Online education has become an increasingly important tool for promoting health behaviors, especially among adolescents who are at risk due to poor dietary choices. In Thailand, despite the presence of food labeling systems, many young consumers lack the knowledge and motivation to use them effectively. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an online educational and motivational program aimed at promoting behavioral skills in food label comprehension and food selection and the behavior of using food labels to select food products. A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving fifty first-year students aged 18-20 years old from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. The participants were randomly allocated to experimental (n=25) or control (n=25) groups. The intervention comprised a 3-minute motivational video and an e-book focusing on knowledge specific to promoting food label reading behavior. Both groups initially exhibited fair levels of knowledge, high levels of motivation, fair skills, and a tendency to occasionally read food labels. After the intervention, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher scores in knowledge (from 10 to 13 out of 16), motivation (shifted from high to very high, score 3.93 to 4.25 out of 5), and frequency of label reading (shifted from occasional to frequent, score 3.00 to 4.00 out of 5). However, no substantial change in food label comprehension or selection skills was observed, possibly due to the short intervention period. This study demonstrates the potential of online interventions in enhancing knowledge and motivation regarding nutritional label reading among university students. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions across diverse student groups.

Antimicrobial drugs used for pharyngitis are prone to irrational use owing to ease of access to various sources and other risk factors. A mirror-assisted screening device (MASD) was developed to promote rational antimicrobial use, but it was not fully evaluated. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of MASD in aiding the pharyngitis diagnosis and rational antimicrobial use of patients with pharyngitis and to elicit the perceptions of patients and healthcare providers about the use of MASD. A single-blinded, quasi-intervention study was conducted among Thai patients with pharyngitis attending primary care centers, called sub-district health promoting hospitals, in 10 provinces of three regions, i.e. the Eastern, Northern and North-eastern regions, during the 2019-2021 period. Eligible samples were conveniently allocated to an intervention group obtaining normal care plus MASD use or a control group receiving solely normal care. Patients in both groups completed a questionnaire pre- and post-interventions. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Chi-square test. The results showed that patients in the intervention and control groups (n = 2,031 and n = 235, respectively) were mostly female adults working in agricultural sectors in the North-eastern region. The rates of antimicrobial use in both groups were statistically different (17.0% vs. 24.7%, p = 0.004; RR 0.69, 95%CI [0.54, 0.88]); the relative risk reduction was 31.2%. Both groups had anticipated and intended needs for an antimicrobial and also requested it. They were mostly satisfied with MASD and willing to check their throat infections and antimicrobial use. The providers were also satisfied with and confident in using MASD to facilitate the diagnosis. Overall, MASD was effective as a pharyngitis diagnostic aid that helped patients raise their awareness of antimicrobial consumption. Further studies are required to evaluate the use of MASD in other primary care settings.

The risk of lung carcinoma is influenced by genetic predisposition and other risk factors. This study aimed to explore the association between a family history of any type of cancer and the risk of lung carcinoma through a pooled analysis of case-control studies. A systematic literature search was performed across Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct up to January 31, 2024. Eight observational case-control studies met the inclusion criteria, which required multivariate logistic regression analysis and a focus on familial cancer history. Using Review Manager software, pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Out of 603 identified studies, eight were included. The meta-analysis found that individuals with a family history of cancer had a significantly higher risk of lung cancer (aOR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.17–2.29; p = 0.004). These findings highlight the need for targeted screening and early detection strategies for high-risk individuals.

Senior high school students aged 15–19 are adolescents in the transitional phase from childhood to independent adulthood, during which stress can quickly arise. Developing Mental Health Literacy (MHL) can play a crucial role in preventing severe mental illnesses. This study aimed to explore the MHL and mental well-being of senior high school students in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 510 senior high school students in Samut Songkhram, Thailand, using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using the MHL and mental well-being questionnaire. The Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression were used for analysis at a significance level of 0.05. This study included 510 senior high school students, the majority of whom were female (57.8%), aged 16 years (30.6%), and in Grade 11 (37.6%). Most students were enrolled in the Science and Mathematics program (57.5%). Regarding academic performance, most of them had grades of 3.01 or higher (53.5%). Most students’ families had incomes between 10,001 and 30,000 THB (49.6%). MHL was at a moderate level, while mental well-being levels were low. A positive relationship was observed between overall MHL scores and mental well-being scores (r = 0.103, p = 0.034). After adjusting for the study program, the overall MHL score was found to be significantly associated with mental well-being scores (Beta = 0.118). However, the overall MHL score showed a significant negative association with mental well-being scores (Beta = -0.137) when adjusted for the school-record program. The study revealed that senior high school students exhibited a moderate level of MHL and a low level of mental well-being. Therefore, extracurricular activities should be implemented to enhance MHL and improve the mental well-being of senior high school students in the future, alongside developing comprehensive strategies to address and prevent mental health issues faced by this group.

