Journal of Vongchavalitkul university

PM 2.5 Dust Health Impact Surveillance Model Using A2IM Approach of Communities at Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Objective: This study aimed to develop a PM2.5 dust health impact surveillance model using the Assessment, Advocacy, Intervention, and Management (AAIM) approach in communities of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand.

Method: This research employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) design, conducted in five districts with the highest levels of PM2.5 pollution: Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, Kham Thale So, Phimai, Khong, and Sida. Communities were selected through simple random sampling, with one community per district. Key informants were purposively selected, with 30 participants from each community, totaling 150 participants. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and workshops. Qualitative data were analyzed using data triangulation, content analysis, and inductive reasoning.

Results: The study developed a PM2.5 dust health impact surveillance model based on the AAIM approach, comprising four core components: (1) Assessment—risk evaluation, compilation of PM2.5 situation data, and coordination with local agencies; (2) Advocacy—enhancing health and environmental literacy among community leaders and establishing communication systems for early warnings; (3) Intervention—creating community-driven innovations for health surveillance and prevention, such as flag warning systems, dust-free rooms, and simple monitoring devices, along with the establishment of community regulations; and (4) Management—organizing community committees, extracting lessons learned, integrating collaboration across five sectors, proposing policies, and enforcing regulations. Implementation of this model enhanced community capacity for participatory and sustainable PM2.5 management.

Personal Factors, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Intentions toward Six-Month Exclusive Breastfeeding among Pregnant Women in Industrial Factories in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Sangduean Jindapaisan, Duangduean Duangsamran, Supavadee Netimetee — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Objective: To examine the relationships among personal factors, knowledge, attitudes, and intentions toward six-month exclusive breastfeeding among pregnant women working in industrial factories in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

Methods: A descriptive study based on the Theory of Reasoned Action was conducted among 84 pregnant factory workers selected through multistage random sampling. Research instruments included questionnaires on personal data, knowledge, attitudes, and intentions regarding six months exclusive breastfeeding. Content validity values are 0.70, 0.82, and 0.76, and reliability coefficients values are 0.84, 0.93, and 0.89, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact test, and Spearman’s rank correlation.

Results: Participants demonstrated moderate levels of knowledge (=69.45, S.D 2.94) and attitudes (= 3.42, SD .45), while their intention to exclusively breastfeed for six months was at a high level (= 4.14, SD .35) Family income was negatively correlated with six months exclusive breastfeeding intention at a low level, with statistical significance (r = –.227, p < .05). Knowledge and attitudes were positively correlated with intention at a low level, but the correlations were not statistically significant.

The Development of Nursing Care and Health Monitoring Model for Individuals Exposed to Crude Oil

Chanthip Intawong, Amornrat Sukpan — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Objective: This study aimed to develop a nursing care and health monitoring model for individuals exposed to crude oil and evaluate the outcomes of developed model.

Methods: This mixed methods action study consisted of three phases: (1) developing a nursing care system and health monitoring framework, (2) implementing the system, and (3) extracting lessons learned. Data were collected from health records and self-management assessments of 591 exposed individuals, as well as focus group discussions with 12 nurses. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.

Results: The developed model consists of three components: (1) nursing care during and after exposure incidents, (2) screening and health management by categorizing individuals into normal, at-risk, and affected groups, with appropriate nursing interventions for each, and (3) long-term health monitoring, classifying exposure levels into high, moderate, and low groups, incorporating indicators of exposure and health impacts. Outcome of the nursing care model: Risk of benzene and PAHs exposure among the exposed individuals was low. Health screenings from 2022 to 2024 showed no direct correlation with crude oil exposure. Nurses facilitated self-management by following up, providing consultations, offering education, and demonstrating through the Line application, leading to a high level of self-management ability (x̄ = 4.51, SD = 0.40). Lessons learned suggest the need for expanded communication channels and proactive healthcare services. Suggestions: This model can serve as a guideline for public health professionals.

Factors Related to Health Promotion Practices among Older Adult, Nong Rawiang Subdistrict, Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the health-promoting behaviors levels and the factors related to these behaviors among older adults in Nong Rawieng Subdistrict, Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study included a sample of 339 older adults. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at the .05 significance level.

Results: The findings indicated that most older adults (54%) had good health-promoting behavior. Among the six dimensions of health-promoting behavior, interpersonal relationships had the highest mean score (x̄ = 3.85, SD=1.00), followed by spiritual development (x̄ = 3.83, SD = 0.99), health responsibility (x̄ = 3.80, SD=0.99), nutrition (x̄ = 3.76, SD=1.07), stress management (x̄ = 3.74, SD = 0.98), and physical activity (x̄ = 3.40, SD=1.09). Significant factors associated with health-promoting behaviors included age, education level, household head status, access to health information, and membership in elderly clubs (p < .05). Factors significantly related to health-promoting behaviors included age, education level, household head status, access to health information and membership in elderly clubs (p < .05). The findings indicate that older adults value interpersonal relationships and spiritual development, reflecting the cultural emphasis on family and community in Thai society. The lower scores in physical activity may be attributed to age-related physical limitations. The association between access to health information and positive health behaviors highlights the importance of health literacy, while club membership may enhance motivation and social support. A limitation of the study is its focus on a specific geographic area, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other regions. This study underscores the need for healthcare providers to promote elderly club participation, design appropriate exercise programs, and develop accessible health education materials tailored to older adults.

