Public Health Policy and Laws Journal

Content

Prof.Dr.Nithat Sirichotiratana — 2025-09-02

Lessons learned from the Interprofessional Education (IPE) primary health care system at Praboromarajchanok Institute in Mae Hong Son Province

Vichai Thianthavorn — 2025-07-22

People’s health and illness situation at present is complex and multidimensional. Therefore, healthcare guidelines must be adjusted to keep up with the changes. The World Health Organization recommends that the teaching of health professions must be improved by integration. Inter-professional Education was created to give opportunities for the Praboromarajchanok Institute’s students to learn through the perspectives and experiences from other professions under the current situation and conditions, with cooperation and support to achieve the results of universal health coverage.

The Praboromarajchanok Institute provides interdisciplinary education in Mae Hong Son Province, with students in medicine, nursing, community health, dental health, emergency medicine, Thai traditional medicine, applied Thai traditional medicine, communication technology innovation, radiology technology, medical records, and occupational health and safety. They are being prepared for the primary health care system under the policy “Project planning to produce doctors and health innovation teams for family medicine, responding to the primary health care system throughout Thailand (9 doctors).” This is in line with the Primary Health Care System Act of 2019. Through the mechanism of primary health care provision, primary health care services standards, reducing inequality for primary health care access, with holistic, continuous, and integrated health care, resulting in good health and fewer illnesses, for society and the country’s fairness and health security.

Early Childhood Development and its Associated Ecological Factors among 3-5 years during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand

Sukanya Ruabruam — 2025-07-22

This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study aiming to 1) assess the developmental status of children aged 3–5 during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2) identify personal, interpersonal, community, and policy-level factors associated with developmental outcomes, A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 3–5-year-old Thai children recorded in the Health Data Center (HDC) from August to October 2022. Data were collected using the Developmental Surveillance and Promotion Manual (DSPM) and caregiver questionnaires. Factors were classified using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including logistic regression, were applied.

Results showed that the prevalence of suspected developmental delays was 55.56%. The most affected areas were expressive language, receptive language, and fine motor skills. Children whose caregivers received but did not use the DSPM manual were 1.69 times more likely to experience suspected developmental delays (p < 0.001). Community support, health service systems, and COVID-19 policies significantly influenced child development.

In conclusions, multi-level factors, particularly caregiver behavior and pandemic-related disruptions, were strongly associated with developmental delays. Therefore, policy support is needed to strengthen the community-driven child development promotion system and supporting caregivers are essential for improving early childhood outcomes, especially during public health emergencies.

Factors associated with Intension to stay among Professional Nurses in a University Hospital

Nattida Vantok — 2025-07-22

การรักษาอัตรากำลังพยาบาลวิชาชีพเป็นความท้าทายทางการบริหารทรัพยากรบุคคลในโรงพยาบาล การศึกษาวิจัยครั้งนี้เป็นการวิจัยเชิงพรรณนา แบบภาคตัดขวาง มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อศึกษาความตั้งใจคงอยู่ในงานของพยาบาลวิชาชีพและปัจจัยที่มีความสัมพันธ์กับความตั้งใจคงอยู่ในงานของพยาบาลวิชาชีพโรงพยาบาลมหาวิทยาลัย กลุ่มตัวอย่างคือพยาบาลวิชาชีพระดับปฏิบัติการที่มีอายุงานตั้งแต่ 1 ปีขึ้นไป ใช้วิธีสุ่มตัวอย่างแบบชั้นภูมิ โดยเป็นแบบสอบถามแบบให้ตอบด้วยตนเอง ผู้ตอบแบบสอบถาม 372 คน (ร้อยละ 96.62) ใช้สถิติพรรณนา ร้อยละ ค่าเฉลี่ย ส่วนเบี่ยงเบนมาตรฐาน และสถิติหาปัจจัยที่สัมพันธ์ ได้แก่ สัมประสิทธิ์สหสัมพันธ์ของสเปียร์แมน ไคสแควร์ สัมประสิทธิ์สหสัมพันธ์ของเพียร์สัน ที่ระดับนัยสําคัญทางสถิติ < 0.01

