The Effect of Health Promotion Program on Perceived Self-Efficacy and Self-Care Practices among Elderly with Multimorbidity in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Multimorbidity in the elderly is a major public health issue with serious consequences. This study investigated the effects of health promotion programs on perceived self-efficacy and self-care practices among the elderly with multimorbidity using a quasi-experimental study design from February to July 2021. The study samples were the elderly from Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, selected by a multistage random sampling technique. The experimental and control groups each comprised 40 elderlies with multimorbidity. All elderly participants took part in a 12-week health promotion program. The perceived self-efficacy and self-care practices of the study samples were assessed using interviews, and the group results were compared using the independent t-test. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied at a significance level of 0.05 for three different periods. Follow-up results after the intervention showed that the experimental group had significantly higher mean scores of perceived self-efficacy and self-care practice than the control group (p-value<0.05). The health promotion program enhanced perceived self-efficacy and self-care practices in the elderly with multimorbidity. It can also be applied to improve the quality of life of people in other age groups

The Effect of Fluid Overload Control Program on Knowledge and Behavior Among Caregivers of End-Stage Renal Disease Patients on Hemodialysis

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a pressing health issue, and patients on hemodialysis frequently grapple with fluid overload. In Chiang Mai, Thailand, from September to November 2022, this study was conducted to assess the impact of an educational program on the knowledge and behavior of caregivers managing fluid overload in ESRD patients. Using a quasi-intervention design, participants were categorized into two groups: the intervention group, which underwent the educational intervention, and the control group, which continued with standard care. The educational content was grounded in existing studies and insights from healthcare professionals, caregivers, and patients. Post-intervention results revealed a significant enhancement in the knowledge and behavior of caregivers in the intervention group regarding fluid overload control compared to the control group (p-value<0.05). This study emphasizes the potential benefits of structured and evidence-based educational initiatives in equipping caregivers with the tools they need to better manage fluid balance, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes

A Qualitative Exploration of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices Among Karen Ethnicity Mothers in Northern Thailand Remote Rural Areas

Low exclusive breastfeeding rates among the Karen ethnic group in Northern Thailand's remote rural areas underscore the need to understand knowledge, attitudes, and social support to develop targeted interventions. This qualitative study examined exclusive breastfeeding practices and the factors influencing breastfeeding behavior among 14 Karen Ethnicity Mothers (KEMs) in Northern Thailand. A structured interview was used to collect the data, a triangular method to determine the data's validity, and a content analysis method to examine the data revealed seven themes and 14 subthemes. This study identified three key factors for successful breastfeeding: self-motivation, social support, and effective problem management, which included overcoming the family's anti-breastfeeding beliefs. Conversely, unsuccessful breastfeeding stemmed from four issues: inadequate maternal knowledge and misconceptions, family beliefs and culture, maternal health problems, and economic constraints. Therefore, the success of breastfeeding was heavily influenced by both personal and environmental factors. As a result, every KEM should be encouraged to recognize the importance of breastfeeding and to exclusively breastfeed for at least six months, especially those living in remote rural areas and have a different way of life than the natives

Comparison of antioxidant, antimicrobial activities and chemical profiles of three coffee (Coffea arabica L.) pulp aqueous extracts

AbstractBackgroundThis study explored the bioactivities and nutrient compositions of coffee (Coffea Arabica L.) pulp which was prepared in three different ways [Coffee Pulp Extracts (CPE) 1–3].MethodsThe coffee pulp was prepared in three different ways by distinct selecting and freezing processes. The nutritional values, polyphenol contents, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial properties of the coffee pulp as well as the characterization of the active ingredients by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS) were evaluated.ResultsThe chemical profiles of three aqueous extracts were compared and characterized using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS. They showed slightly different nutrient compositions. The total phenolic content was highest in CPE1, and decreased in the following order: CPE1>CPE2 > CPE3. Among the CPEs tested, CPE1 showed the most potent antioxidant activity with IC50 18μg/mL and 82μg/mL by 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl assay, respectively. Chlorogenic acid and caffeine were the most prominent in CPE1 and it contained more compounds than the others. Moreover, CPE1 demonstrated antibacterial activity against both gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli).ConclusionThese findings indicated that CPE1 has powerful nutrients with antioxidant and antibacterial properties—the potency of which is impacted by the preparation process

Associated Factors of Dietary Patterns among Adolescents in the Rural Northern Region of Thailand: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

This cross-sectional study aims to explore the dietary patterns and associated factors of adolescents, which are often overlooked in nutrition data systems. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 304 participants aged 10 to 19 in rural northern Thailand, utilizing both open recall and list-based 24 h recall techniques, with the data recorded online. Dietary diversity (DD) was assessed using ten food groups as per the Food and Agricultural Organization guidelines. We employed binary logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Most participants consumed items from the grains, white roots, and tubers food group, while the nuts, seeds, and pulses food group was the least consumed. The mean number of food groups consumed was 5.23 ± 0.12, with no significant differences across gender and age groups, and participants reporting no influence of mass media on food choices were more likely to have inadequate DD (AOR = 2.94; 95% CI 1.38–6.28). Conversely, those not influenced by social media when choosing food (AOR = 0.45; 95% CI 0.21–0.96), who felt relaxed during meals (AOR = 0.33; 95% CI 0.19–0.59), and with no role in family meal decisions (AOR = 0.55; 95% CI 0.31–0.95) were less likely to have inadequate dietary diversity. We suggest that assisting adolescents with mealtime management and involving them in selecting healthy menus could improve their dietary variety. Moreover, future research should further investigate these mechanisms to inform strategies for improving DD in this age group