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IntroductionThis study aimed to evaluate the long-term retention of knowledge, skills, and competency of health workers who completed a Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) training program and its effect on newborn mortality.MethodsA quasi-experimental pre- and post-intervention study was conducted. Participants were health workers selected based on their previous training on HBB protocols. Participants were assessed for knowledge, skills, and competency in March 2017 (immediately before and after training), June 2017 (three months after training), and September 2018 (one year after training). Assessments were conducted using HBB questionnaires, checklists and practical skill drills. Mean scores were obtained and ANOVA, chi-squared test, and Pearson's test were used for pre intervention, post intervention, and one-year-after comparisons. The effect of training on the management of newborn asphyxia was assessed based on a review of the delivery registry at a maternity and children's ward. The scores were group into percentages and averages means and were computed using chi-squared tests.ResultsDespite improvements in knowledge, skills, and competency three months after training, participants showed a marked decline one year after training. Knowledge increased from 42.5% pretest to 97% posttest but decreased to 84.5% three months' post training and further decreased to 69.4% one year post training. Skills increased from 26.1% pretest to 94.4% posttest, remained at 94.4% at three months, and decreased to 77.0% at one year. Simple resuscitation scores increased from 26.9% to 88.8% pre- and posttest, remained roughly at three months and decreased to 76.4% at one year. For complex resuscitation, scores decreased from 90.9% posttest to 76.9% at one year. The assessments at one year indicated a need for support and practice, especially with bag-mask ventilation.ConclusionThe immediate evaluation of health workers after HBB training showed significant increases in knowledge, skills and competency in neonatal resuscitation. However, this declined after one year. The training also resulted in decreased neonatal mortality.

PurposeHigh blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular and kidney diseases. The purpose of this study was to explore a baseline of hypertension knowledge, attitudes, and practices among older adults with hypertension at a sub-district Health Promoting Hospital in the Pathum Thani province of Thailand.Patients and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of the sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, one of the primary care sectors, between January and March 2015, and a total of 144 cases were recruited. All clinical parameters were collected and a structured questionnaire was used. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.ResultsMost of the participants (74.3%) were females, and their mean age was 66.1 years. Two-thirds (66.7%) were married, unemployed/retired (67.4%), and had completed elementary education (79.2%). The screenings showed that their mean blood pressure was 136.4 (±14.4)/79.2 (±10.1) mmHg, the group’s mean body mass index was 24.9 kg/m2 (± 3.6 kg/m2), and their mean waist circumference was 88.6 cm (±7.1 cm) for males and 85.7 cm (±6.8 cm) for females. In addition, their mean score of hypertension knowledge was high, and most of the participants had a neutral attitude toward hypertension; their practices in terms of dietary and exercise habits for controlling blood pressure were low in nature.ConclusionThis study indicated that increasing patients’ practices would be useful for promoting their healthy behaviors to achieve blood pressure control.

Age at menarche and menstrual symptoms were recorded in a sample of Thai schoolgirls in Bangkok. Using a random sampling proportional to size from this target population, structured questionnaires were offered to a sample of 15998 girls of grades 4-12. Fifty-six per cent of the study population was menarcheal during the time of study. Average mean ages by recalling age at menarche and by probit analysis were 12.51 +/- 1.17 and 12.35 +/- 1.41 years, respectively. The onset of menstruation occurred most frequently in April and October. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom during the menstrual period. Acne, malaise and back pain were other common complaints.

Purpose This quasi-experimental study sought to assess the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention called “Germ-Free Hands” to improve the hand hygiene practices of students attending Thailand’s Sirindhorn College of Public Health (SCPH). Methods The intervention was developed and implemented at SCPH and incorporated education, training, a workshop, and performance feedback. The intervention targeted behavioral antecedents specified by the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Handwashing determinants (knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions) and hand hygiene behaviors were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 3 months post-intervention for the intervention group at ( n =60) at the Suphanburi campus of SCPH and a matched control group ( n =60) of students at the Ubonratchathani campus. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent samples t -tests, two-way measures of analysis of variance, and a generalized estimating equation to compare handwashing practices by self-reports between two groups. Results The “Germ-Free Hands” intervention produced significant improvements in the intervention group’s handwashing knowledge, behavioral and control beliefs, subjective norm scores, intentions, and behaviors, as compared to the control group. However, the intervention had no significant impact on normative beliefs, attitudes, or perceived behavioral control. Reported improvements also decreased 3 months post-intervention, and the number of bacterial colonies on students’ hands increased over the course of the study. Conclusion This study adds to the evidence that multidisciplinary interventions can be effective at improving handwashing rates. However, education and training must be continuous, rather than delivered as a one-time program, in order to have sustained results. Participants may also require more in-depth instruction in correct handwashing and drying techniques to remove bacteria effectively and prevent recolonization.