ผลการศึกษา

ความตั้งใจคงอยู่ในงานของพยาบาลวิชาชีพ อยู่ในระดับปานกลาง (Mean = 3.08±1.09) อายุ รายได้ สถานภาพสมรส ระดับการศึกษาประสบการณ์ทำงาน และจำนวนชั่วโมงการทำงานต่อสัปดาห์ มีความสัมพันธ์กับความตั้งใจคงอยู่ในงานของ พยาบาลวิชาชีพอย่างมีนัยสำคัญทางสถิติ (p-value < 0.05) ความสุขในการทำงานมีความสัมพันธ์เชิงบวกในระดับปานกลาง (r= 0.42, p-value < 0.001)

ผลการวิจัยนี้เป็นหลักฐานเชิงประจักษ์ให้ผู้บริหารการพยาบาลใช้วางแผน ปรับปรุงการปฏิบัติงาน และเป็นแนวทางในการทำให้บุคลากรคงอยู่ในองค์กรต่อไป

Trend in the influenza vaccination success among children aged 6 months to 2 years in 4th Regional Health, Thailand

Kawinpat Oranat — 2025-07-22

This study is a cross-sectional analytical study. Its objective is to factors related with successful trend of influenza vaccination in children aged 6 months - 2 years in Region 4 Health. The study sample consists of 301 influenza vaccine providers working in community hospitals and sub-district health promotion hospitals in Nonthaburi Province, Ang Thong Province, and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Data were collected using an online questionnaire that was quality-checked by experts. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage), chi-square tests, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

The research findings revealed that the overall level of availabilities of health systems was moderate (49.20%) to high (35.90%). The overall level of perception regarding influenza vaccine policy and barriers to service delivery was moderate (68.88%). The level of successful trend of influenza vaccination in children aged 6 months - 2 years in Region 4 Health was low (46.18%). factors related with the successful trend of influenza vaccination in children aged 6 months - 2 years in Region 4 Health include seven factors related to factor availabilities of health systems are 1) Leadership and governance, 2) Health Service System, 3) Health workforce, 4) Health information systems, 5) Access to Essential Medicines and Health Technology, and 6) Community health systems, which have a moderate correlation; and 7) Financing, which has a high correlation. The Policy factors and obstacles for influenza vaccine services has a low correlation. Statistical significance at level 0.05 (p-value <0.001)

Results from this study Can use the information that has been developed to develop policies, guidelines, and improve the vaccine management system The system for providing vaccines in public health services is more effective. Which will increase the rate of influenza vaccination or other vaccines in children in the future

Keywords: Success trends of Vaccination; Success of influenza vaccine services; Influenza vaccination services; Influenza vaccination in children aged 6 months 2 years

Factors associated with the decision to undergo hepatitis C virus screening among healthcare workers, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health

Patsaraporn Nasa — 2025-07-22

This is a cross-sectional analytical study examining the factors associated with hepatitis C screening among healthcare workers, at the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health. Data collected using a questionnaire from a sample of 347 healthcare workers in the Department of Disease Control. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square statistics, and Spearman's rank correlation statistics.

The study results found that factors positively correlated with the decision to undergo hepatitis C virus screening included marital status, job position, and history of hepatitis C virus screening. Leading factors included knowledge and attitude, facilitating factors, and reinforcing factors. Among these, reinforcing factors had a moderate correlation with the decision to undergo hepatitis C virus screening, while leading factors such as knowledge and attitude, and facilitating factors had a low correlation with statistical significance (p< 0.05).

The results of this study can be used as information for the executives of the Department of Disease Control. Findings can be utilized to formulate policies and measures to promote healthcare workers.