The Relationship between Substance Abuse with Risk Behaviors among Youth in Schools in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

Poonrut Leyatikul, Manop Kanato, Rungsiya Wonguppa, Jaroonsri Kompudsa — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Objectives: This survey research aimed to examine the association between substance use and risk behaviors among the youth in educational institutions in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

Methods: The sample consisted of 2,497 students from three private institutions, ranging from elementary to higher education levels. Data were collected via questionnaires during the 2019 academic year. Descriptive statistics, including percentage, mean, and standard deviation, were used for analysis. Risk factors were analyzed using chi-square tests, odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: Of the total sample, 55.2% were female, with a mean age of 17.7 years. Overall, 8.6% reported having used substances, with the highest proportion found among vocational students (15.1%). The average age of first substance use was under 15 years across all educational levels. Cannabis was the most commonly used substance (56.6%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that substance use was significantly associated with increased risks of engaging in physical fights (OR = 4.2, 95% CI [2.9, 5.9]), hospitalization due to fighting (OR = 7.0, 95% CI [4.2, 11.6]), physical/health problems (OR = 1.7, 95% CI [1.3, 2.4]), learning/emotional difficulties (OR = 1.9, 95% CI [1.4, 2.5]), feelings of hopelessness or depression (OR = 1.7, 95% CI [1.3, 2.9]), self-harm (OR = 3.4, 95% CI [2.5, 4.7]), and suicidal ideation (OR = 3.4, 95% CI [2.2, 5.0]

Substance use among youth is associated with a range of physical and mental health risks that can impair development and reduce quality of life. Ongoing surveillance of youth substance use and related risk behaviors is essential to monitor trends and inform targeted prevention strategies.

A Hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach for Vehicle Selection of Public Buses: A Case Study of Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Varinthorn Janchai, Marut Khodpun — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Objectives: 1) To investigate the factors influencing the decision to use public buses among both operators and passengers in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and 2) To apply the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for selecting the most appropriate public bus option in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

Method: This study employed a mixed-methods research approach. The sample was divided into two groups: 1) 6 public bus operators within the Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality, selected through purposive sampling, and 2) 250 passengers, selected through convenience sampling. The research instruments consisted of a questionnaire for factor selection, a pairwise comparison weighting form, and a qualitative factor rating form. All instruments were validated for content validity using the Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) and for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to determine the importance weights of the factors, while the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was used to rank the optimal alternatives for each sample group.

Results: Research findings revealed that the calculation of the importance weights of the factors using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) indicated that passengers attached the highest priority to promotion, whereas operators predominantly focused on product and price. Moreover, based on the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), the most suitable option for passengers was the electric bus, while the electric-converted bus emerged as the best choice for operators.

Factor Analysis of Competency Models for Engineers in Local Administrative Organizations Case Study: Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Savitree Wongpetch, Marut Khodpun — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Objectives: This study aimed to examine and analyze the competency factors of engineers in local administrative organizations (LAOs) that are suitable and practically applicable. The study evaluated engineering performance in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Methods: The study population consisted of 91 LAOs, including one provincial administrative organization, one city municipality, four town municipalities, and 85 subdistrict municipalities, totaling 303 individuals selected through random sampling. The research instrument were validated by two expert groups: (1) three experts assessed the content validity with an Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) ranging from 0.67 to 1.00, and (2) ten experts evaluated the instrument reliability, yielding a Cronbach's alpha of 0.92. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the model fit with empirical data.

Results: The findings revealed that the competency factors of engineers in LAOs that are suitable and practically applicable consist of five factors: knowledge, skills, personal attributes, attitudes, and ethics. Notably, statistical analysis skills and the attitude of learning from others showed the highest factor loadings, reflecting the importance of data analysis and interactive learning. The two models explained 70.229% and 71.187% of the total variance, respectively, and demonstrated a good fit with empirical data, as evidenced by the fit indices: relative chi-square (CMIN/DF) = 1.829 and 1.867, incremental fit index (IFI) = 0.914 and 0.913, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.906 and 0.905, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.913 and 0.911, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.066 and 0.068, respectively.

Obesity in Early Childhood : Risk Factors, Impacts, and Health Promotion

Mathusorn Plapo — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Early childhood development occurs rapidly, and health during this period has received increasing attention due to its influence on individual well-being, national development, and future economic prosperity. Surveys have identified obesity as a prevalent health issue in early childhood. Childhood obesity is a significant and growing public health concern worldwide. Major risk factors for obesity in early childhood include poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, genetic predisposition, social factors, and maternal health during pregnancy. Childhood obesity has well-documented impacts on physical, psychological, social, and developmental health. Furthermore, it increases the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in adulthood, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. The severity and widespread nature of these consequences have made childhood obesity one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century.

Effective health promotion to prevent obesity in early childhood requires collaboration across all sectors and should be implemented both reactively and proactively. This comprehensive strategy should include preliminary screening, detailed history-taking, and health examinations for all children in early childhood. Educational campaigns should aim to modify dietary behaviors and promote physical activities that enable children to exercise or engage in age-appropriate play. Supportive environments that foster good health should be created in the home, early childhood development centers, and the broader community. Systematic and continuous education and awareness efforts targeting children, parents, guardians, and caregivers are essential to promote sustainable health and prevent obesity in early childhood.