Factors Influencing Access to Health Services among Chronically Ill Older Adults with Physical Disabilities in the Era of the COVID-19 Outbreak

Chronically ill older adults with physical disabilities frequently face difficulties in their daily lives and require essential health service access, especially in the COVID-19 context. This study aimed to examine the association between social support, perception of benefits due to disability and access to health services among chronically ill older adults with physical disabilities during this crisis in Thailand. A total of 276 chronically ill older adults with physical disabilities were included in this cross-sectional study. Self-reported questionnaires were assessed through multi-stage random sampling. Correlations between the independent variables and health service access were examined using multiple regression analysis. Of the respondents, 159 were female (59.6%). Most participants perceived benefits (58.8%) and access to health services (56.2%) at good levels, while social support was at a moderate level (47.9%). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that social support (β = 0.351), perception of benefits (β = 0.257) and age (β = 0.167) were positively correlated with health service access. The findings are relevant for health care providers and multi-professional teams, who should enhance older adults' social support and perception of benefits to improve their access to health services, particularly among chronically ill older adults with physical disabilities, in the era of COVID-19.

Health-Risk Behaviors, COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors, and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Working-Age Population of Bangkok, Thailand

Although studies have extensively discussed the effects of COVID-19 on global health behaviors, little is known about the extent of COVID-19 preventive behaviors and their negative effects on the working-age population of Bangkok, Thailand. Therefore, this study aimed to examine health-risk behaviors, COVID-19 preventive behaviors, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among the Thai working-age population. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among working-age adults through a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression. Of the 313 Thai participants (227 females, 72.5%), 84.0% had high levels of health-risk behaviors for preventing COVID-19 infection, most respondents (89.1%) had high levels of knowledge about COVID-19, and most respondents (61.7%) had high levels of overall COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Stepwise multiple regression revealed that health-risk behaviors (β = 0.445), knowledge of COVID-19 (β = 0.148), gender (β = 0.145), and age (β = 0.133) were predictive of COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Additionally, most respondents (48.9%) had moderate overall effects from COVID-19. Based on our findings, these factors must be considered when implementing public policies to improve COVID-19 preventive behaviors among the currently employed working-age population. In addition, appropriate interventions must be established and evaluated for the pandemic's long-term effects.

Factors Predicting the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Preventive Behaviors of Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Bangkok, Thailand

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the health behaviors of older adults. Thus, the factors predicting the COVID-19 preventive behaviors of older adults during the COVID-19 outbreak should be examined. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the COVID-19 preventive behaviors of older adults and explore the factors predicting these. A cross-sectional study was performed with 400 older adults who were selected using the cluster sampling technique. The associations of all variables in preventing COVID-19 infection with COVID-19 preventive behaviors were examined using stepwise multiple regression. The study results revealed that 70.8% of the study participants had high levels of COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Among these, self-efficacy in preventing COVID-19 infection (β = 0.224) showed the highest ability to predict COVID-19 preventive behaviors, followed by COVID-19 response efficacy (β = 0.171), knowledge about COVID-19 (β = 0.110), and gender (β = -0.102). Older adults adopted protective behaviors at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The predictors of these behaviors should be considered while designing and developing appropriate COVID-19 preventive behavior interventions, aimed at inducing behavioral modifications to reduce further infection with and spread of COVID-19.

Influence of Self-esteem and Preparation for Aging on the Happiness of Older Thai Adults: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Happiness is necessary for older adults’ physical and psychological well-being. The objective of this study was to examine the associations of self-esteem and preparation for aging with happiness and to determine the predictive factors of the happiness of older Thai adults. Methods: The study had a cross-sectional predictive correlational design and included 225 older Thai adults aged 60–69 years selected using multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires, and the collected data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Results: The study results showed that 64.9% of the study participants were moderately happy. The factors that significantly influenced their happiness were self–esteem and preparation for aging (p < 0.05), meaning their self–esteem and preparation for aging were able to predict their happiness, accounting for approximately 67.0% of the variance of such happiness. Conclusion: Older adults’ healthcare providers should organize activities for enhancing older adults’ self-esteem and for helping them prepare well for old age.

