Journal of The Office of Disease Prevention and Control 8 Udonthani

Factors Affecting Behavior to Prevent Liver Fluke Disease of Village health volunteers That Sub-district, Warinchamrab District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Sirisuda Wongyai — 2025-08-15

The cross-sectional research aimed to study the factors of health belief patterns predicting liver fluke disease prevention behavior among village health volunteers in Ubon Ratchathani province. The sample was 84 village health volunteers (VHVs) in That subdistrict, Warin Chamrap district, Ubon Ratchathani province. The sample was selected by simple random sampling. Data was collected using a questionnaire developed by the researcher from July 20, 2023 to September 15, 2023. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Inferential statistics were used to find predictive factors using stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results found that most VHVs were female, had no underlying diseases, had a maximum education of primary school, and were the main occupation of agriculture. They had an average income of 5,676.19 baht per month. They had been VHVs for an average of 13.42 years. They were selected to become VHVs by undergoing annual stool examinations for parasite eggs. Most participants reported a history of consuming raw food, had never received training on liver fluke prevention, had no history of illness and had no family members who had been infected with liver fluke disease. The perception of health belief patterns towards diseases of the village health volunteers found that the perception of the risk of disease was at a moderate level, the perception of the severity of the disease was at a high level, the perception of the benefits of disease prevention was at a high level, the perception of the barriers to disease prevention was at a low level, and the behavior of liver fluke disease prevention was at a moderate level. Factors affecting the behavior of liver fluke disease prevention of village health volunteers with statistical significance at the 0.05 level were 2 variables: the perception of the benefits of liver fluke disease prevention could explain the variance by 48.5 percent (R² = 0.485), and the history of eating raw food could jointly explain the variance by 61.4 percent (R²= 0.614, R²adj = 0.605, P < 0.001). Therefore, there should be the development of innovations to create models for promoting liver fluke disease prevention behaviors among village health volunteers (VHVs), focusing on raising awareness of the benefits of prevention. Communication on liver fluke disease prevention should not only help reduce the risk of illness but also enhance the quality of life for themselves and their families in the long term. This includes organizing campaigns, providing health media showing effective health outcomes from prevention, and presenting information about role models who can maintain proper health care. Encouraging people to avoid consuming raw food and practicing good hygiene will motivate the public to strictly follow disease prevention guidelines. VHVs are a key force in carrying out activities and acting as representatives in communicating and publicizing the severity of the disease to the public, fostering awareness of sustainable disease prevention.

Outbreak Study of Dengue Fever Non Muang Subdistrict, Na Klang District, Nong Bua Lamphu Province Between October 30 – November 16, 2023

Pathaimat Pruangpreechasak — 2025-08-15

This study examined the dengue fever outbreak in Non Muang subdistrict to analyze its distribution based on person, time, and place. The study included surveys of mosquito breeding sites, an assessment of public awareness and perception of dengue fever, and an evaluation of the effectiveness of chemical fogging equipment. It also aimed to establish measures to control the outbreak. The study found that the outbreak occurred between May and October, coinciding with the rainy season. The most were among students aged 5-9 years, presenting symptoms of dengue fever (DF). A total of 46 cases were reported across 15 villages in Non Muang subdistrict coinciding with the rainy season. Villages 1, 8, 12, and 15 experienced the highest outbreak rates. Disease Control Measures: The Communicable Disease Control Unit (CDCU) implemented the "3-3-1" strategy to control the mosquito vector. This included fogging chemicals within a 100 meter radius of the patients' homes. Surveys indicated that the House Index (HI) exceeded the critical threshold of 5 in the area. However, the chemical preparation for Ultra Low Volume (ULV) fogging was below the recommended standard. Community efforts to eliminate mosquito larvae included raising fish in water containers, but this method did not cover all potential breeding sites. The study on public perception and awareness revealed that the majority of respondents (75%) were aware of the initial symptoms of dengue fever. Half (50%) recognized that Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) should not be taken when infected. 87.50% of participants understood that without timely treatment, dengue fever could lead to death. Regarding preventive behaviors, 87.50% engaged in eliminating mosquito breeding sites in and around their homes. Common methods included raising larvivorous fish (62.50%), using mosquito nets (50%), eliminating mosquito larvae in household areas (43.80%), and eliminating adult mosquitoes inside the home (43.80%). This dengue outbreak was likely caused by the introduction and spread of the dengue virus into the area, as some students were studying outside the community and returned without protection against mosquito bites. In addition, the outbreak occurred during the rainy season, which contributed to an increase in mosquito breeding opportunities due to the presence of water-holding containers both inside and outside homes. Continuous community-based campaigns for mosquito prevention are recommended. Regarding the use of chemical fogging machines, chemicals should be mixed in the correct proportions, and equipment should be properly maintained and kept ready for use at all times. Relevant agencies should collaborate to implement effective disease control measures and maintain strict disease surveillance.

