Journal of Health Science of Thailand

Introduction

Wiwat Rojanapithayakorn — 2026-01-23

Full Issue

Wiwat Rojanapithayakorn — 2026-01-23

Factors Related to Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Older Adults in Bangnampriao District, Chachoengsao Province: Mixed-methods Design

Kingkarn Anosak — 2026-01-23

This study employed a mixed-methods sequential transformative design, conducted with quantitative research followed by qualitative research. The objective was to investigate the factors associated with oral-health-related quality of life among older adults in Bangnampriao District, Chachoengsao Province. The quantitative research involved 344 participants selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires on demographic characteristics, the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), and oral health examinations conducted by trained dental personnel standardized by a licensed dentist. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficients. The qualitative samples consisted of 16 older adults who served as key informants. Data were collected through focus group discussions using a semi-structured question guide on oral health behaviors, and were analyzed using content analysis. Quantitative findings revealed that most participants had a high level of oral-health–related quality of life (98.80%). Chisquare analysis showed that the presence of cervical tooth abrasion, having at least 20 permanent teeth, and having four or more pairs of permanent posterior occluding units were significantly associated with oral-health–related quality of life (p < 0.05). Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that the number of permanent teeth and the number of previously filled teeth were negatively correlated with oral-health–related quality of life (r = -0.285 and -0.149, respectively; p<0.05). Conversely, the number of extracted teeth, previously filled teeth, decayed–missing–filled teeth (DMFT), root caries, and cervical tooth abrasion were positively correlated with oral-health–related quality of life (r = 0.285, 0.314, 0.109, and 0.145, respectively; p<0.05). The qualitative findings revealed that the causal factors on dental health behaviors affecting oral health-related quality of life were multifactorial and categorized into three groups: intrapersonal factors, including knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about oral health,interpersonal factors, particularly social support, and societal-level factors, such as system readiness and accessibility to oral health services. The results of this study provide essential information that can serve as input for developing oral health processes and services tailored to older adults and aligned with the social context.

Factors Influencing Lifestyle Medicine Health Behaviors among the Working-Age Population in Don Sai Sub-district, Pak Tho District, Ratchaburi Province

Thanyawan Kerddonsai — 2026-01-23

The objectives of this study were to assess levels of knowledge, perception, and health behaviors based on lifestyle medicine concepts among participants; and analyze relationships between personal factors, enabling factors, and health behaviors, as well as to identify predictors of health behaviors and explore in-depth experiences and perspectives of relevant stakeholders. Quantitative data were collected from 200 participants using questionnaires on knowledge, perception, and health behaviors based on lifestyle medicine concepts. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and content analysis. Results showed that participants had moderate levels of knowledge and perception regarding health behaviors (51% and 56%, respectively), but overall health behaviors were at a low level (66.5%). Marital status and knowledge showed significant negative correlations with health behaviors (p<0.05). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that perception of health behaviors was the only predictor remaining in the final equation, explaining 25% of the variance in health behaviors (R²=0.250). Qualitative findings indicated that heavy workload, time constraints, and lack of knowledge and skills for behavior modification were major barriers to good health behaviors among working-age community members. Recommendations from this study include integrating collaboration among community hospitals, local authorities, and workplaces to provide health promotion services appropriate to each occupational group context; developing participatory health behavior change programs emphasizing skill development, motivation building, and continuous follow-up care; enhancing capacity of community health leaders to become change agents; and promoting public policies to reduce health inequities and create environments conducive to good health behaviors.

The Confidence of Clients in Medical Health Care Service at Applied Thai Traditional Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University in a Situation of Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic

Nathinee Phongphaitoonsin — 2026-01-23

The aims of this study were to assess the level of confidences and relation between personal factors and level of confidence of clients in the Applied Thai Traditional Medicine Center (ATTMC), Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, in a situation of Coronavirus 2019 pandemic. Target population was the clients of the ATTMC, of whic calculated sample size of random sampling in 30% was 155 people using the Rule of Thumb. Data regrading confidence of clients in various aspects were collected through a questionnaire created by the researchers. The questionnaire was validated of quality content by 3 specialists and try out with 30 clients of a similar circumstance center. A accuracy of the whole instrument was 0.92. Statistical study used such as frequency, mean, standard deviation (SD.) value and Chi-square. The results revealed that level of confidence of clients of ATTMC in 4 parts was good satisfied level in consistent. When considering each of the confidence part, it was found the service part was at 65.16%, the instrument part, 55.48%, the place of ATTMC part, 43.87% and the staff part, 63.23%. The personal factors related factor with the confidence of clients in ATTMC in each factor were income per month, the rights for treatment and the status of patients, which were significantly associated with the confidence of service part, instrument part, and ages. Moreover, the rights for treatment were related to the confidence of place, staff part. Occupation was significantly related to the confidence of staff part (p<0.05). Factors of sex, status of patients and education level did not relate with confidence of clients. This research result is information to improve the services of Thai traditional medicine clinics for risk planning in providing services in the event of future epidemics, ensuring standards and efficiency.

Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Drug Treatment Models for Patients without Comorbid Psychaitric Symptoms: A Case Study in Health Region 2, Thailand

Chalowat Inpa — 2026-01-23

This action research examined the situation and operational models of community-based treatment (CBTx) for people who use drugs in Health Region 2. It aimed to identify success factors, barriers, and development needs, leading to the development of a context-appropriate and sustainable community-based treatment and rehabilitation model for green-group drug patients (CBTx-PLUS R2), and to recommend policy for scale-up. The research process included a review of national CBTx standards and Ministry of Public Health documents, followed by lesson-learned synthesis of community roles and service delivery systems. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions, and quantitative data through questionnaires and capacity assessment tools reflecting implementation status and partner readiness. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired-sample t-tests to compare practitioners’ knowledge and competency before and after model development. The results showed that CBTx in Health Region 2 was strongly driven by community engagement and largely aligned with national guidelines. However, key limitations were identified, particularly insufficient workforce competency and the lack of an integrated information system, resulting in inconsistent case follow-up and continuity of care across areas. In response, CBTx-PLUS R2 was developed to strengthen community capacity for comprehensive care of green-group patients, reduce reliance on outpatient services, and improve continuity through individual case management supported by a shared information system via the Lomrak application. Training for community leaders and village health volunteers emphasized follow-up, relapse surveillance, and supportive communication. The model was feasible at both systemic and operational levels. Practitioners’ mean knowledge and competency scores increased significantly (p<0.05). Policy recommendations emphasize sustained resource support, workforce development, continuous capacity building, and an integrated information system linking health facilities and communities to enable broader implementation.

Problems in Preventing Stroke in a Community of Village Health Volunteers in Nang Rong District, Buri Ram Province: a Phenomenological Study

Kittiphon Namtaweechaikul — 2026-01-23

This descriptive qualitative research was aimed to explicate the problem of stroke prevention in the community of village health volunteers in Nang Rong district, Buri Ram Province. The 28 participants included village health volunteer chairpersons, primary care cluster staff, patients, caregivers, and village health volunteers. They were interviewed with semi-structured questionnaires. The findings showed that the problems related to stroke prevention among village health volunteers could be divided into 4 main issues: (1) knowledge of stroke prevention, (2) guidelines for coordination with relevant agencies, (3) roles and responsibilities of village health volunteers, and (4) public confidence. Accordingly, a comprehensive community-based program should be implemented to strengthen stroke-prevention capacity by enhancing health literacy, improving access to reliable health information and services, facilitating structured question-and-answer exchanges, and developing decision-making skills and health-promoting behavior change. Establishing standardized operating procedures and ensuring role clarity among stakeholders, together with trust-building initiatives, could promote consistency of practice and provide a replicable model for sustainable health improvements at the community level.

Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation in Aphasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Nicha Kripanan — 2026-01-23

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation for improving language and speech abilities in individuals with post-stroke aphasia, as well as to report adverse events, costeffectiveness, feasibility, and user satisfaction. A systematic search was conducted in CENTRAL,PubMed, Scopus, and other databases in November 2025 with no restrictions on publication year. Experimental studies comparing tele-rehabilitation with face-to-face rehabilitation were included, afterwhich risk of bias was assessed, and a meta-analysis was performed. The search identified 1,401 records, of which 10 studies met the eligibility criteria (N = 218). Meta-analysis showed no significant differences between tele-rehabilitation and conventional rehabilitation in fluency (standardized mean difference: SMD = 0.17; 95% CI: –0.14 to 0.49), naming (SMD = 0.26; 95%CI: –0.01 to 0.53), reading (SMD = 0.39; 95%CI: –0.02 to 0.81), and functional communication (SMD = –0.16; 95%CI: –0.56 to 0.23). However, tele-rehabilitation demonstrated significantly better outcomes in auditory comprehension (SMD = 0.30; 95%CI: 0.02 to 0.59) and repetition (SMD = 0.49; 95%CI: 0.15 to 0.82). Overall, tele-rehabilitation appeared to be as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy and might be considered a viable alternative depending on the service context. No serious adverse events were reported; and satisfaction levels tended to be positive. Nonetheless, the current evidence is limited by a high or some-concerns risk of bias across several studies. Additional studies with a low risk of bias are needed to confirm these findings. Future clinical research should be conducted through randomized controlled trials with a low risk of bias, and report cost-effectiveness to inform policy and develop practical implementation of tele-rehabilitation services.