Positive Parenting Program to Promote Child Development Among Children 1 to 3 Years Old: A Quasi-Experimental Research

Introduction:

Child development receives lack of concern and the role of parents in promoting child development is not frequently mentioned in Vietnam. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Positive Parenting Program to Promote Child Development on maternal knowledge and practice and development of children aged 1 to 3 years.

Methods:

This is a quasi-experimental study conducted in Nha Trang city, Vietnam. There are a total of 60 mothers whose children were identified as suspected developmental delayed participated in the study. There were 30 mothers who attended the program as experimental group and 30 mothers who joined the study as comparison group. Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3) were applied to assess the child development. Descriptive analysis and paired and independent-samples t-test were applied to examine the research objectives.

Results:

The findings suggested that after the program implementation, the maternal knowledge of child development and child development of the experimental group were significantly higher than pre-program and the improvements of these variables were better than the comparison group (P < .05) while the maternal practice to promote child development was significantly better only within the experimental group.

Conclusions:

The program was effective in improving several maternal outcomes and child development. The study recommends applying the Positive Parenting Program to Promote Child Development to enhance mother’s knowledge of child development and child development.

INFLUENCES OF MATERNAL KNOWLEDGE AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS ON DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AGED 1-3 YEARS IN NHA TRANG CITY, VIETNAM

Although early childhood development (ECD) is emphasized in regulation and law, Vietnam still refers the term ECD to early childhood education and the role of parents in promoting child development is not frequently mentioned. This study aims to examine the influences of mother’s knowledge of child development and socio-economic factors on child development. We conducted this cross-sectional study in Nha Trang city, Vietnam and collected data from 296 child-mother dyads using multistage sampling. Child development is measured by Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3) and completed by mothers. The results show that there were 34.1% of children reported with suspected delayed development. Inappropriate level of maternal knowledge of child development, practice to promote child development, and positive parenting practice took up 80.4%, 75.3%, and 76.0%. Results from the multiple logistic regression reveal that maternal knowledge of child development and several socio-economic factors including children’s age, and children living with both parents were significantly associated with child development. The study recommends that mothers should improve their knowledge of child development to ensure their children’s healthy development.

Effects of the Older Family Network Program on Improving Quality of Life Among Older Adults in Thailand

BACKGROUND

The evidence of promoting family members' health care for older adults by applying family networks and theory of planned behavior will lead to mental health and lower the quality of life among older adults in rural community in Thailand is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to assess the effects of health promotion among older adults using an aging family network program to reduce depression and improve quality of life (QOL) among older adults.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This quasi-experimental study was enrolled on one hundred and ten older adults and their family members. Fifty-five older adult participants joined the health promoting program using family member involvement. This program trained them to change health behaviors such as eating healthy food, exercising, emotion management and disability preventive activities to reduce dementia, stroke and falls. The program was conducted in a rural community for 12 months. A comparison group program conducted usual health promoting activities by health personnel. They evaluated quality of life (QOL) using WHOQOL-OLD measurement, and 30-item geriatric depression scale before implementing interventions and after interventions at 9th and 12th months. Data were analyzed using general linear mixed model analysis.

RESULTS

After the intervention, social support and perception of health care from family members were significantly improved at the 9th month. At the 12th month, overall QOL, sensory ability, social participation, intimacy, social support, and perception of health care from family members significantly improved. Depression was also reduced at the 12th month.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrated that health promotion using family members improved QOL and reduced depression long term. Policymakers should implement programs to improve QOL among older adults. They need to improve the involvement of family members when conducting health promotion among older adults and support funding due to conduct on weekends or in the evening.

Care of stroke survivors in community: a case study of rural Thai community

Purpose

This study aims to describe survivors of stroke circumstances, issues with providing care for survivors of stroke and services expected by caregivers and survivors of stroke.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design was conducted in Singburi Province. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews, focus groups and participatory observations. Semi-structured in-depth interview guides, quality-of-life scale and depression scale were used to collect data from survivors of stroke, their caregivers, health personnel, local governors and village health volunteers. Naturalistic research tradition was used for qualitative data analysis and descriptive statistics for quantitative data analysis.