Development of Mechanisms for Implementing Bubble and Seal Intervention in Workplace, Health Region 8th

Kittiya Pimparua — 2025-08-15

This action research aimed to 1) Develop mechanisms for implementing Bubble and Seal (BBS) intervention in workplaces, and 2) Evaluate the BBS intervention and select the BBS workplaces model. The target group consists of 38 workplaces in health region 8^th, by purposive sampling, along with representatives from 10 related network organizations. The implementation is divided into three phases: 1) Communicating and transmitting policies/measures to the local level, 2) Driving implementation through various mechanisms in collaboration with network agencies, and 3) Monitoring and evaluating the BBS interventions. Research tools include policy advocacy processes, group meetings, focus groups, and interviews, with data analyzed using content analysis. The study found that the mechanisms for driving BBS measures in workplaces include four key components: 1) Communication and transmission of Bubble and Seal policies/measures to the local level, 2) Implementation through provincial communicable disease committees, 3) Provincial-level Coaching Teams, with zone-level technical agencies providing consulting, oversight, and monitoring, and 4) Monitoring and evaluation of BBS implementation. As a result, Health Region 8^th saw an increase in workplaces implementing BBS interventions from 2 in the initial phase to 68, with 4 workplaces being nationally certified as model BBS operations. From the evaluation of 38 sample workplaces, the highest readiness was in policy preparation and vaccination planning for workers (94.7%), while the lowest readiness was in the preparation of BBS operational plans (68.4%). The study suggests continuous implementation of BBS measures in workplaces, applicable to future diseases and health threats, to enhance preparedness and mitigate impacts. Additionally, an internal Audit System for BBS operations is recommended to ensure.

Outbreak Investigation of Influenza and Pneumonia in a Prison in Mueang Udon Thani district, Udon Thani Province

Thitinan Klamsiri — 2025-08-15

A disease investigation of influenza and pneumonia was conducted at a prison in Udon Thani province during March 12–21, 2024. The objectives were to confirm the diagnosis and outbreak, describe the distribution of the disease by person, place, and time, identify potential risk factors, and propose appropriate control measures. A descriptive epidemiological approach was applied using descriptive statistics, including number, attack rates, and dormitory density. An analytical epidemiological study using a case-control design was conducted to identify risk factors associated with the occurrence of influenza in a prison setting. Inferential statistics were applied, and the results were presented using odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and P-value. As a result of the investigation identified a total of 106 cases from February 25 to March 21, 2024. Average age = 33.8 years (SD = 9.83) and median age = 31 years (min 18 years, max 56 years). The data from 84 patients show that most patients have symptoms of cough (89.29%), sore throat (76.19%), headache (64.29%), and high fever (60.71%). The survey of personal hygiene factors among prisoners in the patient group and the non-ill inmate group, with 84 individuals in each group. The most risk factor among the patient group was sleep within 1 meter of symptomatic individuals (46.43%). The most factor for non-ill inmate group was sleep more than 1 meter from symptomatic individuals (34.53%). Multivariable analysis using conditional multiple logistic regression identified several factors significantly associated with influenza and pneumonia at the 0.05 level. These included: sleep within 1 meter of symptomatic individuals (Adj OR = 2.23, 95%CI = 1.27-4.71), engaging in activities with the patient (Adj OR = 4.59, 95%CI = 2.05-10.97), and sharing spoons (Adj OR = 3.52, 95%CI = 1.35-10.19). The results of the density of prisoners per dormitory area and air-circulation rate did not meet the standard values. This likely contributed to the airborne transmission of the virus and exposure to droplets from the patients through shared activities and objects. Following the joint disease control measures implemented by the prison, the field investigation team from the Office of Disease Prevention and Control 8, Udon Thani, and relevant agencies, the outbreak was brought under control. Appropriate surveillance, prevention, and control measures for respiratory infectious diseases in the prison were established, including designating isolation areas for symptomatic individuals and monitoring high-risk groups, improving ventilation in dormitories, enhancing preventive measures by mandating that all inmates wear face masks at all times and refrain from sharing personal items, particularly eating utensils.