Development of Thai Healthy Lifestyle Promotion Model by Using the Principles of 3 Sor, 3 Orr and 1 Nor for Prevention and Control of Diabetes and Hypertension

Patcharin Kasibut — 2026-01-23

This quasi-experimental research aimed to develop a Thai Healthy Lifestyle Promotion Model by using the principles of 3 Sor, 3 Orr and 1 Nor for prevention and control of diabetes and hypertension and to study the effectiveness in implementing the developed model. The research design involved two groups comparing before and after the test. This study applied multistage sampling to recruit all 840 samples from Phetchabun, Nakhon Nayok, Ubon Ratchathani and Pattani provinces in which samples were randomized to 210 samples of intervention group and control group equally. For 12 weeks, the principles of 3 Sor (pray, meditation, dhamma discussion), 3 Orr (food, exercise, emotions-dharma way), and 1 Nor (biological clock; dhamma way of life) for the prevention and control of diabetes and hypertension was implemented. The tools used for data collection include a health questionnaire (general information, knowledge about diabetes/hypertension disease and health behaviors) and a health status recording form (weight, height, blood sugar level, and blood pressure). Data were analyzed usinbg mean, standard deviation, paired t-test, and independent t-test. The research found that the model included (1) building capacity of Health Team coach, (2) workshop training on Thai Healthy Lifestyle Promotion by Using the Principles of 3 Sor, 3 Orr and 1 Nor, (3) patient behavior based on the principles of 3 Sor, 3 Orr and 1 Nor, and (4) monitoring, supporting, and follow-up visits to empower patients by health team coach. The effectiveness of the developed model found that the intervention group was evident in the statistically significant improvement (average knowledge score (13.07 points), health behavior score (74.18 points), body mass index (24.83), blood sugar level (123.76 mg/dl), systolic blood pressure level (127.33 mmHg), and diastolic blood pressure level (77.82 mmHg) were better than before the experiment (10.45 points, 59.28 points, 26.97, 155.22 mg/dl, 150.26 mmHg, and 90.30 mmHg, respectively) and better than the control group, which had an average knowledge score (10.64 points), health behavior score (59.59 points), body mass index (26.52), blood sugar level (154.40 mg/ dL), systolic blood pressure level (150.33 mmHg), and diastolic blood pressure level (90.40 mmHg) (p<0.05). In conclusion, the developed model shows positive outcomes for individuals suffering from diabetes and hypertension, resulting in improved health. Therefore, the model’s results should be extended for using in other areas to achieve broader coverage.

Health Literacy Promoting Guideline for Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention among Village Health Volunteers in Nonthaburi Province

Songpon Phadungphatthanakoon — 2026-01-23

This research project aimed to examine the development process of two programs: a scientific literacy and health literacy enhancement program for the prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and a capacity-building program to strengthen screening skills and health communication among village health volunteers (VHVs). This study also sought to propose practical guidelines for promoting health literacy in CKD prevention among VHVs. A qualitative research design was employed, with data collected through semi-structured focus group discussions with VHVs and analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed two major guidelines for enhancing health literacy for CKD prevention among VHVs. The first guideline involved promoting changes in scientific literacy and health literacy through seven learning activities: (1) understanding the nature of science, (2) kidney and urinary system anatomy, (3) kidney functions, (4) accessing health information and services and media literacy, (5) healthy eating and physical activity for CKD prevention, (6) safe use of dietary supplements, and (7) self-management of health conditions to reduce CKD risk. The second guideline focused on strengthening screening competency and health communication skills through four activities: (1) discovering truths through active listening, dialogue, relationship building, and shared goal setting; (2) critical reflection; (3) making appropriate decisions regarding health practices; and (4) feedback and evaluation. The findings suggested that these guidelines might be applied to enhance health literacy among VHVs in other areas with similar contexts to support chronic kidney disease prevention in the community, especially while non-communicable diseases remain a significant public health concern in Thailand.