Findings

The majority of survivors of stroke had hemiplegic limb and severe deficits in their activities of daily living. Caregivers were family members, and they often developed depression. Issues with providing care to stroke survivors included lack of knowledge about stroke and home care, inadequacy and discontinuity of care and the shortage of stroke care personnel in the community. A stakeholder's expected stroke services included the provision of effective continuing care, community participation in care and enhancing the village health volunteer's capacity.

Originality/value

This study illustrated the stroke service systems in rural Thai communities. The study's findings could be applied when planning future research using community participation to test a model of care for stroke survivors to promote better outcomes and be responsive to the needs of stroke survivors, especially those who are disabled.

Predictive Factors of Diarrhea Preventive Practices by Caretakers

BACKGROUND

Diarrhea is a leading cause of childhood mortality globally as well as in Nepal. Data all around the world has shown the highest prevalence of diarrheal disease amongst 6-12 months old children. This paper aims to assess the existing diarrhea preventive practices carried out by caretakers of children from 6-12 months of age and their predicting factors in Chitwan district of Nepal.

METHODS

A cross -sectional survey was conducted among 384 caretakers of children aged 6-12 months from four different MCH clinics of Chitwan district, Nepal. Data were collected by using face- to-face interviews with structured questionnaires from April 15 to May 30, 2018. Univariate analysis, chi square, Pearson correlation and stepwise multiple regression analysis were the statistics used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The findings showed that only around one-fourth (22.7%) of the caretakers followed good diarrhea preventive practices. Stepwise multiple regression showed that age, monthly family income, knowledge, attitude and accessibility to WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), could predict the diarrhea preventive practices of caretakers by only 20.5%. Accessibility to WASH (beta= 0.246) had the highest predictive power and age (beta= 0.015) had the least predictive power of diarrhea preventive practices amongst them.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that there is a definite need to promote diarrhea preventive practices. Local government and non-government organizations should establish activities to improve accessibility to WASH, caretaker's attitude and caretaker's knowledge in order to ultimately improve their preventive practices.

Young Thai People's Exposure to Alcohol Portrayals in Society and the Media: A Qualitative Study for Policy Implications

BACKGROUND

Although previous quantitative studies have documented the association between exposure to alcohol portrayals and drinking attitudes in Western countries, few qualitative studies have explored this matter in Thailand. A better understanding of the association in young Thais is required for a more efficient alcohol policy development. This study aims to explore the information young Thais have learnt from exposure to alcohol portrayals in society and the media, examine how this exposure shapes their drinking attitudes, and investigate the alignment of policy-makers' views on drinking with those of young people.

METHODS

Two qualitative research methods were employed. Seventy-two university students (38 men, 34 women) aged 20-24 participated in focus groups conducted on campus. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with academia, civil society and representatives from government who were involved in alcohol policy. Recorded data were transcribed verbatim, systematically coded and analysed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Young Thais were regularly exposed to alcohol portrayals, particularly on social media and in their social environment. Being increasingly exposed to alcohol portrayals, particularly on social media, and the role of the alcohol industry emerged as concerning matters to the academia and civil society sectors. In response to the concerns, the government social media monitoring and alcohol censorship had become more challenging.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reflects the growing concerns from academia and civil society sectors of the impacts of increased alcohol exposure and the role that the industry may have on young people's drinking attitudes. It highlights the need for response to significant policy challenges to reduce these impacts.

A qualitative exploration of the Thai alcohol policy in regulating alcohol industry's marketing strategies and commercial activities

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

The recognition of the association between the use of alcohol and negative health outcomes have led to the endorsement of the World Health Organization's global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. Given the capacities, capabilities and sociocultural contexts of Thailand, this study aims to examine the Thai alcohol policy against the global strategy's recommended policy measures for marketing control and identify areas for further policy development.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the stakeholders from three sectors: the government, academia and civil society. Their perceptions of the Thai alcohol policy in regulating alcohol industry's commercial strategies and activities were discussed. Audio data were transcribed verbatim, systematically coded and thematically analysed.

