Journal of the Office of DPC 12 Songkhla

Prevalence and Relationship between Ergonomic Risk Assessment and Musculoskeletal Symptoms of Computer Using among Phatthalung Hospital Officers

2025-10-15T08:39:24+07:00

The use of computers has increased significantly from the past to the present, affecting users' physical health, particularly the musculoskeletal system. The primary causes are improper working postures and unsuitable office equipment that do not adhere to ergonomic principles. This cross-sectional study aims to examinethe prevalenceand relationships betweenergonomic riskassessmentsand musculoskeletal symptoms among Phatthalung Hospital officers. Data were collected from 134 officers at Phatthalung Hospital. Standardized NordicQuestionnaireand Rapid OfficeStrain Assessment tool wereused. Therelationship between ergonomic risk and musculoskeletal symptoms wasexamined. It was found that the prevalenceof paininvarious areas over the past 12 months was highest in the following three rankings: neck (58.96%), shoulders (51.49%) and upper back (49.25%), respectively. The majority of participants (58.21%) were classified as having low ergonomicrisk.Statisticalanalysis revealed asignificantassociation betweenergonomicriskand musculoskeletal pain that interfered with work in the past 12 months, specifically in the shoulders (OR=2.77, P-value=0.006), hands/wrists (OR=4.13,P-value <0.001),hips/thighs (OR=2.78,P-value=0.012),and knees (OR=2.49,P-value=0.041). The findings suggest that musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in upper parts of body are significant issues among Phatthalung Hospital officers. Improper use of computers and office equipment that does not comply with ergonomic principles increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Improving office equipment and promoting ergonomic working practices can reduce pain and enhance work efficiency.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), Ergonomics, Officers.

Health Impact Assessment of the Malaria Elimination Area Management Policy for a Sustainable Safety Province, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

2025-08-13T11:31:03+07:00

This study aimed to assess the health impacts of the malaria elimination area management policy in

Nakhon Si Thammarat Province using the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) framework through a mixed-methods

approach. A mixed methods researchapproach witha concurrent triangulation design wasemployed, collecting

quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously and integrating the results. Data were obtained from three

sources: (1) document review of official policy and implementation records, (2) quantitative surveys with 450

residents from malaria-risk areas A1, A2, and B1 and 475 primary school students (totaling 925 individuals), and

(3) qualitative interviews with 91 frontline practitioners. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze knowledge,

perception, and practices (KPP) levels of both groups.

Findings revealed that residents demonstrated high levels in knowledge, perception, and preventive

behaviors, while students were predominantly at an intermediate level, particularly among those with

previous malaria infection or engagement in community-based disease control (e.g., village health volunteers).

The strengths of the management system included timely disease surveillance, the use of GIS and digital tools

(e.g., Malaria Online), and cross-sectoral proactive engagement. However, barriers remained, including budget limitations, insufficient neutral monitoring systems, and inconsistent involvement of local administrative

organizations. Resource disparities across sub-districts also hindered equity in disease control.

Policy recommendations include integrating health curricula into schools, devolving planning authority

to local governments, supporting sustainable financing mechanisms, and coupling HIA with cost-effectiveness

analysis in policymaking. Strengthening communityownership and creating participatory, transparent monitoring

frameworks are also essential. Future studies should explore the long-term behavioral impact of malaria

education on children and adolescents, and assess the role of decentralized governance in sustaining malaria-free

zones.These findings provide valuable baseline evidence for strategic provincial health planning and contribute

to broader public health policy development for infectious disease elimination in similar endemic regions.