Factors associated with the development of primary health care systems under Provincial Administrative Organizations

Sukanya Thamangklang — 2025-07-22

This research aimed to examine the development of the primary health care system under the jurisdiction of Provincial Administrative Organizations (PAOs) and to explore the factors associated with its development. The sample consisted of 360 respondents, including directors, acting directors, or representatives of directors from Queen Sirikit Health Centers and Sub-district Health Promoting Hospitals under the Provincial Administrative Organizations. Data were collected using an online questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests with a statistical significance level set at p < 0.05.

The findings revealed that the overall development of the primary health care system under the Provincial Administrative Organizations was at a high level (50.30%). Significant factors associated with the development included the size of the health service units, organizational climate, organizational support, transformational leadership, and community participation (p < 0.05). These results are expected to be beneficial for PAO executives by providing essential information to support policy formulation and guide the strategic direction for further development of the primary health care system.

Financial operations of Health Promoting Hospital: Case studies of Health Region 5 during transfer period

Nattapong Kandumri — 2025-07-22

This study aims to investigate the correlation between the health service system administration process and the financial operations of the service unit at health promoting hospitals. A total of 269 health promoting hospitals that had been transferred under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Administrative Organizations, were included in the sample. The questionnaire used in this study had a reliability coefficient of 0.91. Data were analyzed for frequency, percentage, mean, median, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

The results revealed that the overall health service system management process was rated at the highest level, while the overall financial and fiscal performance was rated at a moderate level. Analysis for the relationships showed that components of the health service system management process, namely collaboration, pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical supplies, coordination, and service delivery, as well as the service unit characteristic of unit size, were found to be associated with the financial and fiscal performance of health promoting hospitals.

The recommendations can be submitted to the Decentralization Committee to establish effective criteria and methods for budget allocation and transfer. They can also be proposed to the Provincial Administrative Organizations to support the development of more efficient financial and fiscal management strategies for health promoting hospitals that have been transferred under their jurisdiction.

Organizational engagement of personnel in The Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health

Sirimas Khamsai — 2025-07-22

This study employed a cross-sectional survey. This research aims to study the related factors of personnel engagement in the organization at the Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health. Data were collected through an online questionnaire via Google Forms. The data were collected from 366 participants who had been working for at least one year in the Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Health. The data collection took place from October 20 to December 16, 2023. Statistical analyses included frequency distribution, percentage, mean, median, minimum, maximum, and standard deviation. Pearson's correlation coefficient statistic and Chi Square test were used to study the relationship of factors affecting the level of organizational commitment, multiple regression entry analysis statistic was used to predict organizational engagement. The statistical significance was determined at a 0.05 level, and the SPSS for windows program was used to analyze the data.

The results of organizational engagement of personnel in the department of medical sciences, ministry of public health was moderate to high level. Significant correlations were observed between achievement norms, self-actualizing norms, Humanistic-Encouraging norms and Affiliative norms (r = 0.590, 0.632, 0.189, 0.708) respectively (p-value < 0.0001). Humanistic-Encouraging Norms (Beta = 1.529) and affiliative norms (Beta = 0.884) could predict organizational engagement respectively. There were significant of relationship (R Square = 0.72)

IMPLICATION OF THE THESIS

The results of the study were significant of humanistic-encouraging norms and affiliative norms. The administrative team can utilize these findings to design initiatives that strengthen organizational commitment by such as: creating unity, instilling everyone to awareness of the organizational benefits more than their own, having a positive, attitude, creating understanding and acceptance of living together with equality. In addition, the organizational should promotion of career advancement because this thing will be reflected in the work, achievement of the organization’s gold and promotion of participation in the work for personnel to create sustainability in the organizational.

sustainability in the organizational.

Keywords: Department of Medical Sciences, Organizational Engagement, Constructive Culture

Child Drowning Prevention of Households in High-risk Areas, Mueang Sa kaeo District, Sa kaeo Province

Charnchai Manafao — 2025-07-22

This cross-sectional descriptive study investigated drowning prevention in children, and factors associated with prevention in high-risk areas of Mueang Sa Kaeo District, Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand. Data were collected through structured interviews with 382 households. Respondents were primary caregivers of children under 15 years old, who had resided in the areas for at least three years. Data analysis using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Inferential statistics, Chi-square and Fisher's exact test, were analyzed, with significance set at P < 0.05.