RESULTS

Although the Thai Alcohol Control Act meticulously regulates the content of direct alcohol marketing, the volume of marketing and indirect alcohol marketing have become problematic and difficult for the government to address. The industry has worked to normalise the consumption of alcohol through repetitive brand exposure and their suggestion that drinking was integral for socialisation. The control of alcohol sponsorship was politically sensitive and legally ambiguous because alcohol sponsorship seemed to provide economic and social benefits and further reinforced the industry's positive image.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Despite the strict alcohol policy, gaps in the marketing regulations exist. Future policy development should place greater emphasis on alcohol sponsorship and branding through evidenced-based interventions. The interactions between the government and the industry should be monitored and restricted. Rigorous regulations, as seen for tobacco, are encouraged for alcohol marketing.

The impact of parental absence on early childhood development in the context of Thailand

This analysis investigates the impact of parental absence on early childhood development in Thailand, using the Denver II screening tool, based on a study conducted in 2013–2014. Children aged 36 months and younger were included ( n = 923). Results reveal that the crucial factor for delayed development in early childhood is the mother’s presence in the household. Children who were cared for by others were not at higher risk of delayed development as long as their mother was present, while the father’s absence did not make a difference. This study raises concern for the large number of children living separately from their mothers, and also raises questions about the long-term effects of parental migration for this generation of Thai children.

Factors Related to Intention to Undergo Female Sterilization Among Married Women in Rural Kathmandu, Nepal

Background:

Sterilization is most widely used fertility regulation method in Nepal. However, prevalence of uptake of female sterilization in central hilly region is less than the national average. The objective of the study was to explore the number and factors related to intention of married women to undergo female sterilization in rural Kathmandu which lies within central hilly region.

Materials and Methods:

This is a community based cross-sectional survey research conducted in rural area of Kathmandu valley. Two hundred and forty currently married women with at least one child of any age were interviewed using a structured pre-tested questionnaire.

Results:

More than four-fifth of the respondents intended to undergo sterilization. Almost two-third of them wanted to limit their family size by taking this option. More than one-third of women not-intending to undergo sterilization feared weakness after sterilization. Age of the respondents, duration of marriage, and number of living children were significantly associated with intention to undergo sterilization. 15-24 years age group were six times more likely to have the intention for sterilization (OR 6.79, CI 2.28-20.19) compared to age 35 years and above group. Mothers with less than 3 living children are about three times more likely to have the intention to undergo sterilization (OR 2.87, CI 1.3-6.33) compared to women with more than 2 living children. Women married for 6 to 10 years were three times more likely to have the intention (OR 3.0, CI 1.09-8.27). However, gender of the living children was not associated with intention to undergo sterilization.

Conclusion:

There were significant numbers of women intending to undergo sterilization. Age of the mother, number of living children and the duration of marriage were found to be significantly influencing the intention to undergo sterilization. However, as intention refers to future plan, the respondents’ intention may change over time. The national family planning program also needs to identify the key factors in accepting the sterilization and target these women to increase utilization.

Factors influencing happiness of the grandmothers raising grandchildren in rural areas of Northern Thailand

OBJECTIVE

To study the factors influencing happiness of grandmothers raising grandchildren in the rural areas of Northern Thailand.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Cross-sectional survey research was conducted among 400 grandmothers, aged 50-79 years, who raised their grandchildren in the rural areas of Northern Thailand. Participants were selected by cluster sampling. Data were collected through a structured interview from April to July 2009 and analyzed by frequency, percentage, Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, and Multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Nearly half (46.8%) of grandmothers raising grandchildren had high level of happiness, followed by moderate level (40.4%) and low level (12.8%). The factors, which significantly influenced the happiness of the grandmothers, were self-esteem, social support, and family relationships (p-value < 0.05). In addition, self-esteem, social support, and family relationships could significantly predict happiness of the grandmothers by 48.1%. Self-esteem had the highest predictive power of happiness among grandmothers.

CONCLUSION

The factors influencing happiness of grandmothers raising grandchildren were self-esteem, social support, and family relationships. To promote happiness of grandmothers, responsible organizations should establish activities that enhance the grandmother's self-esteem, provide sufficient social support, and promote good family relationships.

Condom use among male migrant workers in dry zone, Myanmar

OBJECTIVE

To study the factors associated with condom use among male Myanmar migrant workers in Pakokku, Myanmar

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This cross-sectional study used two stages cluster sampling with probability proportional to size (PPS) method to collect samples. During 1-14 February 2010, 324 male Myanmar migrant workers between 18 and 60 years of age were asked to complete face-to-face structured interview on knowledge, perception, cues to action, peer influence and sexual behaviors. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and Fishers exact test.

