Hypertension is becoming increasingly prevalent among the elderly. Family caregivers play an important role in caring for elderly people and empowering them to care for themselves. This study’s goal was to see how social support training for family caregivers affected changes in hypertension, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and how such support led to the prevention of hypertension behaviors among the elderly in rural areas. This was a quasi-experimental study with 268 elderly people at risk of hypertension and their caregivers. Sixty seven pairs of elderly people and their caregivers were assigned to the intervention and control groups. Baseline data were collected in November 2020. The intervention group received the Social Support Family Caregiver Training Program (SSFCTP), while the control group received a regular program from the local health authority. The activity lasted 12 weeks, with home visits and telephone check-ups along the way, and data collection took place after the program ended. The final data were collected three months after the end of the intervention. An analysis of repeated measures ANOVA showed the overall effect of the SSFCTP on knowledge, self-efficacy, health care behaviors, and blood pressure among elderly people during three different time periods (p<0.05). Furthermore, the intervention program had a time-dependent effect on knowledge, blood pressure, and total cholesterol levels (p<0.05). In terms of caregiver outcomes, there was an overall difference among the degrees of knowledge, self-efficacy, and behaviors toward health care displayed by elderly hypertensive patients during the three different time periods (p<0.05). The average knowledge and self-efficacy of the participants improved after the intervention. As a result, better self-care behaviors and lower blood pressure and total cholesterol levels were observed among the elderly participants after the intervention. The programs emphasized the importance of caregivers’ roles in providing social support, boosting confidence, and encouraging participation in caring, monitoring, and assisting the elderly in controlling blood pressure and other health issues.

(1) Background: the 2019 coronavirus disease outbreak (COVID-19) has posed a major threat to public health and had a significant impact on all areas of people’s lives. Vaccines against COVID-19 have been developed to control the disease, and an array of personal hygiene measures has been introduced. As a result, information that will support and promote vaccination among populations as well as other health measures against COVID-19 are urgently needed. The goal of this research was to look into the knowledge about COVID-19 and how it relates to preventive behaviors and vaccination among people living in rural areas of northern Thailand. (2) Methods: a cross-sectional study was performed in four upper northern provinces of Thailand. A total of 1524 participants were recruited using the probability sampling technique. Questionnaires were distributed to collect data on general health information, as well as knowledge and preventive behaviors regarding COVID-19. (3) Results: more than half (55.9%) of the participants were female and had not received the COVID-19 vaccine (67.2%). Their mean age was 44.13 years. The majority had moderate COVID-19 knowledge and engaged in preventive behaviors (65.5% and 42.0%, respectively). A linear regression model showed that the COVID-19 knowledge score was related to the COVID-19 preventive behaviors score, with a standardized coefficient of 0.510, after adjusting for age, underlying disease, and body mass index (B = 2.64; 95%CI = 2.42, 2.87). Binary logistic regression revealed that after controlling for age, education, occupation, financial status, and current disease (AOR = 1.87; 95%CI = 1.64–2.13), the score of COVID-19 knowledge was significantly associated with having the COVID-19 vaccine. (4) Discussion: knowledge of COVID-19 is very important for people in rural regions to engage in COVID-19 prevention behaviors and vaccination. Relevant government agencies and health network partners should support proactive education campaigns emphasizing the risk of contracting the disease and its severity in order to promote vaccination against COVID-19 among unvaccinated groups. These campaigns can highlight COVID-19’s positive benefit-risk balance in the short and long term and ensure public safety measures against COVID-19.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the leading causes of occupational injuries and disabilities. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of MSDs and occupational factors affecting MSDs among ethnic lychee–longan harvesting workers in northern Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the areas of three upper northern provinces of Thailand. The study areas are located in the highlands and rural plains, where many ethnic minority groups live, including Indigenous, Mien, Karen, and Lua. The majority of them work in a farm of perennial fruit trees, mainly lychee and longan. During the harvest season, 404 participants were recruited for the study using the convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaires that included general information, an ergonomic risk assessment, and a standardized Nordic questionnaire for assessing MSDs in 10 body parts. The average age of lychee–longan harvesting workers was 48.8 years. Almost all (99.5%) reported MSDs in one or more body regions in the previous seven days of work. The prevalence of MSDs was highest in the hands (82.9%), followed by the shoulders (82.2%) and the neck (79.7%). The total ergonomic risk scores, which included awkward posture, heavy carrying and lifting, repetitive activity, land slope, and equipment, were found to be significantly associated with MSDs in part of the neck (AOR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.11–1.23), shoulder (AOR = 1.15, 95%CI = 1.10–1.21), elbow (AOR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.12–1.24), hand (AOR = 1.12, 95%CI = 1.07–1.18), finger (AOR = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.24–1.44), upper back (AOR = 1.14, 95%CI = 1.09–1.20), lower back (AOR = 1.16, 95%CI = 1.11–1.22), hip (AOR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.06–1.15), knee (AOR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.12–1.24), and feet (AOR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.15–1.28) when adjusting for ethnicity, sex, age, BMI, and work experience. Many parts of ethnic workers’ bodies have been affected by occupational injuries, with a high risk of upper extremity injury. As a result, using an ergonomic approach to improving the working environment and appropriate posture movement is very beneficial in preventing MSDs among ethnic harvesting workers.

