community hospitals (M2) also faced capacity issues. Hospital type was significantly associated with system capacity problems (p < .05). Regarding effluent quality, noncompliance with wastewater standards was observed across all hospital types, with total solids and total dissolved solids (TDS) being the most prevalent issues. Hospital type was significantly related to effluent quality problems (p < .05), while no issues were found regarding system operators.

Regarding policy and management, 15 out of 24 hospitals with identified problems (62.50%) had included wastewater system improvement in investment plans for fiscal year 2026–2027, totaling 349,546,900 THB. This reflects administrative recognition of the importance of enhancing treatment efficiency to manage wastewater effectively and support hospital service capacity.

In conclusion, the study highlights key challenges in wastewater treatment capacity and compliance with effluent standards in Health Region 8 hospitals, emphasizing the need for systematic policy implementation and sustained investment to ensure environmental compliance and public health protection.

The Effect of Group Counseling on Self-Care Behaviors among Patients with Allergic Rhinitis at Kumphawapi Hospital, Udon Thani Province

2025-12-15T09:21:28+07:00

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research aimed to examine the effect of group counseling on self-care behaviors and to compare the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms before and after the counseling program. The participants were 45 patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis who attended the outpatient department of Kumphawapi Hospital, Udon Thani Province. They were purposively selected based on predetermined inclusion criteria. The study employed a one-group pretest–posttest design. Research instruments consisted of a general information questionnaire, a self-care behavior questionnaire based on Orem’s Self-Care Theory, an allergic rhinitis symptom record form, and a patient satisfaction questionnaire. Data were collected between August and October 2025 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-test.

The results showed that after group counseling, the participants had significantly higher mean scores for overall self-care behaviors than before participating in the program (pre = 3.93, post = 4.93, p < .001). Notably, improvements were found in avoiding allergens, taking medications correctly, and maintaining general health behaviors. Moreover, the mean Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) decreased from 11.26 to 6.93, and the mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score decreased from 5.31 to 2.07, indicating a significant reduction in symptom severity. The participants’ satisfaction with the group counseling was at the highest level (𝑥̄ = 4.95, S.D. = 0.21).

In conclusion, group counseling enhanced patients’ knowledge, understanding, and motivation through shared experiences, resulting in continuous behavioral improvement in allergen avoidance, medication adherence, and general self-care.

The Situation of Food Poisoning from Poisonous Mushrooms in Thailand, 2020 – 2024 and a Pilot Study on Knowledge, Beliefs, and Consumption Behaviors Regarding Wild Mushrooms in Sang Tho Subdistrict, Khueang Nai District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

2025-12-27T12:59:50+07:00

Abstract

Wild mushrooms are widely consumed as local food; however, some species are toxic and may cause severe poisoning or death if misidentified. This study examined the situation of toxic wild mushroom poisoning in Thailand from 2020 to 2024 and assessed knowledge, beliefs, and consumption behaviors among residents of Sang Tho Sub-district, Khueang Nai District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. Purposive sampling was applied due to the high incidence in Health Region 10, focusing on households in a village where a fatal case involving a 10-year-old child had occurred. Secondary data were obtained from the outbreak monitoring system of the Division of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control. Primary data were collected using a validated multiple-choice questionnaire (IOC: 0.67 – 1.00) and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The fatality rate was approximately one death per ten poisoned patients. Outbreaks occurred throughout the year, peaking during the rainy season. Health Region 10 reported the highest number of outbreaks, with Ubon Ratchathani Province accounting for 28 of 113 incidents nationwide. Most participants (97.53%) had lifestyles closely associated with wild mushrooms as consumers, sellers and mushroom experts, while only 2.47% reported not consuming mushrooms. Mushroom identification relied mainly on physical characteristics and local experts; however, overall knowledge, beliefs, and consumption behaviors were assessed as unsafe, increasing health risks. Strengthening community-based risk communication through local sages, enhanced surveillance, seasonal warnings, market regulation, and a “safe wild mushroom certification” system is recommended.

Relationship between Nutrition status and Early Childhood Development in Regional Health 8

2025-12-30T12:17:43+07:00

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to examine the nutritional status, developmental status, and the relationship between nutritional status and early childhood development in Health Region 8. The study sample consisted of 276 early childhood children residing in Health Region 8, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a caregiver interview questionnaire adapted by the researchers from the survey instrument of the project on the situation and models for promoting early childhood development under the transfer of responsibilities to Provincial Administrative Organizations. Data collection was conducted from October 2024 to April 2025. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and associations were examined using the Chi-square test and Odds Ratio (OR), with the level of statistical significance set at 0.05. The results showed that most children were male (51.81%), had normal birth weight (88.04%), had no underlying diseases (89.49%), and had been breastfed (85.87%). Nearly half of the families had a monthly income of 15,001–25,000 THB (46.74%). The primary caregivers were mostly mothers (49.64%), over half of whom had a high level of nutritional knowledge (52.54%), with a mean score of 9.06 ± 1.96. Most children received the DSPM handbook (68.48%) and demonstrated normal developmental status (71.38%), with language delay being the most common area of developmental delay. Overall nutritional status was predominantly normal, although a tendency toward overweight was observed (59.42%). Analysis of the relationship between nutritional status and child development revealed that height-for-age was significantly associated with developmental status (p = 0.021, crude OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.12–4.41). Children with stunting were 2.22 times more likely to experience developmental delay compared with children of normal height-for-age. Based on these findings, early prevention of stunting should be emphasized through age-appropriate nutrition, continuous maternal and child health care, regular monitoring of growth and development, and integrated early childhood development promotion at both family and public health system levels. Particular emphasis should be placed on language development through correct and continuous use of the DSPM handbook, alongside providing caregivers with appropriate nutritional knowledge to reduce the risk of suspected developmental delay. The findings can serve as evidence for health policy planning and for strengthening early childhood development promotion in Health Region 8.

The Relationship between Sensation Seeking, Alcohol Expectation, Motivation on Alcohol Consumption among High School Students in Fang District, Chiang Mai Province

2025-12-22T11:22:04+07:00

Abstract

This study examined the associations among sensation seeking, alcohol-related outcome expectancies, drinking motivations, and alcohol consumption behaviors among secondary school students in Fang District, Chiang Mai Province. The research aimed to describe these psychosocial determinants and to analyze their interrelationships. A correlational design was employed using self-administered questionnaires collected from 267 participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation at a significance level of 0.05.

The results indicated that 61.80 percent of students who exhibited drinking behavior had previously consumed alcohol, with female students reporting higher drinking rates than males. Most students began drinking after age 15, mainly due to curiosity about taste. Beer was the most commonly consumed beverage, typically consumed at night. Alcohol was often obtained from parents, relatives, or friends and was usually consumed with family members or peers of the same age. Correlation analysis revealed that thrill seeking was significantly associated with expectations, motivation, and drinking behavior at the p < 0.01 level, and significantly associated with gender at the p < 0.05 level. Students with high levels of thrill seeking—particularly in impulsivity and boredom sensitivity—tended to exhibit stronger promotion and social motivations, along with more positive outcome expectations related to drinking. Conversely, adventure seeking was negatively associated with gender. While coping and conformity motivation were negatively associated with positive expectations and drinking behavior.

These findings underscore the need for comprehensive, multi-level strategies to mitigate early alcohol use among adolescents. Effective interventions should incorporate policy-level measures, community engagement, and family-strengthening approaches. Enhancing overall quality of life and developing contextually relevant prevention frameworks are also essential to addressing the evolving social landscape that shapes youth drinking behaviors.