Monitoring Symptoms in COVID-19 Patients Following Favipiravir Treatment: Medication Adherence and Adverse Drug Reactions through Telepharmacy Services

Jirawan Sangrudsamee — 2026-01-23

This study aimed to examine the symptoms of patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after receiving favipiravir, assessed medication adherence, adverse drug reactions, and managed health issue through the process of telepharmaceutical care. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between 15 and 31 March 2022, involving 510 COVID-19 patients who received favipiravir from Tron Hospital. Data were collected from medical records and telephone interviews; and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The majority of participants were female (51.8%), with an average age of 40.1 years. A total of 164 patients (32.2%) were classified as being at risk for severe disease. The results showed that within the first 2–3 days after taking favipiravir, 330 cases (64.7%) reported improvement or feeling well. Problems with incorrect medication use were found in 15 patients (2.9%), and inappropriate use in 4 patients (0.8%). Factors associated with the occurrence of symptoms after medication included age group and the presence of symptoms before starting treatment. Patients aged 15–60 years had a 2.1 times higher risk of developing symptoms compared to those under 15 years (OR=2.1; 95% CI: 1.1–4.2; p=0.029). Those who had symptoms before taking the medication were 7.6 times more likely to experience symptoms afterward compared to asymptomatic patients (OR=7.6; 95% CI: 2.3–24.5; p=0.001). Most patients did not experience adverse drug reactions (92.9%). The most common adverse reactions were diarrhea (4.5%), nausea (1.4%), and a change in eye color to purple or blue (0.6%). Additionally, telepharmaceutical care was found to promote medication adherence, enhance communication between patients and healthcare personnel, and reduce the risk of mortality.

Effectivity of Smart Box to Decrease Pre-Dispensing Error of Cefazolin and Ceftriaxone

Piyawan Lueangchiranothai — 2026-01-23

Pre-dispensing errors are frequently observed among look-alike, sound-alike (LASA) medications, particularly the injectable pair: cefazolin and ceftriaxone. To address this concern, a medication storage cabinet incorporating barcode technology was developed. This device, referred to as the “smart box” integrates a barcode scanner with an automatic locking mechanism; when the barcode on the medication label is scanned, only the corresponding compartment is released. This action research aimed to assess the effectiveness of the smart box in reducing pre-dispensing errors involving cefazolin and ceftriaxone injections. Inpatient prescriptions for either drug were collected during two periods: routine dispensing (24–28 April 2023) and dispensing assisted by the smart box (1–5 May 2023). The sample size, based on prior studies, comprised 65 prescriptions per period. Pre-dispensing errors (wrong drug and wrong quantity) were recorded. Descriptive statistics were employed for general data analysis, and Fisher’s exact probability test was used to compare error proportions between the two dispensing methods. Most prescriptions were categorized as continued orders, and the proportions of cefazolin and ceftriaxone prescriptions did not differ significantly between the study periods. The smart box period demonstrated a significantly lower rate of pre-dispensing errors compared to the routine dispensing (4.62% vs. 27.69%, p=0.001). All errors detected in the smart box period were wrong-quantity dispensing; and no wrongdrug errors were observed. The development of this cost-effective device, the smart box, which addresses identified operational challenges, represents a feasible approach to enhance medication-use safety.

Factors Associated with Post-Thyroidectomy Upper Airway Obstruction: a Retrospective Study at Udonthani Cancer Hospital

Thitinat Anukoolprasert — 2026-01-23

Post-thyroidectomy upper airway obstruction is a serious complication that can be life-threatening. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with the occurrence of upper airway obstruction following thyroidectomy. A retrospective analytical study was conducted on 223 patients who underwent thyroid surgery at Udonthani Cancer Hospital between January 2020 and December 2023. Data collected included sex, age, diagnosis, type of surgery, duration of thyroid enlargement, vocal cord mobility, tracheal position, and tumor extension into the mediastinum. Intraoperative data included difficulty of intubation, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, intraoperative blood loss greater than 100 milliliters, and thyroid gland weight exceeding 200 grams. Postoperative data used to evaluate upper airway obstruction included failed extubation and tracheostomy within 48 hours after surgery. The results showed that 64 patients (28.7%) experienced failed extubation, the majority of whom were diagnosed with thyroid cancer (55.16%). Factors significantly associated with postoperative upper airway obstruction included a diagnosis of thyroid cancer (adjusted OR=4.56, 95%CI: 1.95– 10.68, p<0.001), preoperative vocal cord immobility (adjusted OR=10.08, 95%CI: 1.60–63.42, p=0.009), preoperative tracheal narrowing or deviation (adjusted OR=3.05, 95%CI: 1.05–8.84, p=0.042), thyroid gland weight greater than 200 grams (adjusted OR=7.28, 95%CI: 1.80–29.33, p=0.004), and intraoperative blood loss greater than 100 milliliters (adjusted OR=9.45, 95%CI: 4.20– 21.23, p<0.001). Therefore, patients with these risk factors require meticulous planning for postoperative extubation and close postoperative airway monitoring. Preoperative counseling should also include discussion about the potential need for prolonged intubation or tracheostomy to ensure patient safety following thyroid surgery.

