Public Health Policy and Laws Journal

Content

Nithat Sirichotiratana — 2024-09-05

The Analysis of the Problems on the Protection of Traditional Knowledge Related to Herbs

Thanadchapon Kungsung — 2024-09-05

Thailand, as a developing country, has a lot of traditional knowledge related to herbs, which developed countries are illegally taking benefits from traditional knowledge without giving anything in return. Therefore, it is crucial to protect local knowledge related to herbs. This article describes legal measures to protect local knowledge related to herbs under international laws and Thai laws, and analyzes problems and propose guidelines for developing such laws in Thailand. It was found that there were several laws of protection for local knowledge related to herbs within the framework of international laws. Thailand has the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Act, B.E. 2542 (1999) and some intellectual property laws related to the protection of traditional knowledge related to herbs. However, there are problems with Thailand's laws to protect such traditional knowledge. Thailand does not yet have specific laws enacted to directly protect traditional knowledge related to herbs. Although there is the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Act, B.E. 2542 (1999), it mostly protects private sector. Moreover, intellectual property laws cannot provide protection. Therefore, specific laws should be enacted to directly protect local knowledge related to herbs, and intellectual property related laws should be amended to allow for greater protection of local knowledge regarding herbs.

Legal Measures to Control an Operation of Surrogacy in Thailand

Nattanit Limpaowart — 2024-09-05

This article examines legal measures for regulating the operation of surrogacy in Thailand: The Protection of a Child Born by Medically Assisted Reproductive Technology Act, B.E. 2558 (2015). The Act’s main provisions aim to ban transnational surrogacy business, set criteria to control standards and safety in the surrogacy process, and protect children born by surrogacy operations. Despite comprehensive legal measures in Thailand to control surrogacy, unlawful transnational surrogacy persists, while only a small number of legal surrogacy operations have been performed. This leads to questions of whether the current law can fulfill its intent. A plan recently proposed by the Ministry of Public Health to legalize transnational surrogacy, allowing international couples to seek surrogacy services in Thailand, is deemed to be an appropriate solution. However, studies in the legislation of other countries where transnational surrogacy is legal are suggested, and additional protective measures should also be imposed. This is to protect children born through surrogacy and prohibit improper use of medical assisted reproductive technology.

Primary Health Care System Development According to Thailand's Health Policy

Narong Chaitiang — 2024-09-05

The development of primary health care systems in Thailand is crucial in the context of health promotion and disease prevention, ensuring that the population has access to quality health services. This article aims to analyze the strategies and approaches used to develop the primary health care system according to Thailand's health policy framework. It examines significant health policies such as strengthening primary service units, developing community health care models, fostering community participation, and utilizing information technology for health data management. This study is based on an analysis of relevant research articles and case studies. The findings demonstrate that the effective development of primary health care systems enhances the capacity to meet the health needs of the population in a sustainable and efficient manner. Furthermore, it provides policy recommendations to help Thailand succeed in developing a quality and suitable health care system in the future.

Health promotion operations in Health Promoting Hospitals transferred to the Southern Provincial Administrative Organization, Thailand

Kittipan Chuaybunchoo — 2024-09-05

The purpose of this cross-sectional descriptive research was to study the health promotion operations in Health Promoting Hospitals transferred to the Southern Provincial Administrative Organization, Thailand. The sample group consisted of 178 officials primarily responsible for health promotion work. Data were collected using questionnaires with a reliability coefficient of 0.98. The data were analyzed for frequency distribution, percentages, means, standard deviations, t-tests, and one-way ANOVA.

The research found that 55.6 percent of the sample were female, with an average age of 50 years (SD = 6.38). Of all participants, 80.9 percent had a bachelor's degree in education, 36.5% had worked for 11-20 years and had received health promotion training. Among the facilities, 79.2 percent were medium-sized health promoting hospitals, 67.4 percent had 7-12 personnel, and 54.0 percent were in semi-rural areas. Overall, health promotion operations were rated at the highest level (Mean = 4.31, SD = 0.44). The characteristics of the main responsible officials varied. However, the health promotion operations in Health Promoting Hospitals transferred to the Southern Provincial Administrative Organization did not show a statistically significant difference.

Health promoting hospitals transferred to the Provincial Administrative Organization should use the research results to develop and support continuous health promotion operations.