Results revealed that 66.0% of households exhibited a low overall level of drowning prevention practices. These were observed in planning (64.7%), training and information monitoring (68.1%), children’s risk behaviors (73.6%), and environmental safety management (71.7%). Caregivers’ knowledge regarding drowning prevention was moderate (53.1%), while prevention skills were high (57.3%), but situational awareness remained low (87.2%). Statistically significant factors associated with drowning prevention practices included caregivers' perception of drowning prevention, average household income, having a water reservoir nearby, and having children aged 6–14 years (P < 0.05). The study suggests enhancing caregivers’ knowledge and first aid skills through practical community-based training, installing barriers to improve household environments and providing child safety equipment, and promoting collaborative community networks to disseminate knowledge and prevention behaviors.

The Study of Caries-Free Status and Oral Health Promotion among Preschool Children in Children Development Centers in Ubon Ratchathani Province

Wichittra Kukamjad — 2025-07-22

This study explored caries-free status and oral health promotion among preschool children in children development centers in Ubon Ratchathani Province. Data were collected from 279 childcare teachers in these centers and from 136 public health service personnel in the corresponding service areas. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed for descriptive statistics.

The findings revealed that only 50.2% of children development centers were caries-free. Most teachers demonstrated high levels of knowledge, attitudes, and motivation, regarding oral health promotion (95.3%, 69.9%, and 62.4%, respectively). Most children development centers performed exceptionally well in implementing oral health promotion activities (82.8%–93.9%) and demonstrated good management practices (56.3%). Family and community participation was rated at a high level (54.1%), and health service units provided comprehensive services across all aspects (87.5%–94.1%). However, nearly half of the centers still had caries-free rates below the target, indicating that overall effectiveness had not yet been fully achieved. Therefore, comprehensive and sustainable measures are needed, including early caries prevention strategies, in-depth research to understand the underlying issues better, and enhanced oral health promotion mechanisms within children development centers, to ensure more effective outcomes.

Risk management to prevent accidents among motorcycle taxi drivers in the ministry of public health, nonthaburi province

Chariya Damrongsak — 2025-07-22

This research is a cross-sectional study, among 306 motorcycle taxi drivers in the Ministry of Public Health area, Mueang District, Nonthaburi Province. Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests and Binary logistic regression analysis, with the statistical significance level set at 0.05.

The research found that the factors significantly associated with risk management to prevent accidents among motorcycle taxi drivers were marital status, income from motorcycle taxi driving, accident experiences, awareness of: laws and driving policy, motorcycle condition, driving environment, and attitudes — all at a statistical significance level of 0.05. The factors that significantly affect risk management to prevent accidents are as follows: experience of motorcycle-related accidents (AOR = 1.90, p-value = 0.029, 95% CI: 1.069 – 3.379), awareness of laws and management policies (AOR = 2.55, p-value = 0.001, 95% CI: 1.459 – 4.487), driving attitude (AOR = 2.58, p-value = 0.001, 95% CI: 1.492 – 4.461), and condition of the motorcycle (AOR = 1.85, p-value = 0.043, 95% CI: 1.019 – 3.379)

The findings indicate that the Ministry of Public Health should provide additional training and education to motorcycle taxi drivers, focusing on knowledge of traffic laws and driving policies. Promoting and fostering positive driving attitudes are recommended, with regular maintenance and proper management of motorcycles to ensure good condition. These measures would reduce motorcycle accidents in the Ministry of Public Health area.

Determinants of Health Affecting Accessibility to Primary Health Care Services for People in Nonthaburi Province.

Napatsorn Kampeera — 2025-07-22

This study is cross-sectional survey research with the objective of studying the accessibility of public health services in primary public health facilities in Nonthaburi Province. The sample group studied was 326 people living in Mueang Nonthaburi District, Bang Yai District, and Sai Noi District, Nonthaburi Province, which were obtained through multi-stage random sampling. The questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Chi-square statistics and stepwise multiple regression statistics were analyzed.

