Background: Dancing is a type of physical activity that has been associated with physical benefits in older adults. Regular dancing can help maintain physical function and improve the quality of life in this population. This review evaluated randomized control trials (RCTs) of the effectiveness of dance programs on the physical function of healthy older adults.Methods: We systematically searched four databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and ThaiLis) through December 2021 for primary studies evaluating dance programs in healthy older adults aged 60 years and over. The meta-analysis used a random-effects model to compute the effect sizes using a forest plot and Cochran’s Q and I2 statistics as heterogeneity measures.Results: Eight types of dance programs showed significantly improved physical function. Muscle strength was assessed using the five times sit-to-stand test (I2=89%; p=0.003), chair-sit-to-stand-30S test (I2=75%; p=0.006), and 30-s arm curl test (I2=22%; p=0.260). Static balance was evaluated using the Berg-balance scales test (I2=0%; p=0.620) and the one-leg-stand test (I2=32%; p=0.220). Dynamic balance was tested based on the time up-and-go and eight-foot up-and-go tests (I2=51%; p=0.110). Flexibility was assessed based on the back-scratch (I2=56%; p=0.130) and sit-and-reach test (I2=0%; p=0.930).Conclusion: Dance exercise programs improved muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. Such programs are effective and safe for healthy older adults for use as daily exercise to promote health. Therefore, researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers should establish properly organized dance interventions to improve physical function in healthy older adults.

Opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are major public health problems in Northeast Thailand, especially in Ubon Ratchathani, which are the alluvial plains. Those with poor food habits are mostly at risk of having diseases. This study was a participatory action research (PAR) aimed to define the models/plans for CCA prevention. The samples consisted of 40 community representatives. The data were collected by the PAR method. Qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis. The samples coordinately analyzed and prioritized the problems and presented information to the community. The plans consisted of (1) cultivating the right values and behaviors of eating food safe from CCA in children, (2) supervising the shops not to sell foods that are the main risk factors for CCA, (3) supporting the community leaders to act as good role models to the people, (4) assigning every housewife to cook clean and safe food from CCA, and (5) encouraging the villagers to have knowledge and awareness, which can protect them from CCA. After the community designed these plans, responsible persons were assigned to implement them. Two years later, researchers evaluated the outcome. The average scores on knowledge and attitude toward CCA were significantly higher than before implementation. For the impact of projects, prevalence of opisthorchiasis in 2016 was significantly lower than that in 2014. CCA prevention by community participation employed a combination of quantitative and qualitative studies. This study has been successful and sustainable since the community has human resources, budget, and appropriate management of the project.

Objective: This research aimed to study the effects of the risk communication program through the Cambodian folk song to prevent Opisthorchiasis-linked cholangiocarcinoma (OV-CCA). Methods: We conducted the quasi-experimental research between August and December 2017 in the Cambodian communities, one-fourth of ethnic minorities residing in multicultural areas of Sisaket Province, Thailand. The samples consisted of 94 equally people divided into experimental group and control group. The experimental group included 47 people at-risk of OV-CCA who received the program for 12 weeks, while the control group received regular services. We collected data by using a questionnaire with a reliability of 0.93. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Results: The study indicated that the socioeconomic information of both groups was not different. The mean scores of all issues (health beliefs, social support, and prevention behavior in the experimental group were higher than those of the control group with statistical significance. Closer inspection showed that the mean difference of the health beliefs was 55.61 points (95%CI: 52.39-57.42, p<0.001), social support was 9.09 points (95%CI: 8.12-10.05, p<0.001), and prevention behavior was 6.38 points (95%CI: 5.43-7.33, p<0.001). Conclusion: Through the Cambodian folk song, the risk communication program by applying the health beliefs and social support to prevent OV-CCA is beneficial for behavior modification in areas with similar cultures.

Introduction/Objective: To examine the effects of applying social marketing and Health Belief Model (HBM) in preventing cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in high-risk areas of Thailand. Methods: About 2 randomized high-risk areas of CCA from multiple-stage sampling were assigned as study areas. The 150 participants were allocated to the experimental group, which received a 12-week health education program that applied social marketing and HBM. The comparison group received the usual services. Data were collected by a questionnaire created by the researchers. We employed descriptive, inferential statistics (paired t-test and independent t-test) for normal distribution, while Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used for mean scores differing before the experiment. Results: After the experiment, the mean scores of the perceived risk of CCA, perceived severity of CCA, perceived benefits of CCA prevention, perceived barriers to CCA prevention, and correct behaviors of CCA prevention in the experimental group were significantly higher than those before the experiment the .05 level. They were also considerably higher than those of the comparison group at the .05 level. Conclusion: This is the first study to integrate social marketing and HBM for CCA prevention. Therefore, formulating policies or measures to prevent disease through public communication will form a model to avoid CCA and create a channel for distributing useful information to the general public.