Satisfaction on the Welfare and Stress Level among New Recruits in the Royal Thai Army at the 4th Army area, Wachirawut Camp

Nutchanok Chaiyakarn — 2024-09-05

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to assess stress levels, satisfaction on the welfare, and coping mechanisms among new recruits in the 4th Army area, Wachirawut Camp, Thailand, and to analyze their associations with stress levels. Data were collected from 231 participants using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed for data analysis.

The results showed that he majority of participants (67.1%) voluntarily enlisted, with a mean age of 21.7 years. Educational attainment primarily consisted of high school completion (35.9%). The predominant religion was Buddhism (70.1%), and most participants were single (83.1%) with prior laborer experience (38.5%). No pre-existing medical conditions were reported, and 40.3% were smokers. Overall, 51.1% of the participants reported no or low stress, while 37.7% and 11.2% reported moderate and high stress levels, respectively. Participants utilized both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies. Satisfaction with the practice environment, living condition, nutrition, and healthcare access was good, while satisfaction with assigned roles was moderate. Income adequacy, living conditions, assigned duties, and healthcare access within the unit significantly associated with stress levels. In conclusions, regular assessments of welfare satisfaction by relevant agencies and supervisors are recommended. Evaluation results should be used to improve the quality of military service, define appropriate roles, and optimize responsibilities.

Demand and Access to Primary Dental Services of the Social-Bound Elderly, Na-Bon District Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Naruemon Chanadee — 2024-09-05

This cross-sectional research analyzed the correlation between personal characteristics and the need and access to primary dental health services among social-bound senior citizens in Na Bon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Data were collected from 358 socially bound elderlies between August and December 2021, using interviewing and oral health investigation. The content validity of the research instrument was 0.67-1.00, and the reliability value was 0.84. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square test.

Results indicated the followings: 1) The more than half of respondents were females (63.6%), 49.4% was between 60-69 years old, 85.2% had elementary education level, 91.9% lived with their family or relatives, 49.70% engaged in agriculture, and 54.57% reported no congenital diseases, 80.73% had never smoked, 87.99% had never drunk, 74.02% had never chewed betel nut, 79.33% was under Universal Health Coverage (UC) scheme, and 91.06% had no oral cancer risk factors. 2) more than half (65.64%) traveled to a community health centre with a cousin or family, and 21.33 % of oral healthcare access barrier was distance. 3) The overall need for oral health services was at a low level (40.5%), and 48.0% was at a medium level. The factors correlated to the need for primary oral health services were living status, occupation, and health security scheme, whilst the access to oral healthcare correlated with occupation smoking history, alcohol consumption, and betel nut chewing and tobacco smoking, with statistically significant.

Organization Atmosphere and Intention to Stay among Personnel of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department, Ministry of Public Health

Phusacha Junprasert — 2024-09-05

This cross-sectional analytical study aims to investigate the correlation among organizational atmosphere, and intention to stay among personnel of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM). Sample size consisted of 197 personnel (89.95% responded rate) who had been employed for at least six months, not holding executive positions, or will retire in fiscal year 2023. Data were collected by using a self-administered questionnaires distributed between March 8^th and April 8^th, 2023. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and Spearman's Rank correlation coefficient to identify factors associated with the intention to stay, at a significance level of 0.05.

The findings revealed that the staff's intention to stay was at a low level (Mean = 2.8, S.D. = 1.2). The factors that significantly correlated with the intention to stay included organizational atmosphere (r = 0.32), age (r = 0.31), marital status (r = 0.14), duration of work (r = 0.18), and income (r = 0.21)

The use of research result is for the administration of human resource management The information should be used to formulate policies and plans to retain personnel in the organization, focusing on developing a good organizational atmosphere.

Burnout among dental nurses in sub-district health promoting hospitals, Health Region 4

Jutathip Intaphalan — 2024-09-05

This study aims to investigate burnout and its associated factors among dental nurses in sub-district health promoting hospitals within Health Region 4. The sample consists of dental nurses with at least one year of experience in these hospitals. Data collected from simple random sampling, resulting in 237 data sets collected via an online questionnaire (Google Form) from February 15 to April 10, 2023. Data analysis include frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Chi-square tests.

The findings indicated that overall, burnout among dental nurses in sub-district health promoting hospitals in Health Region 4 was at a low level (34.60%). Personal factors such as age, marital status, employment type, professional experience, physical health, and mental health were significant statistically associated with burnout (p<0.05). The findings from this research can be utilized by the management to support policies aiming at boosting morale. This includes increasing the appointment of dental nurses to ensure job security and career advancement. Additionally, policies should be established to promote physical and mental health care to prevent and alleviate burnout.