The study found that access to primary health care services was at a moderate level (65.0%). The proportion of using primary health care units was 0.86 (86.2%), with the highest proportion of service use in Bang Yai District (91.46%). The results of the analysis using Chi-square statistics found that personal factors in terms of occupation, structural factors in terms of the context of the residential area, service selection, methods of using primary health care units when sick, and the frequency of receiving services at primary health care units, and socio-economic factors in terms of income were related to access to primary health care services of people in Nonthaburi Province at a significance level of 0.05

Therefore, this study can be used as basic information for determining guidelines and planning policy development, including developing health service systems and improving the quality of service units comprehensively and appropriately for the context of each area.

Factors Associated with Digital Skills of Personnel in the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health

Onvika Kohyoor — 2025-07-22

This cross-sectional descriptive research aimed to assess the digital skills level of personnel, and to examine the relationships between personal factors, computer program usage, and digital skills among personnel of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. The sample consisted of 288 personnel who had been employed for at least six months and were not in administrative positions. Data were collected between July and August 2023, using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire showed excellent validity (IOC = 1.0) and reliability (α = 0.955, 0.935). Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics and inferential methods, including Spearman’s rank and point-biserial correlation coefficients.

The results indicated that personnel had a high level of digital skills (Mean = 4.02 ± 0.59). Factors significantly associated with digital skills included age (r = -0.25, p-value <0.001), educational level (r = 0.12, p-value < 0.039), number of personal digital devices (r = 0.27, p-value < 0.001), and digital technology training (r = 0.16, p-value < 0.008). Additionally, the frequency of using MS Word (r = 0.116, p = 0.049), MS PowerPoint (r = 0.221, p < 0.001), email (r = 0.187, p = 0.001), Google for information searching (r = 0.231, p = 0.001), the HDC program (r = 0.209, p < 0.001), and online meeting platforms (r = 0.151, p = 0.010), were significantly correlated with the digital skills.. The findings suggest that administrators should enhance personnel’s digital skills by providing comprehensive digital training.

Access to Cervical Cancer Screening Using Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Self-Testing in Pathum Thani Province Under the Ministry of Public Health Policy

Sirikanda Mangkala — 2025-07-22

This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the level of access and the factors associated with access to HPV self-testing screening services among Thai women in Pathum Thani Province. The sample consisted of Thai women aged 30 to under 60 years residing in Pathum Thani Province. The sample consisted of 315 Thai women aged 30 to under 60 years residing in Pathum Thani Province. A multistage sampling was used. Data were collected using a self-administration questionnaire between February and March 2025. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression at a statistical significance level of 0.05.

The results showed that the access to HPV self-testing screening services was at high level 65.1%. the factors with statistically significant associated with the access included age (p=0.006) educational level (p<0.001) occupation (p=0.001) and monthly income (p=0.001). Personal factors affecting the access to HPV self-testing screening services, there were monthly income (p-value=0.041) and educational level (p<0.001).

Therefore, public health administrators and personnel who were responsible the cervical cancer screening should consider project that focus on communication strategies appropriate for each group of women in the target population, in order to increase access to the self-testing screening services and achieve the provincial-level screening targets.

Effects of a Dietary Literacy Development Program on Uncontrolled Diabetic Patients in Khao Ya Subdistrict Community, Si Banphot District, Phatthalung Province

Sarita Chandaewa — 2025-07-22

This quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effects of health media utilization for developing health literacy to modify dietary behaviors among uncontrolled diabetic patients in Khao Ya Subdistrict Community, Si Banphot District, Phatthalung Province. The study applied health literacy theory and was conducted with a sample of 32 participants over a 3 month period. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistics including Paired t-test and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test.

