Songklanagarind Medical Journal

Frequency: 6 issues per year (Jan-Feb, Mar-Apr, May-Jun, Jul-Aug and Nov-Dec)
Language: Fultext in Thai and some in English, Abstract in English and Thai
E-mail: skamolth@medicine.psu.ac.th
URL: https://medinfo.psu.ac.th/smj2/smj.htm

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Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 20 of 327
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    Cultural aspects of care for Muslim schizophrenic patients: an ethnonursing study
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) S Vanaleesin; W Suttharangsee; U Hatthakit
    Objective: To explain cultural aspects of caring for Muslim schizophrenic patients.Design, materials and methods: Using ethnonursing research method, data were collected through in-depth interviews and participant observations with 13 key informants and 19 general informants residing in one of the southern provinces of Thailand.Results: Seven themes culture related to caring for Muslim schizophrenic patients emerged, as follows: a) merit and sin are associated with caring for schizophrenic patients, b) being a schizophrenic patient is not considered a stigma, c) visiting schizophrenic patients is a way to gain merit, d) treatment for schizophrenic patients must be in accord with Islamic principles, e) modern and folk treatments including praying Duar are used for schizophrenic patients, f) success or failure of the schizophrenic treatment is the will of Allah, and g) practising religion is important for schizophrenic patients without psychotic symptom.Conclusion: The findings reflect the importance of religion as a cultural environment when caring for Muslim schizophrenic patients. Nurses can integrate this knowledge with their usual care in order to create a culturally congruent caring setting for the patients.
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    Effects of instructional videos on the knowledge and labour practical skills of nursing students
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) S Kala; S Youngwanichsate; S Chunuan
    The aims of this quasi-experimental research were to compare the students' knowledge of nursing practice before and after providing an instruction pack with videos, compare the knowledge of nursing practice between an experimental and a control group of students, and examine and compare the nursing skills of students who were taught through the use of instructional videos and those taught by conventional lecturing methods. The sample consisted of 104 third year nursing students who registered for the course: Practicum in Nursing Obstetric Clients during the first semester of the academic year 2004. Student identification numbers were used to divide the subjects into two groups, one consisting of the odd numbers and the other of the even ones. The researchers then randomly assigned one group as the control and the other as the experimental group. The instruments used in this study consisted of: 1) those used for the experiments, including five video compact discs, the guidelines for learning materials, pre- and post-tests, and five handbooks consisting of the course content; and 2) assessment instruments (questionnaires) for collecting data about the subjects' demographic characteristics and evaluating their obstetric nursing skills. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, independent t-tests and paired t-tests.The results of the study found that there were statistically significant differences in the obstetric nursing knowledge shown by both the experimental and control groups before and after teaching, using the learning materials for one group and conventional teaching for the other (t = -13.64, p  \<  .001; t = -7.110, p \< .001, respectively). The mean scores for obstetric nursing knowledge of both groups were higher after undergoing clinical practice. The post test obstetric nursing knowledge of the experimental group was statistically higher than that of the control group (t = 4.56, p \< .001). However, there were no statistically significant differences in obstetric nursing skills between the experimental group and control group.The findings of this study suggest that the learning materials were useful for improving students' knowledge in clinical practice during the intrapartum period. However, the results of the study imply that the use of the video made little impact on developing nursing skills. This might be because the nursing students only watched the video once before they undertook clinical practice. Thus, clinical obstetric nursing skills were not improved by using learning materials. To further improve their clinical nursing skills, nursing students might need to practice obstetric nursing skills in a learning resource centre, as well as being taught using the instructional videos, before undertaking clinical practice courses.