RESULTS

Results revealed that 71.0 percent of respondents were under young and middle adult age and 66.7 percent were married. It showed that 11.1 percent of the respondents used condom regularly with spouse or girlfriends or sex workers during the past year There were associations between age (p = 0.006), marital status (p < 0.001), educational level (p = 0.014), monthly income (p = 0.015), level of knowledge on HIV/AIDS (p = 0.017), perceived susceptibility of getting HIV/ AIDS (p = 0.024) and condom use. No associations were noted between occupation, duration of career; duration of each trip, perceived severity, perceived benefit, perceived barrier, cues to action, peer influence and condom use.

CONCLUSION

With low proportion of regular condom use among study group, behavior change, communication interventions and strengthening of the 100.0% Targeted Condom Promotion Project are recommended to promote perception and knowledge about HIV/AIDS and condom use among male migrant workers.

Factors influencing the mental health of the elderly in Songkhla, Thailand

OBJECTIVE

To study the factors which influence the mental health of the elderly in Songkhla, Thailand.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A cross-sectional survey research was conducted among 250 elderly residents aged 60-94 years, using multi-stage random sampling. The data were collected through interview questionnaires circulated between February 22nd and March 22nd, 2011 and thereafter analyzed by frequency, percentage and multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Most of the subjects (79.2%) had good mental health and 20.8% had poor mental health. The factors influencing their mental health were age, physical health status, presence of chronic disease, family relationship and membership or active participation in a civic or social group. Those aged 60-79 years reported 2.9 times better mental health than those who were 80-94 years. Those reporting good physical health status also reported having 6.5 times better mental health than those with poor physical health. Subjects without chronic disease reported 3.5 times better mental health than those reporting the presence of chronic diseases. Seniors with a good family relationship had 4.9 times better mental health than those who did not report a good family relationship and the subjects who were members of a social or civic group had 2.4 times better mental health than those who were not.

CONCLUSION

The factors influencing mental health of the elderly were age, physical health status, chronic disease, family relationships and membership or participation in a civic or social group. To promote mental health amongst these people, responsible organizations should establish activities that promote good family relationships and encourage active participation in civic or social groups and support organizations.

People living with HIV/AIDS in the city of Bangkok: quality of life and related factors

OBJECTIVE

To assess the quality of life and factors related to quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS in Bangkok, Thailand.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A cross-sectional survey research was conducted among 138 people aged over 18 years living with HIV/AIDS in Bangkok. The sample was selected by purposive sampling from HIV infected persons who attended the HIV clinic at the hospitals in Bangkok. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaires from June to July 2010 and analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient.

RESULTS

The finding revealed that of the people living with HIV/AIDS, 67.4% reported a moderate level with respect to quality of life and 32.6% reported a good level concerning the quality of life. Factors related to quality of life were age, education level, monthly income, self-esteem,family relationships and social support (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

All of the people living with HIV/AIDS reported having a moderate to good quality of life. From research results, responsible organizations should establish activities to promote self-esteem, family relationships and social support for people living with HIV/AIDS to enhance the quality of life of infected persons. Increasing public awareness to better understand basic needs such as family relationships and social support and providing HIV/AIDS education to the community were deemed important.

The physical health and self-esteem of the grandmother raising grandchildren in rural areas of Thailand

OBJECTIVE

To study the physical health and self-esteem, including factors that influence the self-esteem of grandmothers raising grandchildren in the rural areas of Northern Thailand.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A cross-sectional survey research was conducted among 400 grandmothers, aged 50-79 years, who raised their grandchildren in the rural areas of Northern Thailand. Participants were selected by cluster sampling. Data were collected through a structured interview from April to July, 2009 and analyzed by frequency, percentage, Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

73.8% of grandmothers in the survey currently had health problems, 56.2% had a chronic disease of which hypertension was the most common and yet 44.5% displayed high self-esteem. The factors identified as influencing self-esteem were family relationships, age and social support. These factors provided 35.4% in predicting the self-esteem of grandmother who raised grandchildren with family relationship had the highest predictive value.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggested the responsible organizations should organize the program to strengthen the family relationship and social support activity for the grandmother that will lead to the better health and heightening self-esteem.