Consumer Protection Performance on Health Products among Health Personnel at Sub-District Health Promoting Hospitals, Health Region 11

Nathida Chuaybunchoo — 2024-09-05

This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study aiming to analyze the factors associated with the consumer protection on health products performance among public health officers in sub-district health promoting hospitals, in Health Region 11. The sample comprised of 225 officers, responsible for consumer protection related to health products at sub-district health promoting hospitals. Data collection by using a questionnaire, and analyzed with descriptive statistics and chi-square test, with a statistical significance level set at p < 0.05.

The research results showed that the sample group consisted of 83.1% females, aged 40-59 years. Additionally, 50.6% had a bachelor degree, and 92.0% held an academic position in public health. Regarding their tenure, 82.2% had worked at their current Sub-District Health Promoting Hospital for 1-5 years, with 50.7% of them having 1-5 years of experience in consumer protection for health products. Overall, the consumer protection performances were at a low to moderate level (75.6%). The factors significantly association with the level of officers’ consumer protection performances were the motivation to work (p-value=0.005), the motivation factors (p<0.001), the hygiene factors (p-value=0.025), management process (p<0.001), and the attitude (p=0.001) respectively.

Based on the research results, it is suggested that administrators in Health District 11 may consider implementing measures to enhance work motivation, improve administrative processes, and foster a positive working attitude among officials responsible for consumer protection of health products in the Sub-District Health Promoting Hospitals.

Factors that influence intention to participate in prevention and control of dangerous communicable disease among village health volunteers, Samut Prakan Province

Acharaporn Kruajan — 2024-09-05

This research aimed to assess the rate of intention, and analyze influential factors of intention to practice prevention and control of dangerous communicable diseases among village health volunteers (VHV), in Samut Prakan Province. The 212 VHV were randomly selected. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection, with content validity of each item was (IOC)0.67-1.00 and the reliability, Cronbach’s alpha of the questionnaires from Part 2 to Part 4 were more than 0.80. Data were collected in December 2022. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and multiple binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data, at a significant level < 0.05.

The results found that 91.04 percent of VHV intended to perform prevention and control of dangerous infectious diseases If the outbreak occurs again. The factors affecting the VHVs’ intention was the motivation factors. It indicated that VHV with high motivating factors intended to participate in the disease control activities more than those with low motivating factors 3.59 times (Adj. OR=3.59, 95%CI of Adj. OR = 1.16 - 11.13). There personal factors were not related to the VHVs’ intention.

The results from this study could be use by the public health administrators in the province to create interventions focusing on maintaining a good motivation toward the practices and encouraging VHV themselves to participate in the activities in the future.

Factors Influencing Technology Acceptance Among Village Health Volunteers in Kalasin Province: A Case Study on the Smart OSM Application

Rattapon Kongpod — 2024-09-05

This study aims to analyze the factors influencing the acceptance of the ‘Smart OSM Application’ by village health volunteers (VHVs), focusing on their professional activities. Employing a quantitative research approach, the study gathered data via a questionnaire featuring a 7-point Likert scale, targeting a population of 110 village health volunteers from Na Di Subdistrict, Yang Talat District, in Kalasin Province. The data analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicated that perceived risk, performance expectancy, social influence, and eHealth literacy significantly positively affected the VHVs’ behavioral intention towards using the Smart OSM Application. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the VHVs’ behavioral intention had a positive correlation with their actual usage behavior of the application. The results of this study highlighted the importance of addressing security concerns, enhancing eHealth literacy skills, developing efficient applications, gaining social support, and promoting positive behavioral intentions among VHVs. The policy recommendations from this study include enhancing data security measures, providing continuous training to improve eHealth literacy, developing and improving the application’s functionality, promoting social influence by gaining support from key figures, and offering ongoing technical support. These recommendations aim to increase acceptance and sustainable use of the Smart OSM application in the future.