Fidelity Assessment of the Evaluation System for Standardizing HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection Services in Communities that Provided by civil Society Organizations

Naruemon Tripetchsriurai — 2026-01-23

HIV/AIDS infection is a global and national public health issue. In response, the Department of Disease Control has developed three regulations under the Ministry of Public Health, B.E. 2562, to encourage civil society organizations (CSOs) participation in the prevention and control of HIV and sexually transmitted infections in communities. The regulation of CSOs that offer HIV and STI services in communities to meet established standards serves as a key mechanism for advocating and protecting consumers. This study aimed to evaluate the system for regulating the standards of CSOs that provide HIV and STI services in communities with the objective to assess the system’s fidelity in the real-world implementation of the regulatory framework. This research and development was conducted with four steps: (1) review the literature and study the situation of the assessment of standards of civil society organizations providing HIV and STIs services in communities; (2) develop a system to assess standards of civil society organizations providing HIV and STIs services in communities; (3) pilot the assessment in 23 civil society organizations; and (4) assess the fidelity of the assessment. The samples were purposively selected including: (1) the results of the assessment of standards of 23 civil society organizations in the CHW/CBO certification system, and (2) 42 assessors. The tools used were the assessment checklist of the standards of civil society organizations providing HIV and STIs services in the community and focus group discussion questions. Fidelity was analyzed for the implementation of the assessment guidelines by content analysis and quantitative data analysis with frequency and percentage. The findings revealed that the developed regulatory system for CSOs providing HIV and STI services in communities could be effectively implemented at the national level and has demonstrated excellent fidelity in practical application. Policymakers are encouraged to promote the integration of CSOs at all levels into the assessment system to enhance the quality of services for identifying at-risk groups who have not yet accessed regular healthcare services in order to ensure sustainable community health care.

Factors Affecting the Operations of the District Health Board in Chumphon Province

Sudarat Vongnutjira — 2026-01-23

This cross-sectional descriptive research aimed to study the operations and factors affecting the operations of the district health board in Chumphon Province. The sample consisted of 240 people from eight districts in Chumphon Province. The instrument used was a questionnaire regarding the level of operations according to the assigned roles of the district health board and the district health board operations according to the criteria of unity team, customer focus, community participation, appreciation, resource sharing and human development, and essential care (UCCARE). The reliability was tested with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.87 and 0.78, respectively. The statistics used for descriptive data analysis were percentage, mean, standard deviation, and inferential statistics used multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the study found that the overall operational role was at a moderate level at 43.33 percent with an average score of 121.18 (SD=30.44). When classified by each aspect, it was found that most were at a moderate level, with strategic planning being the highest at 47.08 percent with an average score of 17.65 (SD=4.82), followed by focusing on personnel and operational results at 45.00 percent with an average score of 17.61 (SD=4.70) and 44.58 percent with an average score of 17.58 (SD=4.65), respectively. The UCCARE assessment results indicated a level ranging from systematic to learning, with appreciation and value having the highest average score of 3.52 (SD=1.02), followed by giving importance to target groups and the population. In terms of teamwork, the mean was 3.49 (SD=1.04) and 3.45 (SD=1.06), respectively. Factors that significantly affected the operations of the District Health Board in Chumphon Province at the 0.05 significance level were leadership and operational outcomes, which could jointly predict the operations of the roles of the district health board in Chumphon Province at 57 percent. It is recommended that support for leadership potential development should be provided to lead teams to create goals, to set clear quality of life development issues by communicating the necessity of the quality of life of people in the area, and to jointly solve problems/developing to achieve goals. As for the role of creating good operational results, there should be a clear policy and action plan, serious participation and monitoring of results, empowering assessments, and setting success indicators according to shared goals and the context of the area itself.