The results showed that uncontrolled diabetic patients had significantly increased levels of health literacy regarding dietary consumption compared to pre-intervention (p <0.001). The mean scores for dietary behavior also significantly improved compared to pre-intervention (p <0.001). After the intervention, uncontrolled diabetic patients achieved better glycemic control than before the intervention, with statistical significance (p <0.001). These findings demonstrate that the dietary literacy development program helped uncontrolled diabetic patients improve their health literacy regarding dietary consumption, modify their dietary behaviors, and achieve reduced blood glucose levels. Continuous follow-up with empowerment approaches for participants and documentation of implementation lessons for scaling up are recommended.

Grounds for Divorce: A Case Study on Gaslighting

Supatida Sittirattanapong — 2025-07-22

The objective of this study was to examine the act of gaslighting between spouses as a potential ground for divorce under Section 1516 of the Thai Civil and Commercial Code. The research focused on the challenges related to the definition of gaslighting, the interpretive scope of divorce grounds in Thai law concerning such conduct, the process of proving gaslighting behavior as a ground for divorce, and the legal remedies available to victims after divorce. The study employed documentary research method, analyzing the Thai legal provisions in comparison with relevant legal theories, statutes, and judicial precedents from the United Kingdom and Singapore. The analysis sought to derive conclusions and propose a Thai legal reform.

The findings indicated that the current grounds for divorce under Section 1516 of the Civil and Commercial Code did not adequately encompass cases of gaslighting. This is because gaslighting involves psychological and emotional abuse, which may not always manifest through overt or severe acts, thus failing to align with the existing legal criteria. The study recommends amending the Civil and Commercial Code to explicitly recognize gaslighting as a valid ground for a divorce. Furthermore, it proposes the inclusion of legal entitlements for the affected spouse to receive psychological rehabilitation compensation from the liable party.

A Comparative Study of Medical Record Workload Based on the Competency of Public Health Officers (Medical Statistics) in Health Service Region 5: Expectations of Supervisors vs. Actual Workload

Rawiwan Hirun — 2025-07-22

This study aimed to: (1) assess the workload of public health officers specializing in medical statistics in Health Service Region 5, based on supervisors’ expectations and actual performance; and (2) compare the expected and actual workloads. The sample population comprised of 43 supervisors. Data were collected using validated questionnaires (content validity = 1.00; reliability = 0.95). Descriptive statistics and a paired sample t-test were analyzed.

Results showed that supervisors’ expectations for medical record workload were high overall. Among professional competencies, medical coding received the highest mean score, while performance competencies, integrity and ethics ranked highest. Actual workload performance was also rated high overall, with medical records management achieving the highest mean score in professional competencies, integrity, and ethics, leading in performance competencies. Information technology consistently received the lowest scores in both categories, though still rated high. The comparison between expected and actual workloads revealed that supervisors’ expectations significantly exceeded actual performance (p < 0.05).

The findings suggest a need to strengthen competencies where performance lags behind expectations, particularly in information technology, achievement motivation, and professional expertise development. Hospitals should provide targeted training to address these gaps. Additionally, academic institutions offering programs in medical statistics should revise their curricula to emphasize practical skills in digital health tools, performance-driven work habits, and continuous professional development, in order to align with workplace expectations and improve future workforce readiness.

The Influence of Health Belief Model Components on Safe Motorcycle Riding Behaviors among People Aged 18–24 Years in Khuan Thani Subdistrict, Kantang District, Trang Province.

Samsuwal Sa-ih — 2025-07-22

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of safe motorcycle riding behavior and examine the health belief model factors influencing such behavior among individuals aged 18–24 years in Khuan Thani Subdistrict, Kantang District, Trang Province. The sample consisted of 327 participants selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using the Health Belief Model Questionnaire and the Safe Motorcycle Riding Behavior Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis.

