Health-risk factors and the prevalence of hypertension: cross-sectional findings from a national cohort of 87 143 Thai Open University Students

BACKGROUND: Thailand is undergoing a health-risk transition which increases chronic diseases, particularly hypertension, as a result of a rapid transition from a developing to a developed country. This study analyzes the effect of health-risk factors such as demography, socioeconomic status (SES) and body mass index (BMI) on the prevalence of hypertension. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analysis using data obtained in 2005 from 87 143 Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) students participating in the Thai Cohort Study (mean age 30.5 years, 54.7% female). Adjusted odds ratios of the association between risk factors and hypertension were analysed across two age groups by sex, after controlling for the confounding factors such as SES and BMI. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension in men was approximately twice as high as that in women (6.9% vs 2.6%). Hypertension was associated with ageing, a lower education attainment, a higher BMI and having underlying diseases in both sexes. In men, hypertension was associated with being single, having a high income, spending more time on screens (TV & PC), cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol. In women, it was directly correlated with instant and roasted or smoked food consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension was highly associated with obesity and having underlying disease. The Thai health-risk transition is in a later stage. Thais should now be educated about the danger of high blood pressure and the protective power of a low fat and low salt diet, and a normal BMI. Cessation of smoking and moderation in alcohol intake should be promoted.NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia

Validity of Self-Reported Diabetes in a Cohort of Thai Adults

BACKGROUND: Much of South East Asia is experiencing an epidemiological transition. In Thailand, chronic disease has emerged and the prevalence of diabetes has tripled. As part of a large cohort study of the Thai transition to chronic disease, we gathered data on self-reported diabetes. Epidemiological studies commonly ascertain such data by self-report but the validity of this method has not been assessed in Thailand. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the validity of self-reported type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Thai adults participating in the Thai Cohort Study (TCS).METHODS: Data were collected by mailed questionnaire from adults involved in the TCS, a nationwide community-based longitudinal health study of distance learning adult students enrolled at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. Participants were surveyed in 2005, 2009 and 2013. We sampled all participants with self-reported T2DM status (878 cases) for telephone interview with our study physician along with a random selection of 650 participants who self-reported not having diabetes in all three TCS surveys. These physician telephone interviews allowed us to validate self-reported questionnaire responses. RESULTS: Questionnaire self-report of diabetes slightly over-estimated the incidence of T2DM in this cohort; the overall proportion of confirmed T2DM cases was 78%. Participants with a consistent pattern of diabetes reporting at the 2009 and 2013 questionnaire follow-ups had the highest validity of self-reported responses (96%; 95%CI 92.9-99.1).The lowest proportion of confirmed T2DM cases was recorded among participants who reported diabetes in 2009 and not in 2013 (32%)(95%CI 22.6-41.4), mostly young women with transient (gestational) diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results, derived mainly from young, educated Thai adults nationwide, show that self-reported doctor diagnosed T2DM is a feasible and acceptable method for assessing diabetes in epidemiological studies.This study was supported by the International Collaborative Research Grants Scheme with joint grants from the Wellcome Trust UK (GR071587MA) and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC, grant No.268055). It was also supported by a global health grant from the NHMRC (585426). SJ has a career development fellowship from the NHMRC. KP has an Australian Postgraduate Award from the Australian National University

Environmental management system and waste minimisation : principles, practice and case study

Human activities, especially in industrialised countries, have created increasing amounts of wastes. The growing quantities of wastes threaten human health and safety, and the environment. Traditional waste management, which concentrates on the efficient collection and disposal of waste, is no longer sufficient. A waste preventative approach would seem to be better with the emphasis on reduction at source. Waste minimisation is one such approach. It is a concept which promotes preventative solutions to environmental problems. The concept is composed of a number of methods including Clean Technology, Clean Production, Pre-cycling. Waste minimisation is best implemented through the concept of Cleaner Production. The cleaner production programme should be continued, enhanced and incorporated into overall environmental management systems. Organisations, companies, and institutions adopt environmental management practice because it enhances business. The existence of an Environmental Management System (EMS), however, does not guarantee environmental performance. If the environment is valued in decision making, commitment by top management to genuine changes in unsustainable activities must be made. There should also be systems in place to ensure that information, implementation and auditing are consistent and coordinated. For Lincoln University, it is suggested that an initial review of the relevant information should be conducted and a database of wastes, including types and quantities set up. A strategic plan, including schedules, objectives and targets should be established and, if possible, every department should set its own targets. Environmental management audits should be carried out to ensure the compliance

Validity of self-reported hypertension: findings from the Thai Cohort Study compared to physician telephone interview

Surveys for chronic diseases, and large epidemiological studies of their determinants, often acquire data through self-report since it is feasible and efficient. We examined validity and associations of self-reported hypertension, as verified by physician telephone interview among participants in a large ongoing Thai Cohort Study (TCS)

Combined Neem oil 6 per cent w/w and Eucalyptus oil 16 per cent w/w lotion for treating head lice: in vitro and in vivo efficacy studies

Aim: To test a combined neem oil 6% w/w and eucalyptus oil 16% w/w lotion for the whole-of-life cycle treatment of human head lice (Pediculus humanus var. capitis) infestation. Method: Preliminary formulations of dilutions of neem and eucalyptus oils in isopropanol were tested for pediculicidal and ovicidal efficacies against Pediculus humanus var. capitis. This trial informed the development of a stable formulation consisting of neem oil 6% w/w and eucalyptus oil 16% w/w in a hydrophobic carrier (mixture of lanolin and silicones), which was also tested in vitro for pediculicidal and ovicidal efficacies against Pediculus humanus var. capitis. The lotion was then tested in vivo (clinical study) in volunteer Thai female students. At the conclusion of the in vivo study, participants and their parents/guardians completed a questionnaire pertaining to their perceptions and acceptance of the treatment. Results: Initial in vitro testing demonstrated pediculicidal and ovicidal efficacies of 96% and 100%, respectively. The clinical study involving 45 volunteer Thai female students aged 7 to 12 years, with 2 applications of the lotion on the scalp and hair 1 week apart, showed significant in vivo activity. Pediculicidal efficacies of 93% and 97% and ovicidal efficacies of 80% and 100% were measured 2 days after the first and second application of the lotion. Participants and their parents/ guardians indicated strong acceptance of the formulation. Conclusion: The combined neem oil 6% w/w and eucalyptus oil 16% w/w lotion demonstrated high pediculicidal and ovicidal efficacy for Pediculus humanus var. capitis infestation

Health risk factors and the incidence of hypertension: 4-Year prospective findings from a national cohort of 60 569 Thai Open University students

Objective: This study evaluates the impact of a number of demographic, biological, behavioural and lifestyle health risk factors on the incidence of hypertension in Thailand over a 4-year period