Dengue fever remains a significant public health issue, particularly in dengue-endemic areas such as Bandung City, Indonesia. Climatic variations have been shown to influence the transmission and incidence of dengue, emphasizing the need to analyze these relationships in endemic regions. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between climate variability and dengue incidence in Bandung City during 2021–2023 and to project trends for 2024 and 2025. An ecological study design was used, with secondary data collected from 30 sub-districts. Climate variables (temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, and air pressure) and dengue incidence data were analyzed using multiple linear regression and exponential smoothing. The results showed that climatic variations collectively explained 24.5% of the variance in dengue incidence (R²=0.245, p=0.018), with temperature (p=0.024, r=0.375) and air pressure (p=0.015, r=-0.402) being the most influential factors. Humidity, rainfall, and wind speed showed no significant individual effects. Projections indicated an increasing trend in dengue cases in 2024 and 2025, supported by preliminary data showing 1,741 cases reported in Bandung City as of March 2024.These findings confirm the relevance of climate variability as a predictor for dengue incidence. Environment-based interventions, including climate-based early warning systems, proper water reservoir management, community education, and cross-sectoral collaboration, are essential to mitigate the impact of climate variability on dengue transmission. Further research is needed to explore spatial and temporal changes in dengue transmission to improve prevention and control efforts.

MDR-TB treatment regimens of 9 -12 months provide effectiveness and shorter duration of therapy. However, it was found that 9.22% of patients died during short-term treatment for MDR-TB from 2021-2023 in Central Java, Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the probability of survival and risk factors for mortality in patients undergoing short-term treatment for MDR-TB. A retrospective cohort study involving 236 MDR-TB patients who received a short-term regimen during 2022-2023 and had either a cure or death outcome. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to describe incidence rates and median time to death. Cox-Proportional Hazard model was used to identify predictors such as age category, gender, employment status, treatment history, DM status, HIV, Linezolid use, and treatment initiation. Statistical analysis was performed using Rstudio with significance <0.005. Kaplan-Meier results showed a significant difference in survival probability across the three age groups. The young age group (19-35 years) had a higher survival probability than the middle age (36-55 years), and old age (≥56 years) (Chi-Square = 17, p < 0.001). Cox regression results showed that patients aged ≥56 years had a 3.705 times higher risk of death than younger patients (CI95% = 1.4896-3.646, HR = 3.705, p = 0.001). The results of this study emphasize the importance of special interventions for older patients (≥56 years) in the form of intensive monitoring and management of comorbidities of DM and HIV to reduce the risk of higher mortality. These findings support an age-based approach to MDR-TB therapy as an optimal measure to improve patient survival

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection poses a significant public health threat due to its strong association with cervical cancer, which remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. Despite the availability of an effective HPV vaccine, vaccination rates continue to be suboptimal in many regions. Understanding the influence of media exposure, health promotion efforts, healthcare support, and knowledge on HPV vaccine intentions is crucial for designing interventions aimed at increasing vaccine acceptance and mitigating HPV-related health risks. This cross-sectional study sought to examine these factors among women aged 20 to 40 in Tegal, Central Java, Indonesia, from July 2023 to January 2024. The study included 605 participants selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using validated questionnaires to assess media exposure, health service support, HPV vaccine knowledge, and vaccination intentions. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were applied to analyze the data and determine associations and predictors of vaccination intentions. Media exposure was not found to be significantly correlated with vaccination intention (p = 0.179). However, positive experiences with health promotion (p = 0.014), strong healthcare support (p < 0.001), and good knowledge of HPV (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher vaccination intentions. Logistic regression analysis identified health promotion (OR = 1.645), knowledge (OR = 3.797), and healthcare support (OR = 2.481) as significant predictors, underscoring their critical role in shaping health-related decisions. This study highlights the importance of health promotion, healthcare support, and increased knowledge in fostering positive attitudes towards HPV vaccination among women. The findings stress the need for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing health education, supporting healthcare providers, and raising public awareness to improve HPV vaccine uptake and ultimately reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.