Comparison of the health status of children aged between 6 and 12 years reared by grandparents and parents

The purpose of the present study was to compare the health status of children aged between 6 and 12 years reared by grandparent and parent, including the factors affecting the development of both groups. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2 different caregiver groups, 160 children living with their grandparents and 160 children living with their parents in Phrae province. The samples were selected by cluster sampling and data were collected from March 10 to April 8, 2006 by questionnaire. The Test of Nonverbal Intelligence-3 was used to test the child development. Data were analyzed by frequency distribution, percentage, χ(2) test, and multiple logistic regression. The illness in the past 6 months and nutritional status of the children aged 6 to 12 years were not different between 2 groups, but the child development and appropriateness of child rearing were different with statistical significance (P < .05). Children who were reared by grandparents had a higher percentage (66.7%) of below normal development than those reared by parents (33.3%), and had inappropriate child rearing by a rate of 57.7% compared with 42.3%. In addition, the factors affecting the development of children reared by grandparents were both the level of the family income and the child rearing factor, whereas the child development in those who were reared by parents was affected only by the child rearing factor.

Effect of promoting self-esteem by participatory learning process on emotional intelligence among early adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of promoting self-esteem by participatory learning program on emotional intelligence among early adolescents.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The quasi-experimental study was conducted in grade 9 students from two schools in Bangbuathong district, Nonthaburi province. Each experimental and comparative group consisted of 34 students with the lowest score of emotional intelligence. The instruments were questionnaires, Program to Develop Emotional Intelligence and Handbook of Emotional Intelligence Development. The experimental group attended 8 participatory learning activities in 4 weeks to Develop Emotional Intelligence while the comparative group received the handbook for self study. Assessment the effectiveness of program was done by pre-test and post-test immediately and 4 weeks apart concerning the emotional intelligence. Implementation and evaluation was done during May 24-August 12, 2005. Data were analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square, independent sample t-test and paired sample t-test.

RESULTS

Before program implementation, both groups had no statistical difference in mean score of emotional intelligence. After intervention, the experimental group had higher mean score of emotional intelligence both immediately and 4 weeks later with statistical significant (p = 0.001 and < 0.001). At 4 weeks after experiment, the mean score in experimental group was higher than the mean score at immediate after experiment with statistical significance (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The program to promote self-esteem by participatory learning process could enhance the emotional intelligence in early-adolescent. This program could be modified and implemented for early adolescent in the community.

Factors influencing life happiness among elderly female in Rayong Province, Thailand

OBJECTIVE

To study the factors influencing life happiness of elderly female in Rayong province, Thailand.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A cross-sectional survey research was conducted among 233 elderly female aged between 60-80 years using multi-stage random sampling. The data were collected from June 6th to July 31st 2008 by interviewing questionnaires. Data were analyzed by frequency, percentage, Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient and Stepwise multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

About half (50.2%) of the elderly female had moderate level of life happiness, followed by low level (27.1%) and high level (22.7%). The factors which significantly influenced the life happiness of the elderly female were self-esteem, social support, and family relationships (p < 0.05). In addition, self-esteem, social support, and family relationships could significantly predict life happiness of the elderly female by 91.4%. Self-esteem had the highest predictive power of life happiness among elderly female.

CONCLUSION

The important factors influencing life happiness of elderly female were self-esteem, social support, and family relationships. To promote life happiness of elderly female, responsible organizations should establish activities that enhance the elderly female's self-esteem, provide sufficient social support, and promote good family relationships.

Influence of child rearing by grandparent on the development of children aged six to twelve years

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of child rearing by grandparent on the development of children aged six to twelve years.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 320 children that were cared for by a parent and grandparent selected by cluster sampling. The data were collected between March 10 and April 8, 2006 by questionnaire about child and family factors. The TONI-III test was used to test the child development. Data were analyzed by frequency distribution, logistic regression, and multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Child caregiver had a significant influence on child development (p-value < 0.05). Children reared by a grandparent had 2.0 times higher chance of having delayed development compared with those who were reared by the parent. In addition, significant family factors that had impact on the child development were child rearing and family income.