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    Effect of implementing the mentor nurse system on the role and satisfaction of mentor nurses in the
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) S Triprakong; C Saensabai; U Sanghean
    Objective: 1) To study the effect of the mentor nurse system on performance of mentor nurses' role 2) To measure mentor nurses' satisfaction 3) To study problems and obstacles on the mentor nurses' role in the Department of Nursing, Songklanagarind Hospital.Research design: Descriptive study.Materials and methods: Data were collected from 31 nurses who had passed the mentor nurse system, 31 novice nurses working with them and 18 ward head nurses. The questionnaire had 2 parts: one to evaluate role of mentor nurses, and the other to evaluate the satisfaction of mentor nurses with this system.Results: 1) The overall mean score of the role of mentor nurses was at a high level (X=3.99, SD=2.88) and the mean score of the role of mentor nurse given by novice nurses and mentor nurses was at a high level (X=4.20, SD=0.20, X=3.97, SD=0.25, respectively) and that of head nurses was at a low level (X=3.79, SD=0.25). 2) The mean score of satisfaction of mentor nurses was at a moderate level (X=2.93, SD=0.55). 3) The problems/obstacles of the role of mentor nurses were job burden, working together being limited by the changing period of mentor nurses and novice nurses, and poor cooperation in using the mentor nurses tool.Conclusions: This study could be used to adjust the mentor nurse system in the Department of Nursing, Songklanagarind Hospital. 
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    Cost analysis and service charge: a case study of the service charge at Songklanagarind Hospital
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) B Tansakoon
    This study evaluated the early results of the capital costs at Songklanagarind Hospital and compared them with those of both the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Comptroller General's Department. The cost analysis was performed using Microsoft's Excel Program.The study showed that the costs in the Department of Radiology are influenced by the chemicals used and it was found  that there are different capital costs compared to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Comptroller General's Department due to their different costing method. The factors that have influenced the costing method and its service charge in the Department of Pathology are both the chemicals and materials. In comparison with the MoPH and the Comptroller General's Department it has been found that the service charge was different due to the different costing method that included the cost of chemicals and materials that were bought at different prices. The Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Physical Medicine; Internal Medicine and Surgery had differences compared to the MoPH and the Comptroller General's Department due to differences in the costing of wages and durable goods costs.
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    Effect of a Yoga Programme on maternal comfort during pregnancy
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) S Chuntharapat; W Petpichetchian; U Hatthakit
    Objectives: To examine the effects and the quantity of a Yoga Programme practice on maternal comfort during pregnancy.Materials and methods: A randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted using the 74 primigravid women who were divided equally into a treatment (n = 37) and a control group (n = 37). The Yoga Programme comprised a series of six, onehour practice sessions at the 26-28th, 30th, 32nd, 34th, 36th, and 37th weeks of gestational age. A Maternal Comfort Questionnaire (MCQ) and Visual Analogue Scale (VASTC) were used to collect the data for maternal comfort. A Yoga Practice Record Form was used for recording the frequency and duration of yoga practice.Results: Repeated measurement analysis of variances (ANOVA) (split-plot design) revealed a significant difference in maternal comfort over time; calculated using MCQ, F(2, 144) = 60.75, p \< 0.001 and by VASTC, F(5, 360) = 28.73, p \< 0.001. Both groups showed an actual decrease in comfort but the comfort scores of the yoga group were consistently higher than that of the control group. However, there was no significant relationship between maternal comfort and the frequency and duration of the yoga practice, F(2, 36) = 1.902, p = 0.165.Conclusion: A yoga programme of 30 minutes practice at least three times a week over 10 weeks of yoga practice is an effective complementary means for inducing maternal comfort. It could be used in clinical practice in order to improve the quality of care during pregnancy.
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    Current status of ovarian cancer
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) R Buhachat
    About 1,600 cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed each year in Thailand. Advanced stage is the presenting symptom. The overall 5-year survival is 26%. Nearly 5-10% of ovarian cancer cases are hereditary that need professional genetic counseling. In high risk families genetic testing is required. CA125 and transvaginal ultrasonography are the screening methods for this malignancy in the general population that are currently being investigated in the UKCTOCS research. The stage and extension of disease are the predictable outcome after treatment. The most useful management is optimal cytoreductive surgical staging especially conducted by trained gynecologic oncologist. Platinum and paclitaxel is the main chemotherapeutic agent in adjuvant modality for high risk ovarian cancer. On-going research for better survival result in the treatment of ovarian cancer includes less radical surgery to preserve fertility function, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking and intra-peritoneal chemotherapy.