The findings revealed that 62.69% of the participants exhibited a high level of safe riding behavior, while 34.25% demonstrated a moderate level. Logistic regression analysis indicated that three factors significantly influenced safe riding behavior (p < .05): perceived susceptibility (B = .98, p = .007, OR = 2.66), perceived barriers (B = .97, p = .002, OR = 2.64), and cues to action (B = 1.09, p < .001, OR = 2.97), suggesting that these factors increased the likelihood of safe behavior by 2.64 to 2.97 times. Other variables showed no statistically significant influence. Therefore, it is recommended to enhance perceived susceptibility and barrier management through experiential activities such as simulated accident scenarios. Additionally, community-level cues—such as campaigns, online media, and testimonials from accident survivors—should be utilized to stimulate safe riding behavior among the target group.

Evaluating the Accuracy and Causes of Discrepancies in Recording Disease Codes and Procedure Codes, A Case Study of a Community Hospital in Lopburi Province

Suwiyakorn Phooratsamee — 2025-07-22

This study aimed to assess the accuracy of disease and procedure coding, analyze coding discrepancies, and identify their causes in a community hospital in Lopburi Province. A mixed-methods approach was employed using a convergent parallel design. Quantitative data were collected from 7,381 inpatient records discharged between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023. Qualitative data were gathered through interviews with 12 physicians and 3 medical coders. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data, while content analysis was applied to the qualitative responses.

Results show that a total of 7,197 records (97.5%) were accurately coded in accordance with ICD standards, while 184 records (2.5%) contained coding errors. Of these, 121 records (65.8%) involved inaccurate diagnosis summaries provided by physicians, and 63 records (34.2%) resulted from coding errors by coders. The primary causes of discrepancies included a lack of understanding of NHSO diagnostic criteria, incomplete medical documentation, and insufficient ICD knowledge among staff. These issues impacted reimbursement processes, statistical reporting, budget assessments, treatment planning, and the overall quality of medical records.

The findings underscore the need for ongoing ICD training, the development of joint documentation guidelines between physicians and coders, and the implementation of a pre-submission verification system to enhance coding accuracy and improve data quality.

Keywords: accuracy; discrepancy; ICD; medical records

The Relationship between Digital Health Competency and Literacy among Public Health Personnel in Sub-District Health Promoting Hospital in an Upper Southern Province

Suppanut Phonpichai — 2025-07-23

Sub-district Health Promoting Hospitals utilize diverse digital technologies in providing healthcare services, necessitating digital literacy and operational competency among their healthcare personnel. This cross-sectional analytical study investigated the relationship between personal characteristics, digital health technology literacy and competency among 257 public health personnel at Sub-district Health Promoting Hospitals in an upper southern province, selected through a multi-stage random sampling process. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire with content validity (0.67-1) and reliability (0.97). Pearson's Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were analyzed for correlation.

Findings revealed that most participants were female (84.4%), with an average age of 38, and 51.3% were public health academics. A notable 61.1% had not received digital health training for the past three years. Digital tool utilization varied by services: 87.5% used the HDC website for health promotion, 80.5% used Line application for disease prevention, and the JHCIS program was used for primary healthcare (89.9%) and rehabilitation (79.0%). Both digital health technology literacy (80.9%) and competency (89.5%) were high. Age and digital health literacy were significantly related to competency.

This study highlights the imperative for provincial public health agencies and primary healthcare service networks to prioritize promoting digital literacy among healthcare personnel across all job positions.

Influence of Media on Risk Perception During the COVID 19 Pandemic: Qualitative Case Study from Thailand

William J Jones — 2025-08-01

This empirical study of the effects of media on risk perception during the Covid 19 pandemic in Thailand was carried out during the first 9 months of the Covid pandemic from March-December 2020. Media as a tool and medium for public consumption of information is becoming more complex with more diverse outlets and mediums. However, during the Covid pandemic, especially the early phase, media was in conformity with government sources to get fast, accurate and up to date information to the public. The study sought to identify channels of communication during emergencies, perceived trustworthiness of sources, emotional connotation and how this impacted perceptions and degree of risk among the case study population. Coding was used to evaluate participants level of perception towards trust and risk in media during the pandemic and how this impacted behavior among the participant population. This study finds that during the pandemic people’s consumption of information were similar. Their perception of the trustworthiness of the source did influence their behaviors in order to mitigate risk associated with Covid as a deadly pathogen. Lastly, while sources of information were similar, the occupation of the consumer had a marked impact on their risk mitigation behavior. Research findings can be utilized by researchers and policy makers in fine tuning their approaches public perception in future crisis events as well as refine different approaches for varying media platforms which have different consumption patterns.

