Working Conditions and Urinalysis Dipstick Testing among Female Rice Farmers: A Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess working conditions and renal function among female rice farmers in Nan Province, Thailand. Purposive random sampling was used to select participants who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected from 65 female rice farmers using in-depth interviews. A walk-through survey was performed to examine hazards in the rice farm and a dipstick test was used for urinalysis. The results demonstrated that all rice farming stages contained risks from physical, chemical, biological and ergonomic hazards and that no measures had been implemented to protect participants’ health from these risks. The screening test results showed low urinary pH (5–6) in 54 women (83.0%), but high urinary specific gravity (1.030) in 25 women (38.5%). Participants’ urine contained leukocytes in 15 women (23.1%), protein in 14 women (21.5%) and blood in 13 women (20%). This study results suggest that farming activities affect female rice farmers’ health and safety. Urinalysis dipstick tests, which can be administered at the local public health promoting hospital, should be used to assess the occupational health status. The results will be useful for health surveillance and follow-up of the participants. These preliminary findings need to be confirmed in a larger study including non-farmers.

Health promoting hospital: A practical strategy to improve patient loyalty in public sector

Background: The Health-Promoting Hospital (HPH) aims to improve the overall quality of health services for patient, families, and the community as a whole, with assessment and intervention as the essential components. In hospitals, this activity needs to be vigorously developed through interdisciplinary teamwork, shared decision-making process, and by involving patients and families during treatment and through the delivery of an evidence-based health promotion process. Previous studies analyzed some steps to improve patient loyalty through the HPH. However, limited studies were carried out on its use in the public sector. This study, therefore, aims to analyze the impact of HPHs to improve patient loyalty in the public sector. Design and Methods: The simple random sampling method was used to obtain data from 101 respondents in a public hospital, with the cross-sectional design used to gain a better understanding of patient loyalty. Results: The result showed that HPHs influenced patient expectations (P=0.030), which in turn affected perceived value (P=0.014) and satisfaction (P=0.002). In addition, perceived value and satisfaction have effects on patients’ loyalty (P=0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, HPHs have a positive impact on patient loyalty. Therefore, the public sector needs to enhance its services in accordance with the standards and guidelines.

The Potential Enhancement of the Smoking Cessation Aid Called ‘Quit-Calendar’ for ‘Quit-For-King’ Project (Phase I)

Background: Quit-For-King Project has launched from 2016 to 2019. The campaign activities, treatment &counseling, and public health network are required. Quit-Calendar was considered as a cessation aid for this project. It aimed to provide a useful reminder for smokers to specify their quit dates, learn some self-help guides, and receive pharmacological assistance. Methods: It is a cross-sectional descriptive study. One-hundred and thirty three Health promoting hospital (HPH) staff from SriSa-Ket province underwent ‘Quit-Calendar training programs included, knowledge and skills of counseling, pharmacotherapy, and steps of using Quit-Calendar. Information related to smoking cessation services at primary care units (HPH). Descriptivestatistical analysis was implemented. Results: Totally, there were 177 HPH participants enrolled to the training program. The majority was females (7.3%), have already opened smoking cessation services (93.4%) with mainly 1 to 3 year working experience (63.3%). Noticeably, smoking cessation services were mainly set up at outpatient clinics (89.8%). Most common smoking cessation services include lifestyle modification (98.4%). Regarding health policies in Sri-Sa-Ket province, only 5A counseling with ‘cold turkey’ technique, and herbal medicines were provided for the patients. Interestingly, the majority of quitters were monitored by public health volunteers who met them regularly (85.36%) not healthcare provider at the hospitals. The success keys included, the readiness of quitter, followed by clear and supportive policies and family members consecutively (38.64, 32.95, 21.59%). Conclusion: Quit-Calendar was successfully modified. Quit-Calendar was comprised into ‘Quit-For-King’ Project to enhance the success of quit rates (phase II). The preparations of HPH staff were also conducted. Further investigations of its effectiveness, users’ satisfaction and limitations of the calendar will be performed.