Air pollution is a pressing global concern, with its consequences disproportionately impacting individuals in developing nations. This disparity in impact is especially pronounced among vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the elderly. This paper’s primary objective is to illuminate the often-neglected ramifications of air pollution on the well-being of rural schoolchildren in Northern Thailand. Despite their heightened susceptibility, this demographic remains marginalized in discussions concerning air quality. The study aims to underscore the significance of recognizing the schoolchildren’s heightened vulnerability to the adverse health effects stemming from air pollution, which is exacerbated by their critical developmental stage. The ensuing discussion comprehensively delves into the detrimental effects of pollution on the overall welfare and health of schoolchildren, thus accentuating the compounded socioeconomic disparities. By acknowledging and addressing the specific vulnerabilities of this demographic, policymakers and stakeholders can devise targeted interventions to safeguard their health and foster sustainable development.

Introduction: Proficiency in nonprescription medicine and first-aid knowledge have become increasingly crucial for school health educators. Given the significant amount of time children spend at school, they are susceptible to various severe health issues, making it imperative to address this...

Introduction: Thailand has the ninth-highest road fatality rate globally (32.7 deaths/100,000 population), with young adults accounting for 73% of motorcycle-related deaths. This study examines risk attitudes, perceptions, and riding behaviors among novice motorcycle riders at the University of Phayao to inform targeted interventions reducing road traffic accidents (RTAs). Methods: A cross-sectional study (January–March 2025) surveyed 426 first-year public health undergraduates using a validated questionnaire (CVI=0.87; Cronbach’s α=0.82). Non-riders were excluded. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, Pearson’s correlation, and logistic regression were employed. Ethical approval and informed consent were secured. Results: Participants (89.44% female; mean age=18.37±0.6 years) predominantly used motorcycles (91.78%), yet 46.24% were unlicensed. Informal training (77.46%) exceeded formal instruction (4.93%). Accident prevalence was 38.26% (3.28% hospitalized), primarily on multi-lane roads (31.92%). Key risk factors included speeding (AOR=1.65, 95% CI:1.09–2.49, p=0.017), phone use (AOR=2.40, 95% CI:1.30–4.40, p=0.005), and poor vehicle maintenance (AOR=1.66, 95% CI:1.04–2.63, p=0.033). Road law knowledge was moderate (46.48%) or low (30.52%), contrasting with predominantly good/excellent safety attitudes (79.11%) and behaviors (79.35%). Attitudes strongly correlated with safe riding (r=0.55, p<0.001). Conclusion: Non-compliance with licensing, reliance on informal training, and risky behaviors elevate RTA risks. Policy priorities include mandating certified training, enforcing speed/phone-use laws, and upgrading high-risk infrastructure. The attitude-behavior link underscores the need for psychological interventions to reinforce safety mindsets, aligning with the UN Global Road Safety Framework (2021–2030).