CONCLUSION

Child rearing by a grandparent had 2.0 times higher chance of having delayed development than those reared by the parent. Therefore, family and health personnel should plan to ensure the development and learning process of children that are cared by the grandparent.

Influence of parenting styles on development of children aged three to six years old

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influences of parenting styles on development of children aged three to six years.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 360 children and their parents selected by multi-stage random sampling. The data were collected from July 24th to August 31st, 2004. The Denver II test kit and the scale by Baumrind D were used to test the child development and parenting styles respectively. A questionnaire was used to collect the family and child factors. Data were analyzed by frequency distribution and Multiple logistic regression with the significant level set at p-value of <0. 05).

RESULTS

Parenting styles had significant influences on child development (p-value < 0. 05). Children raised with a mixed parenting style had a 1.9 times higher chance of having delayed development compared with those with democratic parenting style. In addition, significant family and child factors for explaining child development were family type, mother's education, father's occupation, relationship within the family, nutritional status and sex.

CONCLUSION

Parenting styles had a significant influence on child development. The children raised with mixed parenting style had a 1.9 timds higher chance of having delayed development compared to those whose parents used democratic parenting style. Therefore, the parents should rear their children by using the democratic parenting style that leads to the age-appropriate development child

Self-esteem of the elderly in rural areas of Nakhon Sawan Province

OBJECTIVE

Study self-esteem of the elderly and factors related.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A cross-sectional survey of two hundred and seventy elderly, aged 60 or above in rural areas of Nakhon Sawan Province. The data were collected by interview questionnaire from May 12 to May 25, 2003. Statistics used for data analysis were frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, and Stepwise multiple regression.

RESULTS

More than half of the elderly (65.6%) had a moderate level of self-esteem, followed by a low level (19.3%) and a high level (15.1%). The factors that were statistically significant related to self-esteem of the elderly (p-value < 0.05) were monthly income, activities of daily living, personality, participation in family activities, participation in social activities, and social support. In addition, social support, participation in social activities, personality, and participation in family activities could significantly predict self-esteem of the elderly by 58.2%. The factor with highest predictive power of self-esteem was social support.

CONCLUSION

Elderly should be encouraged to participate in family and social activities. The level of social support should be high enough for the elderly to maintain their self-esteem so that they can have live happily without burden to family and society.

Factors influencing development of children aged one to under six years old

The present study aimed at analysing factors influencing the development of children aged one to under six years in four provinces across Thailand. Two sub-districts or communities were selected from each province. The population covered in the present study were 193 children aged one to under three years and 251 children aged three to under six years, and their main caregivers. The data was collected from April to September 2000. Denver II test kit was used to test the child development and a questionnaire was used to collect family and child factors. The results of analysis using Logistic Regression found that risk factors for lower child development among children aged one to under three years were father's education at the primary school level or lower (OR = 3.0 , 95%CI = 1.14, 7.9) and not having good household environments (OR = 2.9, 95%CI = 1.28, 6.8). The risk factors for lower development among children aged three to under six years were father's education at the primary school level or lower (OR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.74, 7.32) and inappropriate child raising (OR = 2.72, 95%CI = 1.48, 4.99). Families with fathers having a low level of education, inappropriate household environments or inappropriate child raising should receive assistance so that children can have appropriate development for their age level.

Family protective-risk index and its implications

The study aimed to develop an index for differentiating the levels of a family at risk of affecting child development to be applied as a screening tool for primary care workers to identify families that need urgent help. The Family Protective-Risk Index (FPRI) was developed from 8 family factors; i.e. mother's education, father's education, family income sufficiency, type of family, family relations, stressful life events in the family, child rearing and physical environment at home that were related to child development in any age group (1-<3 years, 3-<6 years and 6-12 years). Each factor was given a score of 0 or 1 and the scores of FPRI were between 0-8. The family with a lower FPRI score would have a higher risk while the family with a high FPRI score would have more security. The cut off point of FPRI was determined by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. It was later found that the appropriate cut off point for prediction was 6. The 6th FPRI score had a suitable sensitivity to be used for identifying families that need close assistance in order to prevent the slow growth and development of children.