Factors affecting working-age citizens' potential decisions to use private nursing homes in Muang Samut Sakhon District, Samut Sakhon Province

Thanusin Saleeon — 2024-09-05

This research was a cross-sectional analytical study. The purpose of this study was to examine factors affecting working-age people's future intentions to use private nursing homes in Muang Samut Sakhon District, Samut Sakhon Province. A total of 275 participants were recruited using multistage sampling. Data were obtained using a questionnaire constructed within a quality check for content validity by three experts. IOC ratings ranged from 0.67-1.00 on each question. Cronbach's alpha coefficient formula was used to conduct confidence tests on 5 sides. The values for each side were 0.86, 0.82, 0.88, 0.84, and 0.86. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, stepwise multiple regression analysis, Chi-Square, and ANOVA. It was found that the working age group, which varies from 25 to 59 years old, had varying intents to utilize private nursing homes in the future, determined by marital status, educational level, and occupation. However, there was no difference in average monthly income. Statistically significant, younger age groups were less likely to use the service than older age groups. Overall, the average level of opinion on many aspects of the theory of planned behavior was high. The adjusted predictive efficiency, as determined by stepwise multiple regression analysis, was found to be 0.276 (p-value <0.001), or 27.60 percent. Based on this information, the following equation was created to estimate the likelihood that working-age individuals will use private nursing home services in the future: Y = 2.030 + 0.350 (subjective norm) + 0.292 (attitude toward behavior). Results indicate that there is a potential for private nursing home services. Promoting information on the elderly's benefits and health value is recommended, to encourage a positive mindset, awareness, and attitude, resulting in motivation.

Learning Organizations Influencing the Role Performance in Family Physician Teams of Village Health Volunteers in Nabhon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

Weerasak Pradasak — 2024-09-05

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the level of learning organization characteristics and their influence on role performance within family physician teams. The sample consisted of 245 Village Health Volunteers from Nabon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed by using descriptive statistics to describe the characteristics of the study sample and the level of learning organization characteristics. The relationship between learning organization characteristics and role performance within family physician teams was analyzed using simple linear regression.

The study found that the overall level of learning organization characteristics among VHVs was high (M = 4.04, S.D. = 0.53). The regression coefficients of the predictors indicated that leadership and vision building had the greatest influence on role performance within family physician teams (Beta = 0.249 and 0.242, respectively), followed by systems thinking and problem-solving (Beta = 0.201), knowledge management (Beta = 0.161), and self-awareness (Beta = 0.132) (constant = 0.146; SE_b ± 0.298; R = 0.866; R² = 0.750; F = 143.587; p-value < 0.001). Therefore, there is a need to enhance learning processes among VHVs by promoting knowledge management processes in each community, building a shared vision, and fostering self-awareness through capacity development facilitated by the directors of the responsible sub-district health promoting hospitals.

Transformational Leadership and Good Governance of Personnel at District Public Health Office in Chumphon Province

Thanawat Yeekew — 2024-09-05

This study aimed to examine (1) the levels of transformational leadership and good governance, (2) comparing good governance with personnel, (3) analyzing the relationship between transformational leadership and good governance among personnel. (4) influential factors of transformational leadership on good governance.

The sample group consisted of 265 personnel from district public health offices and sub-district health promotion hospitals in Chumphon province. Data were collected using questionnaires with reliability coefficients of 0.76 for good governance and 0.87 for transformational leadership. The analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Spearman rank correlation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis.

The research findings revealed that (1) transformational leadership behaviors and good governance of personnel were at a high level; (2) different personal factors did not significantly affect good governance; (3) transformational leadership was significantly correlated with good governance at the 0.01 level; and (4) The influence of transformational leadership on good governance in descending order, included individual consideration and idealized influence, collectively explaining 40% of the variance in good governance (Adjusted R-Square = 0.40)

Therefore, executives should prioritize and promote the development of transformational leadership focused on individualized consideration, idealized influence, and good governance among personnel at all levels, which may lead to increased efficiency in staffs’ performance.

The effect of music to reduce anxiety in students receiving dental services at Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Phitsanulok Province

Panali Phloiman — 2024-09-05

Introduction and research objectives:

Dental patients often worry about pain or have had negative experiences from previous treatments, which increases their anxiety about undergoing dental services in the future. This study aimed to investigate the effect of music on reducing anxiety among students at the Sirindhorn College of Public Health in Phitsanulok Province.

Research methods: This quasi-experimental research with a purposive sample of 60 students, divided into an experimental group exposed to music during dental treatments, and a control group without music. The researcher assessed anxiety levels related to dental services in both groups by collecting data between August and September 2023. Data analysis included non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney test).

Results: The results showed no significant difference in anxiety levels between the groups before treatment (p=0.960). However, after treatment, the experimental group exhibited significantly lower anxiety levels compared to the control group (p=0.001).

Conclusion: Therefore, using music during dental procedures can effectively reduce anxiety in patients.

Implication: Incorporating music during dental procedures may increased dental care attendance among adolescents.