Analysis of Situation and Self-Reliance of Medicine in Thailand after the COVID-19 Pandemic

Duangkaew Panyaphu — 2026-01-23

Thailand’s drug system has been established for ten years. Nowadays, there are questions concern about stability, drug security and self-reliance of the system, especially situation under the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This study aimed to analyze the country’s drug system in term of situation and problems, and formulate policy proposals. It was conducted as a documentary research. Data were gathered from research papers and related articles together with a study of information on drug administration practices in both normal and emergency situations from the public health sectors. Results of this study revealed that relying capacity of Thailand’s drug system was still at low level. There was low domestic drug production, and almost all medicines were generic drugs. New high-value drugs were still imported. However, the development of herbal medicine industry and bio-pharmaceuticals had been encouraged and the Necessary Drug Access Strategy (2012-2020) was implemented. Moreover, during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Ministry of Public Health had set up a working group under the Medical and Public Health Emergency Operations Center to combat the spread of COVID-19 and to administrate drugs for easyaccessibility,Nevertheless, actions had not yet been able to achieve the objectives of ensuring drug security and self-reliance in the country. Recommendations from this study include measures to reduce drug costs, planning and promoting self-reliance of each health region in term of both herbal production and administration, measures on planning and promoting research and domestic drug production, including herbal drug production and excipients from resources in country, and also construct logistics networks to complete the supply chain from planting, to product development, marketing, research and development and investment in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry for sustainable development.

The Development of Health Station in Buriram Province

Nittaya Chudthaisong — 2026-01-23

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the non-communicable disease (NCD) service system due to reduced hospital services under social distancing policies. Meanwhile, the number of NCD patients continued to rise, requiring the health service system to adapt appropriately to the prevailing situation. This action research aimed to develop a service model for health stations in Buriram Province. The study was conducted in three phases: (1) to analyze the situation and assess service needs; (2) to design and develop Health Stations in communities using the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion as a conceptual framework; and (3) to evaluate the outcomes of the health station implementation. The purposive samples consisted of multidisciplinary health teams, community partners 107 people and service users 35,452 people of the health stations between May 2019, and May 2022. The research instruments included interview forms, observation records, and problem-solving plans based on the AIC (Appreciation–Influence–Control) participatory process, along with laboratory data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Phase 1: the findings indicated that health promotion services among the population still relied heavily on public health personnel. People lacked tools and skills for self-care and for reducing their risk of developing diseases. Phase 2: planning and development activities revealed five key results: (1) developing public health policy for health promotion through the participation of all sectors in recognizing common problems, setting shared goals,and defining standards, roles, funding sources, service delivery systems, and management of health stations; (2) creating supportive environments for health, with every community establishing a health station according to the designated standards and guidelines; (3) strengthening community health actions through continuous health promotion activities to solve problems collaboratively; (4) developing individual skills for self-care and building capacity for health coaches; and (5) reforming the health service system into a people-centered model, linking services with health stations and integrating data among service units. Phase 3: the evaluation of Health Station implementation found that Buriram Province had established 2,596 health stations, with 75.07% of funding supported by local administrative organizations. Regarding health outcomes, access to public health services in 2022 showed remarkable improvement: 90% of the population received health screening 90.87% of suspected cases were followed up for diagnosis and 61.28% of hypertensive patients achieved good disease control, which represented an increase compared with the previous year. The implementation of the health station model effectively reduced congestion and waiting times in hospitals. Overall, the development of health stations in Buriram Province laid a solid foundation for primary health promotion systems, emphasizing self-reliance among the population and sustainable health development in the community.

Occupational health hazards in dentistry

Parichat Limsuvan — 2026-01-23

Dentistry is a profession confronted with various occupational health hazards, including exposure to pathogens in saliva and blood, which can lead to diseases through skin and mucous membrane contact. Airborne respiratory infection also gained increased attention following the COVID-19 pandemic. Toxicity from dental materials or chemicals used for disinfection, exposure to ionizing radiation, and disruptive noise leading to potential hearing loss are additional concerns. Musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, shoulders, back, and wrists are commonly encountered issues. Stress and mental health problems from work can lead to burnout among dental professionals. The study emphasizes the need for dental personnel to stay informed about these hazards for workplace safety. Collaboration among educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and relevant government agencies is crucial to collectively study and develop preventive measures against occupational hazards. Creating a safe working environment and implementing measures to address the well-being of personnel are essential components of a comprehensive strategy.

Editorial Board

Wiwat Rojanapithayakorn — 2026-01-23

Content

Wiwat Rojanapithayakorn — 2026-01-23

Cover

Wiwat Rojanapithayakorn — 2026-01-23