Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Siwarak Kitchanapaibul, Anusorn Udplong, Tawatchai Apidechkul, Ratipark Tamornpark, Thanatchaporn Mulikaburt, Peeradone Srichan, Soontaree Suratana, Fatima Yeemard, Pilasinee Wongnuch
Summary: This study aimed to understand the experiences and expectations regarding the disease prevention and control measures that were implemented among hill tribe people in Thailand. Positive and negative effects of the measures were found, along with different expectations at local, national, and international levels.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tawatchai Apidechkul, Chalitar Chomchiei, Panupong Upala, Ratipark Tamornpark
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of prediabetes among hill tribe people in Thailand and identified related factors. The prevalence of prediabetes was 11.2% among the studied population. Factors such as belonging to the Akha and Lisu tribes, having hypertension, normal total cholesterol level, high triglyceride level, and high LDL-C level were associated with higher odds of having prediabetes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicharuch Panjaphothiwat, Ratipark Tamornpark, Tawatchai Apidechkul, Prapamon Seeprasert, Onnalin Singkhorn, Panupong Upala, Phitnaree Thutsanti, Fartima Yeemard, Rachanee Sunsern
Summary: The study found that family financial problems and substance abuse are associated with domestic violence in Lahu families in Thailand. To prevent domestic violence, health interventions should be promoted to reduce substance abuse, including training programs for children, women, and the elderly.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Suntorn Sudsandee, Krailak Fakkaew, Weerayuth Siriratruengsuk, Suwalee Worakhunpiset, Tawatchai Apidechkul
Summary: A study on the quality of natural drinking water sources from hill tribe villages in northern Thailand found that total coliform bacteria and fecal coliform bacteria were present in all samples, while some physical parameters exceeded standard values; however, hazard quotient and hazard index values were less than 1.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tawatchai Apidechkul, Fartima Yeemard, Chalitar Chomchoei, Panupong Upala, Ratipark Tamornpark
Summary: Thalassemia is a severe disease caused by abnormalities in hemoglobin genes, with higher prevalence in certain hill tribe populations in Thailand compared to the general population. Effective and available screening tests for thalassemia are crucial to protect the next generation, especially due to increasing marriages within these populations.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sophaphan Intahphuak, Tawatchai Apidechkul, Patita Kuipiaphum
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among the Lahu hill tribe people in northern Thailand, finding that urinary tract infections were the most common, mainly caused by Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae. The study found that antibiotic resistance rate was 16.0%, with Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae showing multidrug resistance, particularly to ampicillin.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tawatchai Apidechkul, Chalitar Chomchoei, Panupong Upala
Summary: This community-based study aimed to estimate the prevalence of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes among hill tribe adults aged 30 years and over, and identify associated factors. The study found that triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were associated with type 2 diabetes.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pilasinee Wongnuch, Thanatchaporn Mulikaburt, Tawatchai Apidechkul, Peeradone Srichan, Ratipark Tamornpark, Anusorn Udplong, Soontaree Suratana, Siwarak Kitchanapaibul
Summary: This study aimed to understand the perceptions of hill tribe people living in the border areas of Thailand-Myanmar and health workers regarding the acceptability and accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccine. The results showed that there were different choices and acceptance levels among the hill tribes regarding receiving the vaccine. Access to the vaccine depended on Thai citizenship and literacy level related to the vaccine. During the early period of national COVID-19 vaccine implantation, there were no established processes or protocols for implementing the new vaccine. Therefore, to reduce the systemic threat to the country, the new COVID-19 vaccine should be made available at the village level, including in hill tribe villages.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anusorn Udplong, Tawatchai Apidechkul, Peeradone Srichan, Thanatchaporn Mulikaburt, Pilasinee Wongnuch, Siwarak Kitchanapaibul, Panupong Upala, Chalitar Chomchoei, Fartima Yeemard, Ratipark Tamornpark, Onnalin Singkhorn
Summary: This study aimed to understand the drivers, facilitators, sources, and outcomes of stigma surrounding drug use among hill tribe people who use methamphetamine in Thailand. The study found that personal traits such as poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, being of working age, being female, and being married, as well as socio-economic factors such as culture and tribe, were drivers, facilitators, and sources of stigma. Stigma had negative impacts on the physical health, mental health, and relationships of the drug users. The study also identified different levels of expectations among the methamphetamine users for themselves, their family members, and their community members.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Katemanee Moonpanane, Jintana Thepsaw, Khanittha Pitchalard, Eva Purkey
Summary: Vaccination rates are low in hill-tribe communities in Northern Thailand, and there is limited literature on parental perceptions and beliefs about vaccinations for children. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews revealed four themes: traditional beliefs and practices, traumatic experiences, lack of information and effective communication, and trust and support from the community. It is crucial to provide knowledge, appropriate information, and advice to build trust and improve vaccine coverage in children in this context.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Allison C. Sylvetsky, Jasmine H. Kaidbey, Kacey Ferguson, Amanda J. Visek, Jennifer Sacheck
