To explore the characteristics of the patient under investigation (PUI), and the routes and the patient journey time in our outpatient service, we examined the demographic data, presenting symptoms, risks of contact with COVID-19 cases, and the results of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests in PUI cases from March to May 2020. The contact time, transfer time and total journey time of patient journey routes in our hospital were also explored. The results were shown in numbers, percentages and medians (interquartile range, IQR). A total of 334 PUI cases were identified from our triage system. The median (IQR) age was 35 (27, 47) years. Cough was the most common presenting symptom (56.2%), while fever (≥37.5 °C) was found in only 19.8% of the cases. The median (IQR) time of onset of the presenting symptoms was 3 (1, 5) days. The most common risk of contact with COVID-19 cases found during the triage was living in or returning from an outbreak area. Fifteen (4.5%) of the PUI cases had positive real-time PCR tests. The contact time and transfer time were longest in the PUI ward and from the Emergency Department (ED) to the PUI ward, respectively. Plans and actions to shorten the transfer time between the ED and the PUI ward and the total journey time should be developed.

(1) Introduction: Effective control of stroke risk factors can reduce stroke incidence. Motivation for participatory action of community dwellers to practice self-care to modify stroke risk after providing them with knowledge of stroke risk factors is considered useful under a situation of limited healthcare resources. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of integrating the sufficiency economy philosophy (SEP), a royal economic philosophy in Thailand, and the participatory action research (PAR) approach on stroke risk factors control among selected communities. (2) Methods: Villagers who had medium to high stroke risk from two provinces with leading stroke incidences in southern Thailand were invited to participate in an eight-month SEP-PAR program conducted in 2019. Group meetings among the study participants, local healthcare providers, the researchers, and relevant stakeholders in the communities were held to co-design a health behaviors program targeting lower waist circumference (WC), body weight (BW), blood pressure (BP), fasting blood sugar, blood lipids, and smoking and alcohol consumption rates. Follow-up physical measurements and blood tests were compared with the baseline results for significant differences by descriptive statistics (p < 0.05) using the R program. (3) Results: Of 126 participants, 75.4% were female. Moderate and high stroke risk levels were found in 58.2% and 19.8%, respectively. Elevated baseline WC, BW, BP, and blood test results were found in 50–80% of the participants. The co-designed health behaviors in this study were dietary control, regular exercise, relieving psychological stress, and stopping smoking and alcohol consumption. Overall, the participants had significant adherence to the co-designed health behaviors. At the end of the program, the follow-up tests showed significant reductions in BW, BP, fasting blood sugar, and lipids, but not in WC. (4) Conclusions: A combined SEP and PAR approach was effective for stroke risk factors control among the community dwellers. Motivation for self-care is a significant strategic outcome expected of this approach. Longer follow-up studies in larger populations are needed.

Applying health measures to prevent COVID-19 transmission caused disruption of businesses. A practical plan to balance public health and business sustainability during the pandemic was needed. Herein, we describe a “Bubble and Seal” (B&S) program implemented in a frozen seafood factory in southern Thailand. We enrolled 1539 workers who lived in the factory dormitories. First, the workers who had a high fatality risk were triaged by RT-PCR tests, quarantined and treated if they had COVID-19. Newly diagnosed or suspected COVID-19 workers underwent the same practices. The non-quarantined workers were regulated to work and live in their groups without contact across the groups. Workers’ personal hygiene and preventive measures were strongly stressed. Between the 6th and 9th weeks of the program, the post-COVID-19 infection status (PCIS) of all participants was evaluated by mass COVID-19 antibody or RT-PCR tests. Finally, 91.8% of the workers showed positive PCIS, which was above the number required for program exit. Although no workers had received a vaccination, there was only one case of severe COVID-19 pneumonia, and no evidence of COVID-19 spreading to the surrounding communities. Implementation of the B&S program and workers’ adherence to health advice was the key to this success.

Ending social inequality by 2030 is a goal of the United Nations’ endorsed sustainable development agenda. Minority or marginalized people are susceptible to social inequality. This action research qualitatively evaluated the requirements for and barriers to full access to public services of the Orang Asali (OA), a minority people living in the Narathiwas province in southernmost Thailand. With the cooperation of the staff of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC), we interviewed the OA, local governmental officers and Thai community leaders regarding the OA’s living conditions and health status. Then, an action plan was developed and implemented to raise their living standards with minimal disruption to their traditional cultural beliefs and lifestyle. For systematic follow-ups, a Thai nationality registration process was carried out before the assistance was provided. Living conditions and livelihood opportunities, health care and education were the main targets of the action plan. Universal health coverage (UHC), according to Thai health policy, was applied to OA for holistic health care. The OA were satisfied with the assistance provided to them. While filling the gap of social inequality for the OA is urgent, a balance between the modern and traditional living styles should be carefully considered.

Indigenous fisherman divers frequently experience decompression sickness (DCS). This study aimed to evaluate the associations between the level of knowledge of safe diving, beliefs in the health lo...

Background: Juvenile delinquency with a history of alcohol use is a growing concern with a significant impact on their holistic well-being. Life purpose (LP) has been recognized as essential for enhancing adolescent wellness. LP should therefore be useful in addressing juvenile delinquency. Objective: This quasi-experimental study investigated the effect of the life purpose program on the wellness of juvenile delinquents with a history of alcohol use in Southern Thailand. Methods: Sixty-seven delinquents, aged 15 to 19, from the Juvenile Detention Center were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 35) or the control group (n = 32). The intervention group engaged in an eight-week purpose program, whereas the control group continued with routine care. Wellness outcomes were measured using the Wellness Scale (WS) and analyzed through multilevel mixed-effects modeling. Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences in wellness scores between the control and intervention groups. Following the intervention, wellness scores at weeks 16 and 24 were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (t = -6.101, p<0.001; t = -2.856, p = 0.008, respectively). The multilevel mixed effects model confirmed a significant improvement in wellness scores over time in the intervention group (β = 3.746; 95% CI = 0.22–7.27; p = 0.037). Conclusion: The program was successful in improving wellness among juvenile delinquents with a history of alcohol use and shows promise for broader application. It should be implemented by nurses and other professionals as part of efforts to promote a sense of life purpose in similar populations. However, further research is needed to evaluate its long-term impact and sustainability. Integrating the life purpose program into existing rehabilitation processes may enhance the overall well-being of juvenile detainees. Trial Registry Number: Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20241217002)