In May 2024, Bandung City recorded a triple Dengue Fever incidence rate compared to the 17th week of the same period in 2023. 3,468 cases of Dengue Fever occurred in Bandung, making it the city with the highest dengue fever incidence in Indonesia. Hence, dengue Fever prevention is mandatory, including in the elementary school environment. The high increase in the Dengue Fever incidence in school-age children is a sign that the elementary school environment is a potentially good place for Aedes aegypti to breed and rest. In this case, transmission also potentially occurs considering that Aedes aegypti bites at the same time as students study at school. The purpose of this study was to determine the dominant variables in dengue prevention in elementary schools in Bandung City. This quantitative study with a cross-sectional design approach had a research population of 476 elementary schools in Bandung City. The minimum sample was further taken using the Slovin formula, obtaining 59 elementary schools. In this case, primary data were collected through questionnaires, represented by 4 primary school components consisting of the principal, class teacher, school health officer, and janitor. Furthermore, data analysis used a Chi-square test with a significance level of 5%. The results showed that knowledge (p-value: 0.016), attitude (p-value: 0.036), motivation (p-value: 0.050), experience (p-value: 0.013), school condition (p-value: 0.020), perception (p-value: 0.040), and information exposure (p-value: 0.176) about Dengue Fever were associated with Dengue Fever prevention. The most dominant variable in this study was motivation with OR 95% CI = 7.576 (1.106-51.906). Hence, motivation needs to be formed through the right stimulus. Health education to increase knowledge as a stimulus also needs to be pursued to create agents of change for dengue fever prevention in the school environment from an early age.

Approximately 37% of pregnant women and 30% of women aged 15–49 years worldwide are anemic. The aim was to analyze the effect of administering red spinach leaf capsules on increasing hemoglobin levels in adolescent girls. The study was conducted from July to September 2024 at three senior high schools in Kendari City and involved 160 female students in a randomized pretest-posttest controlled design. The study utilized control sheets and questionnaires, an Easy Touch hemometer, and anthropometric measurements. This study used the independent samples T test and paired samples test for statistical analysis. The nutritional composition of the South Sulawesi variety of red spinach leaf capsule extract included protein content of 2.2 mg, iron 91.72 mg, vitamin A 16.3 mg, vitamin C 1125.71 mg, vitamin E 3.3 mg, calcium 2003 mg, vitamin B6 0.512 mg, vitamin B 12 0.10 mg, β-carotene 1.58 mg, and folate 85 mg per 100 grams of material. The level of adequacy of macronutrient and micronutrient intake in respondents was classified as a deficit category because it was <70% of the total nutritional adequacy. The average hemoglobin level in the group administered red spinach leaf capsules before the intervention was 11.07 ± 0.87, which increased to 13.09 ± 0.62 after the intervention. There was a difference in hemoglobin levels before and after the administration of red spinach leaf capsules, with P=0.001. In conclusion, administration of red spinach leaf capsules can increase Hb levels in female students. It is recommended to incorporate red spinach leaf capsules as a dietary supplement for improving hemoglobin levels.

Post-COVID syndrome is a significant problem commonly encountered after contracting COVID-19 infection. Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is a particularly debilitating symptom of post-COVID syndrome. This mixed-method research aimed to study factors influencing the occurrence of PEM in post-COVID-19 patients. The sample group consisted of 98 post-COVID-19 patients receiving treatment at Phrachomklao Hospital, Phetchaburi province, Thailand were selected through simple random sampling. Data was collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, and content analysis. Results revealed that all members of sample group exhibited more than one post-COVID syndrome symptom. The most prevalent physical symptoms reported were fatigue (87.76%), exhaustion after activities (73.47%), and chronic cough (67.35%). Regarding mental, emotional, and social symptoms, the chief one reported was fear (74.49%), followed by stress (68.37%), and anxiety (53.06%). The overall assessment of post-exertional malaise in post-COVID patients revealed an average fatigue level of 4.09 (M = 4.09, SD = 0.78). Several factors together, including female sex, body mass index, and the severity of the COVID-19 illness, predicted presence of post-exertional malaise in post-COVID patients (R2 =0.441, p <0.05). Factors predicting PEM in post-COVID patients include female sex, body mass index, and the severity of COVID illness. These results increase our understanding of PEM in long COVID patients. Healthcare providers should develop service systems to provide post-fatigue care, especially for obese and severely ill COVID patients.