Journal of Vongchavalitkul university

Development of a Risk Assessment Guideline for Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn at Sichon Hospital, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Piyada Thairach — 2026-06-29

Objective: This study employed a mixed methods research design to develop a guideline for assessing risk factors of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN).

Methods: Quantitative data were obtained through a retrospective review of medical records of 15 newborns diagnosed with PPHN between 2022 and 2024. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with 10 healthcare providers, including two pediatricians and eight registered nurses. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Fisher’s Exact test, whereas qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Data from literature review, medical records, and qualitative findings were integrated to synthesize the components of the risk assessment guideline.

Results: The results showed that most mothers were older than 35 years (60.0%), had pregnancy complications (53.3%), and delivered by cesarean section (66.7%). Most newborns had a birth weight greater than 2,500 grams (86.7%), and all experienced birth asphyxia requiring mechanical ventilation. The neonatal mortality rate was 60.0%. Qualitative findings indicated that the management of newborns with PPHN is complex and constrained by limited resources, highlighting the need for a clear and context-appropriate risk assessment guideline for community hospitals. The developed guideline includes the assessment of maternal and neonatal risk factors and classifies risk into three levels: low, moderate, and high risk. Expert evaluation indicated that the guideline demonstrated the highest level of appropriateness and feasibility (mean = 4.86, SD = 0.11). In conclusion, the developed risk assessment guideline for PPHN was found to be appropriate and may be useful for screening and monitoring newborns at risk for PPHN in community hospital settings. However, further studies are needed to evaluate its validity, reliability, and effectiveness across different health care contexts.

Formulation Development and Skin Irritation Testing of Serum Derived from Mycelial Extract of Giant Bolete (Phlebopus portentosus (Berk. & Broome) Boedijn)

Thitirat Jessadapongsathorn — 2026-06-29

Objective: To develop serum formulations containing mycelium extract from the Giant Bolete (Phlebopus portentosus (Berk. & Broome) Boedijn), evaluate their physical and microbiological stability, and assess skin irritation safety in healthy volunteers.

Methods: This study employed a double-blind randomized controlled trial using a within-subject repeated-measures design with randomized test-site allocation. Three serum formulations were prepared containing mycelium extract at concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% (w/w). Physical stability was evaluated using the Heating and Cooling Cycle method (6 cycles), and microbiological contamination was assessed according to cosmetic product standards. Skin safety was evaluated using a 48-hour closed patch test in 35 healthy volunteers (14 males and 21 females, aged 22–55 years), with clinical assessments performed according to the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG) criteria. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test.

Results: All three formulations demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties, presenting as transparent, smooth, and homogeneous gels with a natural light-yellow color. No phase separation was observed following stability testing, and all formulations complied with microbiological quality standards with no pathogenic microorganisms detected. The pH values ranged from 6.55 to 6.58, which fell within the acceptable range for cosmetic products. Skin irritation testing revealed no signs of allergic reactions or irritation among the volunteer at any of the tested concentrations. Statistical analysis confirmed no significant difference in irritation levels compared to the control (Z = 0.000, p = 1.000), demonstrating that the P. portentosus mycelium-based serum was safe and gentle for human skin. These findings provide a scientific foundation for the future commercial development of cosmeceutical products derived from local biological resources.

Self-Health Management Based on the 4 Ors Principles (8 Remedies) among Older Adults in Nong Manao Subdistrict, Khong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Thawatchai Aeksanti — 2026-06-29

Objectives: To examine the levels of health knowledge and self-healthcare behaviors and to investigate factors associated with health behaviors based on the 4'Ors principles (eight types of medicine), among older adults in Nong Manau Sub-district, Khong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

Methods: This descriptive research study included 316 older adults selected via stratified random sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient ranging from 0.70 to 0.71. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Fisher’s Exact Test.

Results: The majority of the participants demonstrated a high level of overall health knowledge (87.66%) and a high level of overall self-healthcare behaviors (60.44%). Factors significantly associated with self-healthcare behaviors at a significance level of 0.05 included age, occupation, monthly income, vegetable and fruit consumption, and bedtime tooth brushing behavior. Furthermore, the level of health knowledge exhibited a significant positive correlation with self-healthcare behaviors (p < 0.001). Conclusions, health promotion interventions aimed at enhancing health literacy should be implemented, with particular emphasis on income-related factors and age-specific physical capacities, to sustainably elevate health behaviors among older adults in the community.

Predictive Factors of Health Behaviors among Nursing Students at the Faculty of Nursing, Vongchavalitkul University

Sangduean Jindapaisan — 2026-06-29

Objective: To examine the predictive factors of health behaviors among nursing students at the Faculty of Nursing, Vongchavalitkul University.

Methods: This predictive study was guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM). The sample consisted of 250 nursing students in years 1–4, selected by using stratified random sampling according to the inclusion criteria. Data were collected between February 22 and 28, 2025 The research instruments included: 1) a personal information questionnaire, 2) a health behavior perception questionnaire, and 3) a health behavior questionnaire. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the questionnaires were 0.87 and 0.85, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis with the enter method.

Results: The findings revealed that the overall level of health behavior among nursing students was moderate (M = 45.13, SD = 5.12). Perceived self-efficacy, perceived social support, and perceived barriers significantly predicted health behaviors and jointly explaining 40.3% of the variance in health behaviors (F(3, 246) = 55.252, p < .001). Conclusions, future studies should develop health promotion programs aimed at enhance nursing students’ awareness of barriers to self-care and strengthening self-efficacy through practical strategies, social support, and professional counseling to promote sustained healthy behaviors.

