Inappropriate self-medication and limited health literacy are pressing challenges that contribute to poor health outcomes among older adults. In rural, low-resource settings, these issues are worsened by digital exclusion, which restricts access to reliable health information and informed decision-making. To assess the prevalence and determinants of inappropriate medication and health product (M&HP) use among older adults in rural Thailand, reflecting wider disparities in Southeast Asia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,461 older adults aged ≥60 years, selected through stratified multi-stage sampling from Thailand's Health Regions 7-10, which encompass 20 northeastern provinces. Structured interviews explored health-seeking behavior, digital literacy, and M&HP use. Inappropriate use was defined as the use of two or more items without professional consultation, as per national guidelines. Descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Of participants, 84.5% reported using M&HPs without professional consultation, and only 14.0% were proficient in accessing health information via smartphones. Inappropriate use was significantly associated with rural residence (aOR = 6.33; 95% CI: 2.19-18.31), low education, chronic illness, unemployment, digital illiteracy, and financial hardship (p < 0.05). Digital and social exclusion strongly influence unsafe self-medication practices among older adults. Improving digital health literacy and access to credible information is crucial for enhancing medication safety. Thailand's experience may offer valuable guidance for developing inclusive aging strategies in other low- and middle-income countries.

Background: Inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS and risky practices are related to the spread of HIV infection. This study aimed to explore and test associations between knowledge, attitude and AIDS prevention behavior among students in Kham Mouane Technical-Vocation College, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Methods: A cross-sectional, self-report questionnaire study was conducted in May 2018. Pearson's Chi-squared test and binary logistic regression was used to test the association between variables. Results: Of 939 participants, it was found that: 61.6% were women; the mean age was 20.7 years (range 18-28 years); 40.2% lived in the college dormitory; >80% drank alcoholic beverages; 31.9% drank until slightly intoxicated; 13.7% drank until drunk; and the average drinking rate was 1-2 times a month (50%). Knowledge levels about the route of HIV transmission and how it can be controlled were poor. Misunderstood issues included: HIV transmission can be controlled by having a single partner and using condoms while having sex was correctly understood by only 22.8%; 72% incorrectly reported that HIV can be transmitted through a mosquito bite; and 48.2% believed incorrectly that drinking alcohol can disinfect HIV. Attitudes towards HIV were at a moderate level: the participants believed that infected persons should not reveal themselves in public, at work or college, and that requesting a boyfriend use a condom showed mistrust. HIV prevention practices were reported at a better level: reducing opportunity for sex by not cohabiting or staying privately with a lover and wearing condoms regularly during sexual intercourse, although more than 70% still drank alcohol when visiting nightclubs, associated with an increased likelihood of unprotected sex. Conclusions: Public and community stakeholders need to design HIV prevention classes suited to college environments to improve students’ knowledge, attitudes and risky behavior practices related to HIV.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the perspective and caregiving practices of Thai adolescents towards the elderly in the Northeastern region of Thailand. The study was carried out during July 1st to September 30th, 2023 among 1,551 participants in grades 4-6 from eight randomly selected schools. The analyzing using descriptive statistics. The results found that the average age was 15.30±1.66 years old, 62.4% were female, and most lived with their parents and relatives. About 36.4% of parents have experienced either widowhood or separation, 69.4% of families had a monthly income less than 15,000 THB. While 33.7% had an elderly person in the family, 1.6% lived with bedridden patients, and 40.3% required assistance in daily activities such as cooking, mobility, while 58.7% had diabetes and high blood pressure. 59.3% did not have a primary caregiver in the family, only parents or relatives usually taking on this role. Adolescent grandchildren spent the majority of their time on education. Almost one of three rarely took care of the elderly, even though their parents and teachers taught about moral responsibility. Regarding the belief in the merit that would arise from taking care of the elderly, one of five was indifferent or did not believe, while half of them believed to some extent. From self-assessment of their ability to take care of the elderly, most were in the moderate and low levels, despite receiving information from family, teachers, or various media. The predominant perspective is that caregiving is perceived as the responsibility of parents or health professionals, and the belief that the elderly is captious and irksome. Therefore, it is advisable to present policy-oriented information across education, health, and societal dimensions to support children and young people to learn about elderly individuals and instilling their responsibility within families and societies, fostering a sustainable and well-being-oriented community.

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the Mental Health Status and the relationship between socioeconomic background and mean scores of mental health variables among Caregivers (CG) in Maha Sarakham province, Northeast of Thailand. A total of 402 CGs were recruited from 32 sub-districts in 13 districts to participate with interviewing form. Data analysing used descriptive statistics and Chi-square test for the relationship of the socioeconomic and the level of mental health status of caregivers. The results shown that; 99.77% were female, age average 49.89+8.14 (range 23-75), spent time look after the elderly for average 3 days per week, worked experience for 1-4 years (mean=3.27+1.66 years). Over 59 % have lower income than 150 USD. The gender of CG was a mainly statistically significant with the mental health status (MHS) (p=0.003). Although, the other variables were not significantly statistics test, however, it found that all variables indicated in the poor level of mental health status. Therefore, the stakeholders who involves with CG should have concern to reduce their burnout, regardless of compensation as well as set up the potential of family caregivers or young carers to help the elderly in the community.

Background Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) incidence in Northeastern Thailand is very high and a major cause of mortality. CCA patients typically have a poor prognosis and short-term survival rate due to late-stage diagnosis. Thailand is the first Southeast Asian country to approve medicinal cannabis treatment, especially for palliative care with advanced cancer patients. Methods A retrospective cohort study compared survival among 491 newly diagnosed advanced CCA patients between September 2019 and June 2021. Of these, 404 received standard palliative pain management (ST), and 87 received medicinal cannabis treatment (CT). Patients were enrolled from four tertiary hospitals and two secondary hospitals in five provinces of Northeast Thailand. Cumulative survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and independent prognostic factors were analyzed using Cox regression. Results For ST patients, follow-up time was 790 person-months, with a mortality rate of 48.35/100 person-months. For CT patients, follow-up time was 476 person-months, with a mortality rate of 10.9/100 person-months. The median survival time after registration at a palliative clinic was 0.83 months (95% CI: 0.71–0.95) for ST and 5.66 months (95% CI: 1.94–9.38) for CT. Multivariate analysis showed CT was significantly associated with prolonged survival (HRadj = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.20–0.37; p < 0.001). Conclusions The medical cannabis increased overall survival rates among CCA patients. In this retrospective cohort, Medicinal cannabis treatment was associated with more prolonged survival among advanced CCA patients in Northeastern Thailand. While this association remained significant after multivariable adjustment, unmeasured or residual confounding factors may have influenced the observed outcomes. Although the association remained significant after adjustment, unmeasured or residual confounders may have influenced outcomes. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and explore potential mechanisms.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern in correctional facilities due to overcrowding, poor ventilation, and inmate mobility. This cross-sectional study assessed the roles of 298 Prison Health Volunteers (PHVs) in TB surveillance at three Central Correctional Institutions for Young Offenders in Thailand. Although most PHVs demonstrated low knowledge and moderate attitudes, they performed well in key health education and case detection tasks. Significant associations were found between higher knowledge and favorable attitudes with better TB control practices (p = 0.027 and p = 0.005). These findings suggest that experiential and contextual factors may compensate for knowledge gaps. Despite ongoing challenges—including limited training and paper-based systems—PHVs remain pivotal in TB control. Strengthening their capacity through digital tools and structured support is essential. The Royal “Pan Suk” Project represents a promising, community-led model aligned with His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s vision of promoting prison health equity and advancing TB elimination.