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on children's health, leading to increased consumption of sugary drinks and snacks. The availability of these foods, along with boredom during the extended time spent at home, has contributed to the higher intake. However, some families have taken the opportunity to cook at home more frequently and prepare healthier meals.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Panupong Upala, Tawatchai Apidechkul, Chanyanut Wongfu, Siriyaporn Khunthason, Niwed Kullawong, Vivat Keawdounglek, Chalitar Chomchoei, Fartima Yeemard, Ratipark Tamornpark
Summary: The study revealed a high prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia among hill tribe populations, with associations found in ethnicity, cooking oil consumption, and obesity.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jarawee Supanta, Janine L. Brown, Pakkanut Bansiddhi, Chatchote Thitaram, Veerasak Punyapornwithaya, Jaruwan Khonmee
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the tourism industry in Thailand, leading to management changes in elephant tourist camps. Survey results show significant changes in camp structure, elephant work activities, and general care. The crisis has greatly altered elephant management, potentially affecting animal welfare and care.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Samantha Morais, Luis Antunes, Jessica Rodrigues, Filipa Fontes, Maria Jose Bento, Nuno Lunet
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients, leading to a higher short-term mortality rate, particularly for patients with Stage III cancer or undergoing surgical or radiotherapy treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Peeradone Srichan, Usa Thohinung, Salisa Kodyee, Tawatchai Apidechkul
Summary: In hill tribe children in Thailand, half lacked medical evidence of immunization, but most of those with evidence received recommended immunizations. Only half had anti-HBs, 22.3% had antibodies against JEV, while the majority were positive for antibodies against measles and tetanus.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Niwed Kullawong, Tawatchai Apidechkul, Panupong Upala, Ratipark Tamornpark, Vivat Keawdounglek, Chanyanut Wongfu, Fartima Yeemard, Siriyaporn Khunthason, Chalitar Chomchoei
Summary: The study found that over half of the participants from hill tribe populations had abnormal LDL-C levels. Occupation, the amount of lard used in daily cooking, and glycated hemoglobin were found to be associated with high LDL-C levels. Effective public health programs are needed to address this issue, particularly in promoting the use of smaller quantities of lard in daily cooking practices.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tawatchai Apidechkul, Fartima Yeemard, Chalitar Chomchoei, Panupong Upala, Ratipark Tamornpark
Summary: Thalassemia is a severe disease caused by abnormalities in hemoglobin genes, with higher prevalence in certain hill tribe populations in Thailand compared to the general population. Effective and available screening tests for thalassemia are crucial to protect the next generation, especially due to increasing marriages within these populations.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Suntorn Sudsandee, Krailak Fakkaew, Weerayuth Siriratruengsuk, Suwalee Worakhunpiset, Tawatchai Apidechkul
Summary: A study on the quality of natural drinking water sources from hill tribe villages in northern Thailand found that total coliform bacteria and fecal coliform bacteria were present in all samples, while some physical parameters exceeded standard values; however, hazard quotient and hazard index values were less than 1.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tawatchai Apidechkul, Ratipark Tamornpark, Chalitar Chomchoei, Panupong Upala, Fartima Yeemard
Summary: This study found that the use of large amounts of cooking oil and depression were closely associated with hypertension among adult hill tribe populations in Thailand. Therefore, effective public health programs are needed to reduce the use of cooking oil and decrease the prevalence of depression in hill tribe people.
JOURNAL OF RACIAL AND ETHNIC HEALTH DISPARITIES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fartima Yeemard, Peeradone Srichan, Tawatchai Apidechkul, Naphat Luerueang, Ratipark Tamornpark, Suphaphorn Utsaha
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a high prevalence of suboptimal glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Factors associated with this included age, marital status, sticky rice consumption, time since diagnosis, and medication adherence.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anusorn Udplong, Tawatchai Apidechkul, Peeradone Srichan, Thanatchaporn Mulikaburt, Pilasinee Wongnuch, Siwarak Kitchanapaibul, Panupong Upala, Chalitar Chomchoei, Fartima Yeemard, Ratipark Tamornpark, Onnalin Singkhorn
Summary: This study aimed to understand the drivers, facilitators, sources, and outcomes of stigma surrounding drug use among hill tribe people who use methamphetamine in Thailand. The study found that personal traits such as poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, being of working age, being female, and being married, as well as socio-economic factors such as culture and tribe, were drivers, facilitators, and sources of stigma. Stigma had negative impacts on the physical health, mental health, and relationships of the drug users. The study also identified different levels of expectations among the methamphetamine users for themselves, their family members, and their community members.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ratipark Tamornpark, Suphaphorn Utsaha, Tawatchai Apidechkul, Dunlayaphap Panklang, Fartima Yeemard, Peeradone Srichan
Summary: This study assessed the quality of life among diabetes mellitus patients in northern Thailand and identified factors associated with good quality of life. It found that factors such as age, income, living arrangements, exercise habits, knowledge level, presence of diabetic nephropathy, and governmental support for medical fees were associated with better quality of life among the participants.
HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE OUTCOMES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Siwarak Kitchanapaibul, Tawatchai Apidechkul, Peeradone Srichan, Thanatchaporn Mulikaburt, Onnalin Singkhorn, Anusorn Udplong, Panupong Upala, Chalitar Chomchoei, Fartima Yeemard, Ratipark Tamornpark, Pilasinee Wongnuch
Summary: The stateless population in Thailand faces the issue of stigma, which affects their access to healthcare services. They reported feeling discriminated against and marginalized in Thai society. To overcome this, they try to maintain privacy, obtain Thai identification cards, and learn the Thai language.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tawatchai Apidechkul, Chalitar Chomchoei, Panupong Upala
Summary: This community-based study aimed to estimate the prevalence of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes among hill tribe adults aged 30 years and over, and identify associated factors. The study found that triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were associated with type 2 diabetes.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tawatchai Apidechkul, Chalitar Chomchiei, Panupong Upala, Ratipark Tamornpark
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of prediabetes among hill tribe people in Thailand and identified related factors. The prevalence of prediabetes was 11.2% among the studied population. Factors such as belonging to the Akha and Lisu tribes, having hypertension, normal total cholesterol level, high triglyceride level, and high LDL-C level were associated with higher odds of having prediabetes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pilasinee Wongnuch, Thanatchaporn Mulikaburt, Tawatchai Apidechkul, Peeradone Srichan, Ratipark Tamornpark, Anusorn Udplong, Soontaree Suratana, Siwarak Kitchanapaibul
Summary: This study aimed to understand the perceptions of hill tribe people living in the border areas of Thailand-Myanmar and health workers regarding the acceptability and accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccine. The results showed that there were different choices and acceptance levels among the hill tribes regarding receiving the vaccine. Access to the vaccine depended on Thai citizenship and literacy level related to the vaccine. During the early period of national COVID-19 vaccine implantation, there were no established processes or protocols for implementing the new vaccine. Therefore, to reduce the systemic threat to the country, the new COVID-19 vaccine should be made available at the village level, including in hill tribe villages.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Thanatchaporn Mulikaburt, Tawatchai Apidechkul, Pilasinee Wongnuch, Siwarak Kitchanapaibul, Anusorn Udplong, Peeradone Srichan, Panupong Upala, Chalitar Chomchoei, Fartima Yeemard, Ratipark Tamornpark, Onnalin Singkhorn
Summary: This study aims to understand the issue of stigma faced by Akha hill tribe women in accessing maternal and child health (MCH) services in Thailand, as well as its impact. The study identifies language, traditional clothing, poverty, and name as the main drivers of stigma, while the background of healthcare providers, gender differences, and knowledge gaps facilitate stigma. Akha women address the stigma by accepting the situation, defending themselves, and using private care services. They expect gender matching, active MCH services, mobile emergency clinics, and appropriate and permanent medical equipment in their villages.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Onnalin Singkhorn, Tawatchai Apidechkul, Peeradone Srichan, Thanatchaporn Mulikaburt, Siwarak Kitchanapaibul, Anusorn Udplong, Panupong Upala, Chalitar Chomchoei, Fartima Yeemard, Ratipark Tamornpark, Pilasinee Wongnuch
Summary: This study aimed to understand premarriage factors related to intimate partner violence (IPV) in Akha and Lahu women in Thailand. The study found that cultural differences, substance use, and personality were associated factors of IPV; age differences, poor family economic status, and low education were influencers of IPV; and neglect, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, and physical abuse were the patterns of IPV observed among Akha and Lahu women. The study also found that IPV had various impacts on children, such as neglect, stress, poor family relationships, and unsuccessful lives in terms of education and employment.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tawatchai Apidechkul, Panupong Upala, Chalitar Chomchoei, Fartima Yeemard
Summary: The study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with prehypertension among hill tribe people aged 30-59 years. A cross-sectional study was conducted, collecting data using validated questionnaires and blood samples from six main hill tribe populations in 30 villages. Logistic regression analysis revealed six variables associated with prehypertension, including gender, family size, ethnicity, family debt, overweight, and high total cholesterol. The implementation of active physical activity to reduce prehypertension was emphasized.
JOURNAL OF IMMIGRANT AND MINORITY HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Theint Theint Lwin, Tawatchai Apidechkul, Jongkon Saising, Panupong Upala, Ratipark Tamornpark
Summary: TB patients from Myanmar face language and economic barriers when accessing healthcare in a Thai hospital. While satisfied with the quality of service and healthcare providers' attitude, they still encounter issues such as long waiting time and lack of explanation about TB pathogenesis. The workload and suitability of methods or technologies also affect the medical staff. Thailand and Myanmar should collaborate to improve the care and management of these TB patients who are living in poverty and lack education.
JOURNAL OF HEALTH RESEARCH
(2022)