Psychosocial Problems Among Primary School Children in Thailand During the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2022

Nareerut Pudpong,1 Sataporn Julchoo,1 Pigunkaew Sinam,1 Sonvanee Uansri,1 Watinee Kunpeuk,1 Rapeepong Suphanchaimat1,2 1International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand; 2Division of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, Nonthaburi, ThailandCorrespondence: Rapeepong Suphanchaimat, International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand, Tel +66815446966, Email [email protected]: During the COVID-19 pandemic, primary school children are particularly vulnerable as restriction measures have caused a huge impact on their health and well-being. This study aims to assess the prevalence of mental health among primary school children in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify factors associated with psychosocial problems.Methods: A survey was conducted among 701 Thai parents of primary school children from January to March 2022 – when teaching modalities between onsite and online learning were alternated. Parents were requested to assess the mental health of their youngest child at primary school age level. Psychosocial problems were measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) with a total score of 40, based on 4 domains (emotion, behavior, hyperactivity, and relationship). Independent variables included (1) parental/household factors, (2) children characteristics, and (3) online learning-related issues. The dependent variable was the prevalence of children with a total score of 14– 40, which indicates at risk and/or having mental health problems. The analysis was performed using logistic regression model.Results: Thai parents reported that 41.1% of children had psychosocial problems. Children in a single-parent family (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1– 2.8), male children (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2– 2.4), and children who did not receive adequate assistance for online learning from their parents (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1– 4.0) significantly faced greater odds of mental health problems.Conclusion: The prevalence of Thai primary school children confronting psychosocial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic increased, with significant concern. Public health interventions that aim to protect the mental health of primary school children during the pandemic should be introduced and targeted male children and those living with a single parent. Social support that facilitates online learning for children whose parents have limited capacity in supporting them should be implemented.Keywords: mental, health, primary school, children, COVID-19, Thailan

Confidence in dental care and public health competency during rural practice among new dental graduates in Thailand

Thunthita Wisaijohn,1 Rapeepong Suphanchaimat,1,2 Thitikorn Topothai,1 Parinda Seneerattanaprayul,1 Nareerut Pudpong,1 Weerasak Putthasri1 1International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand; 2Banphai Hospital, KhonKaen, Thailand Objective: The dental profession has played an important role in the development of the health system in Thailand. However, it is not known if dental graduates' standards of knowledge, skills, and capabilities are fulfilling the health needs of Thais. This study aimed to assess the level of confidence in dental public health competency among final-year dental students who graduated in 2013. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 571 new dental graduates who participated in an official meeting arranged by the Ministry of Public Health in 2013. Self-administered questionnaires were used for collecting data on their confidence levels in selected public-health competencies. Of the total graduates, 72.5% anonymously responded to the questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics, factor analysis, and stepwise regression were applied for data analysis. Results: The majority of respondents expressed confidence in their ability to care for patients, but less confidence in public-health and administration competencies. The results also show that there was no significant association between demographic and educational profiles of respondents and confidence in their clinical competency. However, significantly more students who graduated from schools located outside Bangkok and vicinity rated themselves as competent in public health (coefficient = 0.333, P=0.021). Conclusion: New dentists who graduated from dental schools in Bangkok and vicinity had lower levels of confidence in their public-health competencies compared to those who graduated from dental schools outside Bangkok. Thus, working in rural areas after graduation could help new dentists gain more experience in rural practice, leading to higher confidence levels. The findings from this study could contribute to the improvement of the dental curriculum and contract-bonding policy to work in rural areas. Keywords: competency, public health, dental school, rural area, factor analysis, stepwise regressio

Clean air matters: an overview of traffic-related air pollution and pregnancy

ABSTRACT The right to a healthy pregnancy and to giving birth in a safe environment is source of comprehensive research. Decent birth facilities, respect, and no discrimination are already recognized as fundamental rights, but an accurate look at the outdoor environment is required. Air pollution is a dangerous factor to pregnant women and newborns, many of whom highly exposed to traffic-related atmospheric pollutants in urban areas. Such exposure can lead to low birth weight and long-lasting effects, such as respiratory diseases and premature death. Thus, this commentary, based on the analysis of literature, presents the importance of the exposome concept and of epigenetics in identifying the role of the environment for better health conditions of pregnant women and newborns. In the final considerations, this study proposes the deepening of the subject and the mobilization in this regard, with a human rights-based approach to environmental health and to the increased awareness of pregnant women on the risks of air pollution and its effects on health