An Operational Model for the Prevention and Resolution of Drug Addiction Problems in the Community by Village Health Volunteers: A Case Study of Sukhothai Province

Yutthana Yaebkai — 2025-08-08

This mixed-methods research design aimed to study an operational model for the prevention and resolution of drug addiction problems in the community by village health volunteers in Sukhothai Province. The research was conducted in two phases: Phase 1 developing an operational model for the prevention and resolution of drug addiction problems in the community and Phase 2 evaluating an operational model for the prevention and resolution of drug addiction problems in the community.

The results found six key parts of the model: (1) Developing good data system; (2) Developing peaceful approaches rehabilitation system; (3) Create an atmosphere of understanding and communication according to the community; (4) Developing varieties of good activities; (5) Creating participatory approaches for networks; and (6) Encouraging ownership and transformational leadership. The evaluation results indicated that the overall quality was at a high level, beneficial was rated at the highest level, feasibility was at a high level, appropriation was at a moderate level, and accuracy coverage was at a high level.

Developing a Multidisciplinary Wellness Coaching Curriculum for Personalized Health Promotion in Thailand’s Health Service System

Orawan Quansri — 2025-09-04

Amidst the growing demand for personalized and value-based health promotion, this study developed and evaluated a multidisciplinary wellness coaching curriculum tailored for Thailand’s health service system. Grounded in wellness coaching principles, behavioral psychology, and interprofessional collaboration, the curriculum was designed to enhance the competencies of health professionals in delivering Personalized Intensive Lifestyle Modification (PILM) services for working-age populations at risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The blended learning model included a two-day onsite workshop, monthly interactive online sessions, and a six-month peer mentoring system, coach-for-coach to promote reflective practice and real-world application.

Thirty-four multidisciplinary professionals including nurses, dietitians, psychologists, physiotherapists, and public health officers from 11 local service units were purposively selected to participate. Evaluation tools included a knowledge test, a wellness coaching confidence scale, and an open-ended questionnaire. All instruments were validated for content (IOC = 0.67–1.00) and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha =0.90). Quantitative analysis showed a significant increase in knowledge (pre = 5.85, post = 8.32, t = 8.43, p < 0.001), with 79.41% showing improved scores. Participants reported high confidence (mean = 8.65, SD = 1.04) and effectively applied skills in nutrition planning, physical activity coaching, and motivational communication. Qualitative feedback emphasized the relevance and feasibility of curriculum content. This study demonstrates that a structured, context-specific wellness coaching curriculum can enhance workforce capacity for person-centered care and support the operationalization of value-based health promotion. The model offers a policy-relevant innovation for Thailand’s primary health system, with strong potential for scale-up through local and governmental service networks.

Legal status of cannabis and regulation

Chardsumon Prutipinyo — 2025-09-02

The legal status of cannabis as a narcotic substance varies significantly across countries—ranging from partial legalization and medical-only use to complete prohibition. This paper aims to examine the regulatory and preventive frameworks implemented in selected countries, including measures such as minimum age restrictions, control over production and distribution, and enforcement mechanisms. Particular attention is given to jurisdictions with divergent policy approaches, such as those that have legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes (e.g., Canada), in contrast to countries with stringent prohibition (e.g., Singapore).

In the case of Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health has issued a new regulation aimed at preventing the misuse of cannabis flowers. Under this revised framework, cannabis is designated as a “controlled herb,” recognized for its potential value in research, education, and economic development. The revision was deemed necessary to replace the previous regulation in order to reflect current realities. As a result, cannabis—classified under the genus Cannabis, family Cannabaceae—is now subject to stricter domestic distribution controls, with an emphasis on its use for medical purposes only.