Factors Related to Resilence in First Year Nursing Student at Vongchavalitkul University

Verachai Techanirattisai — 2026-06-29

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationships between self-esteem, emotional intelligence, family atmosphere, peer relationships, social support, and resilience among first-year nursing students at Vongchavalitkul University.

Methods: Employing a descriptive correlational design, the sample consisted of 115 first-year nursing students enrolled in the 2024 academic year, selected via simple random sampling. The sample size was calculated using G*Power software, with an effect size of .30, a statistical power of .95, and a significance level of .05, based on a literature review indicating low-to-moderate associations between the selected factors and adolescent resilience. The initial required sample of 97 participants was increased by 20% to compensate for potential attrition or incomplete questionnaires, resulting in a final sample size of 115 participants. Data were analyzed using Spearman rank correlation.

Results: The findings revealed that the majority of the students (58.3%) exhibited resilience within the normal range (x̄ = 65.21, SD = 7.23). Regarding the associated factors, 73.0% reported a high level of self-esteem (x̄ = 25.87, SD = 2.83), 50.4% exhibited above-normal emotional intelligence (x̄ = 168.01, SD = 18.25), 67.8% perceived their family atmosphere as moderate (x̄ = 16.91, SD = 2.63), 94.8% reported good peer relationships (x̄ = 101.73, SD = 9.12), and 62.6% perceived social support at the highest level (x̄ = 72.63, SD = 9.30). All of these factors were positively and significantly correlated with resilience (p < .001). These findings provide baseline evidence for promoting resilience among nursing students and may serve as a foundation for the development and implementation of resilience-enhancing programs in the future.

Stress Levels and Associated Factors among Health Science Students at a University in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Thawatchai Aeksanti — 2026-06-29

Objectives: This descriptive study aimed to examine stress levels and factors associated with stress among health science students at a university in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

Methods: This descriptive research included 205 students from the Faculty of Public Health and the Faculty of Nursing. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire comprising: (1) demographic information, (2)Social factors questionnaire, and (3) the Suan Prung Stress Test-20 (SPST-20). Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize participant characteristics. Associations between the independent variables and stress levels were examined using the chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test, with p-values reported.

Results: The findings revealed that gender, age, monthly expenses, grade point average, marital status, number of close friends, level of relationship with friends, and level of relationship with instructors were significantly associated with stress levels among health science students (p < 0.05). Therefore, promoting positive interpersonal relationships and strengthening social support may help reduce stress levels among health science students. Universities should implement stress management initiatives, including recreational activities between senior and junior students, as well as regular meetings between academic advisors and students to support students' well-being and prevent the escalation of stress.

Occupational Health Risk among Informal Workers in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Wararat Sangwalee — 2026-06-29

Objective: This study aimed to assess work-related health risks among informal workers in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 400 informal workers aged 45 years and older residing in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing health conditions associated with occupational risk exposures. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were applied for data analysis.

Results: Most participants were female (65.7%), with a mean age of 56.02 years (SD = 8.09). The predominant occupations were general labor and agriculture. Ergonomic risk emerged as the most significant occupational hazard, particularly heavy lifting associated with lower back pain (55.5%) and maintaining repetitive or awkward postures, such as prolonged bending, for more than 1.5 hours (44.0%). The most frequently reported physical risk was working under direct sunlight (34.5%), while exposure to dust particles was the most common chemical hazard (33.8%). In addition, 22.3% of participants reported experiencing work-related stress. The three most prevalent musculoskeletal symptoms were lower back or waist pain (44.2%), shoulder and neck pain (37.3%), and knee pain (33.8%). Conclusions, informal workers experience substantial ergonomic risks inherent in general labor and agricultural activities, which directly contribute to musculoskeletal disorders. Preventive strategies should emphasize ergonomic improvement of work environments and workstations, proactive education on proper working postures, and targeted health surveillance by local healthcare services to enhance occupational safety and promote sustainable quality of life among informal workers.

Development of a Temperature-Controlled Biochar Kiln Using Macadamia Shells for Community-Level Waste Utilization

Piyapong Singbua — 2026-06-29

Objectives: This study aimed to design and develop a temperature-controlled biomass carbonization system for producing biochar from macadamia nutshells, enhancing production efficiency and promoting waste utilization in community-level circular economy applications.

Method: The developed kiln integrated temperature and airflow control systems, using waste engine oil as the main fuel (heating value 40–42 MJ/kg). The internal temperature was maintained at 500 ± 10 °C through dual thermocouples (T1 and T2) monitored in real-time. Three carbonization durations (2, 3, and 4 h) were tested. The resulting biochar was characterized using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis to determine surface area and porosity, and an economic evaluation was conducted to assess cost and profitability.

Results: The system maintained stable temperatures within ±10 °C, achieving an average biomass-to-biochar conversion ratio of 30–35 % wt. The 3-hour condition yielded the highest surface area (225.65 m²/g) and total pore volume (0.106 cm³/g), indicating optimal carbon structure formation. Economic analysis revealed a payback period of 3 months, with an annual net profit of approximately 101,442 THB. The results confirm the system’s effectiveness in enhancing waste-to-value processes and supporting sustainable community-level biochar production.