Effect of Online Learning on Learning Achievement, Satisfaction, and Knowledge Application in Alcohol Control among Community-Public Health Professionals in 2023

2025-11-06T14:32:40+07:00

This research applied quantitative research which was divided into two phases: Phase 1 consisted of
quasi-experimental research with one group pretest-posttest design to compare learning achievement on
alcohol control through online learning and to examine online learning satisfaction. The population for this
study consisted of 9,887 community-public health professionals nationwide who registered for the activity,
participated in the activity for at least 80% of the time, and completed both pre- and post-test scores. Phase 2 adopted a quantitative study to examine the level of knowledge utilization behavior among community-public
health professionals one year after participating in the activity. Using accidental sampling, the sample of
385 community-public health professionals who passed the test were included. The used instruments were
1) the content of the online learning on alcohol control, 2) an online multiple-choice test, 3) an online
satisfaction assessment form, and 4) an online knowledge utilization questionnaire. Data were analyzed
using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Signed-Rank Test. The results of the study found
that the learning achievement after learning was significantly higher than before learning (p<0.001). Overall
satisfaction with the online program was at the highest level and knowledge application was rated at a high level.
It is recommended that continuous online training be organized to enhance new knowledge related to alcohol
control.

Applying health literacy and knowledge to improve monkeypox practices

2025-10-27T08:47:28+07:00

Monkeypox (Mpox) is a disease that has repeatedly spread in many countries, with an increasing trend.
As a result, Thailand has implemented measures to address this new outbreak. The concepts of health literacy
and knowledge are crucial in managing the situation. This article provides valuable information about the history
and current understanding of Mpox. Mpox is a disease that spreads not only from animals to humans but also
from human to human, and it has occurred in several countries, even without the travel of infected individuals.
Therefore, applying health literacy which involves being knowledgeable, understanding, and well-informed about
Mpox is essential. The concept of health literacy encompasses individuals, families, and society as a whole.
In today's world, with a variety of media technologies available, it is increasingly important to understand the
meaning of health literacy, components, and the quality tools used to measure it, especially in relation to
Mpox. Health literacy is linked to an individual's ability to maintain good health, ensure safety, and achieve life
goals. Furthermore, it also involves critical thinking, decision-making skills, and the ability to access and apply credible and accurate information to real-life situations. When applying health literacy to address Mpox, both
understanding and practical application were measured. The highest level of health literacy involves managing
one's life to ensure good health. On the other hand, knowledge refers to the information, memory, or
understanding of Mpox, which can sometimes be forgotten. Therefore, tools for measuring knowledge about Mpox
are not as in-depth or complex, as they primarily involve memorizing facts or information. Sometimes, individuals
may have the knowledge but lack the ability to manage their lives in a way that improves their quality of life.

Case Investigation of Plasmodium vivax Malaria and Entomological Study in a Re-emerging Transmission Area, Chanae Subdistrict, Saba Yoi District, Songkhla Province

2025-10-09T07:58:56+07:00

Vector-Borne Diseases Control Center 12.2 Songkhla was notified of four confirmed cases of Plasmodium
vivax malaria between November 25 and December 26, 2024, in the Korlormudor village cluster, Village No. 1,
Chanae Subdistrict, Saba Yoi District, Songkhla Province. An investigation was carried out to determine the re-emergence of local transmission and to implement surveillance, prevention, and control measures,
including entomological surveys and a review of case investigation reports. The first case was identified as an
import case (Bo) from an A1 transmission area, with infection acquired in the Sakai village cluster, Village No.
3, Ban Rae Subdistrict, Than To District, Yala Province. The patient had been infected five months prior, and
this episode was presumed to be either a relapse from dormant liver-stage hypnozoites or a recrudescence of
an asymptomatic erythrocytic-stage infection. The second and third cases were classified as indigenous cases
(A cases) from a B1 area (non-transmission village cluster), while the fourth case was classified as an import
case (Bx) from another village within the same subdistrict, also in a B1 area. Entomological surveys collected
50 Anopheles mosquitoes, comprising five species: An. barbirostris (26), An. tessellatus (14), An. kochi (6), An.
saeungae (2), An. crawfordi (1), and Anopheles sp. (1). No malaria parasites were detected in the mosquitoes.
A mass blood survey of 38 individuals also found no malaria infections.