Effects of a Multifidus Lower Back Muscle Exercise Promotion Program on Exercise Behavior and Back Muscle Endurance among Employees in a Seasoning and Curry Powder Manufacturing Plant in Amnat Charoen Province

Akrawin Inthorn — 2025-08-15

Lower back pain is a common symptom among the working-age population. These symptoms are often caused by improper working postures, leading to back pain and impacting daily life. This research studied the effects of a lower back muscle exercise promotion program on exercise behavior and back muscle endurance among employees in a seasoning and curry powder manufacturing plant in Amnat Charoen province. The study utilized a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design, aiming to examine exercise behavior and back muscle endurance in the participants. The sample size was determined using the formula for comparing the means of two dependent populations, resulting in a total of 35 participants. Data were collected using an exercise activity index, an exercise behavior assessment, a back muscle endurance test, and a pain assessment scale, with a content validity index (CVI) of 0.89. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistics using a paired sample t-test. The findings revealed that the majority of participants were female (68.57%), with an average age of 40.25 years. Most participants (88.57%) worked continuously for more than 8 hours per day. After the intervention, participants demonstrated significantly higher exercise behavior and back muscle endurance (p<0.01), as well as a reduction in back pain. However, no correlation was found between exercise behavior and back muscle endurance. Therefore, it is recommended to promote wider implementation of the program to improve exercise behavior and enhance back muscle endurance.

Lessons Learned on the Development of Strategic Technical Advisory Group under the Incident Command System in Disease Prevention and Control, Health Administration Region 7: COVID-19

Kangsadal Suwannarong — 2025-08-15

This study aimed to enhance strategic and academic management capabilities within the incident command system and develop evidence-based recommendations for strengthening disease prevention and control operations in response to COVID-19 in Health Region 7. A participatory action research methodology was employed, utilizing McKinsey's 7S Framework as the analytical framework. The research was conducted from October 2020 to April 2022 across three phases:1) baseline data collection, 2) capacity development implementation, and 3) outcome evaluation. Data were collected from 82 participants comprising health region administrators, physicians, nurses, and public health professionals operating within the incident command system at regional and provincial levels. Findings revealed that Health Region 7 possessed a well-defined organizational structure implementing the 6C strategy with decentralized decision-making authority across management tiers. However, significant capacity gaps were identified in personnel competencies, particularly in incident action planning, strategic linkage analysis, advanced epidemiological analysis utilizing sophisticated statistical tools, risk assessment, and emerging disease trend forecasting. Capacity development interventions through strategic communication, mentoring, and coaching resulted in comprehensive incident action plan development across all provinces.The study recommends that strategic personnel should receive systematic competency development in incident action planning and business continuity planning, leadership in after-action reviews, continuous monitoring and evaluation, strategic linkage analysis, information retrieval systems, and regulatory compliance frameworks. These enhancements are essential for preparedness against future emerging infectious disease outbreaks.