Prior results investigating a correlation between obesity and hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccine response have been inconclusive, with limited data involving live attenuated HAV vaccines. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of overweight and obesity on the response to live attenuated HAV vaccine in children and young adults. This prospective cohort study was conducted in Thailand with subjects ranging in age from seven to twenty-five years. The subjects were administered 0.5 mL of MEVAC™-A and tested for anti-HAV antibodies before and at 8–9 weeks after vaccination. Baseline seronegative subjects (anti-HAV antibodies < 20 mIU/mL) were divided into non-obese (underweight/normal weight) and obese (overweight/obesity/severe obesity) groups. A total of 212 (117 non-obese and 95 obese) subjects completed the study (mean age (SD) = 13.95 (3.90) years). The seroprotection rates were 100%. Postvaccination geometric mean titers (95% CI) were 429.51 (401.97, 458.94) and 467.45 (424.47, 514.79) mIU/mL in the non-obese and obese groups, respectively. Females (p = 0.013) and subjects with truncal obesity (p = 0.002) had significantly higher titers than other participants. Live attenuated HAV vaccine is safe and has comparably high immunogenicity in both underweight/normal weight and overweight/obese persons.

There are insufficient data and measuring tools for parental perception of defecation and constipation in Thai children. The primary objective of this study was to develop a tool to measure parental perceptions towards defecation and constipation in children. The secondary objective was to identify parental understanding and misconceptions about these issues. The authors developed a questionnaire in three domains: knowledge, attitude, and practice. Content validity was evaluated using the item-objective congruence index (IOC) by five experts. The reliability of the measure was assessed based on both internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Then, a descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on Thai parents at pediatric outpatient clinics and wards in Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital. The authors developed a first draft questionnaire consisting of 31 items, which were categorized into three domains of knowledge, attitude, and practice. During expert validation, five items were disqualified. To assess the questionnaire's reliability, Cronbach's alpha value was calculated and found to be 0.229 for the original questionnaire. However, after removing irrelevant questions, Cronbach's alpha value increased to 0.511 for an 18-item questionnaire. The adjusted questionnaire demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC = 0.91). The survey with 306 parents revealed parental misconceptions about the pathophysiology of stool withholding, stool soiling indicating constipation, toilet training after meals, and monitoring bowel movements. The developed questionnaire helps to assess parental perception regarding defecation and constipation in Thai children. Based on the survey results, the authors suggest that parental education on these issues is still necessary.

Objectives: Parental understanding of childhood constipation is essential for managing this common condition. This study aimed to (1) develop tailored health education materials addressing childhood constipation for parents of children aged 1 to 5 years; and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of these materials by examining changes in parental perceptions following the intervention. Design: This mixed-methods study consisted of two phases: the first phase involved the development of educational materials, while the second phase employed a pretest–posttest design to evaluate their effectiveness. Setting: Primary caregivers of children aged 1 to 5 years from kindergartens and primary schools in the Sai Mai district of Bangkok. Methods: Educational materials were developed to focus on key aspects of childhood constipation. Parental perceptions were assessed using a Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) questionnaire administered before and after exposure to the materials. Two learning methods were offered: face-to-face sessions and electronic media, allowing participants to choose their preferred format. Both methods delivered identical content. Results: The educational material addressed four key topics: (1) symptoms of constipation, (2) causes of constipation, (3) contributing factors, and (4) prevention strategies. A total of 140 eligible parents participated, with 50 opting for face-to-face sessions and 90 selecting electronic media. A significant improvement in KAP questionnaire scores was observed from pre- to post-intervention across both delivery methods. Conclusion: Tailored educational materials significantly enhanced parental understanding of childhood constipation. These resources can potentially empower Thai parents to manage this condition in their children. Expanding such effective programmes nationwide could promote sustainable behaviour changes and contribute to the long-term prevention of childhood constipation.