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    Effect of Mangosteen peel fraction extracts on WT1 gene and WT1 protein expression in leukemic cell lines
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2009-12-25) S Semsri; C Ampasavate; S Okonogi; M Srikamchum; S Anuchapreeda
    This study aimed to investigate the effects of mangosteen peel fractional extracts on the cytotoxicity, Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) mRNA and WT1 protein levels of four leukemic cell lines (K562, U937, Molt4, and HL60) using MTT assay, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative RT-PCR (real time RT-PCR) techniques, and Western blot analysis in those four leukemic cell lines. The results showed that ethyl acetate fraction of mangosteen peel extract gave the best cytotoxicity to leukemic cells and also decreased rate of cell proliferation in K562 cells. However, the ethanolic fraction extract showed the best result in Molt4 and U937 cells, and the butanol fraction extract showed the best result in HL60 cells when compared to vehicle control. The WT1 gene expression inhibit in all mangosteen active fractions at non-toxic dose (Inhibitory concentration at 20% growth; IC20) in four cell lines and showed that all the active fractions decreased WT1 mRNA levels in a dose and time dependent manner.
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    Nurses' perception and nursing intervention for pain relief in post-operative children
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) K Thajeen; N Keawvichit
    The purposes of this survey study were: 1) To examine nurses'perceptions for pain relief in post-operative children; 2) To examine nursing intervention for pain relief in post-operative children; 3) To identify factors related to nurses' perception and nursing intervention for pain relief in post-operative children; 4) To compare nurses' perception scores and nursing intervention scores for pain relief in post-operative children.Data were collected from 122 professional nurses who cared for post-operative children in Songklanagarind Hospital. The instruments consisted of two questionnaires: The nurses' perception and the nursing intervention for pain relief in postoperative children. The reliabilities of these instruments were 0.75 and 0.90, respectively.The study revealed that the score of nurses' perception and the score of nursing intervention for pain relief in postoperative children were at a high level, but not significantly different (p \> .05). The experiences of family members in postoperative care was a significant factor related to nursing intervention (r = -.18, p \< .05) and overall pain management in nursing (r = -.18, p \< .05).This study can provide a guide to develop nurses' perception and nursing intervention for pain relief effectively in postoperative children. 
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    Basic conditioning factors, self-care agency, and quality of life of patients following open heart surgery
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) T Leewattana; S Isaramalai; C Punthusena
    The purposes of this descriptive research were to explain self-care agency, quality of life, and relationships between self-care agency and quality of life, and examine the predictability of selected basic conditioning factors (personal factors such as educational background, family income, marital status, and religion, and health factors such as functional class, post-surgery complications, and period of time after surgery), on self-care agency and quality of life. The purposively recruited sample consisted of 100 post-open heart surgery patients. The instruments were: (1) a demographic data form, (2) a self-care agency questionnaire, and (3) a quality of life questionnaire. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression. The results revealed that: (1) the mean self-care agency score was 5.22 (SD=.47), and the mean quality of life score was 24.54 (SD=2.94), (2) there was a significant positive relationship between self-care agency and quality of life (r=.59, p \< .01), (3) two significant predictors could explain fourteen percent of the variances in total self-care agency scores: patients' functional class and family income (p \< .05), and (4) two significant predictors could explain twenty-three percent of the variances in total quality of life scores: post surgery complications and period of time after surgery (p \< .05).
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    Blood alcohol level in patients with road traffic injury at Songklanagarind Hospital
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) P Sripetch; S Pradutkanchana
    We conducted a longitudinal retrospective study from all road traffic injured cases who were admitted at Songklanagarind Hospital during January to December 2005 from the database of the Division of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University. The total of 1,220 cases comprised 951 (78.0%) males and 267 (21.9%) females. Among 503 (52.9%) male accident cases who had blood alcohol level higher than 50 mg%, the cases that had blood alcohol level between 101-150 mg% were the highest (149 cases; 15.7%), followed by the cases that had blood alcohol level between 151-200 mg% (136 cases; 14.3%), while only 35 (13.1%) female cases had blood alcohol level higher than 50 mg%. Most of these females cases had blood alcohol level between 101-150 mg% (12 cases; 4.5%). The relationship between blood alcohol level and sex was statistically significant (p-value  \<  0.05). The average age of these accident cases was 30.8 years with a standard deviation of 13.1 years. The age between 15-20 years was the most frequent (274 cases; 22.6%), followed by the age between 2-25 years (244 cases; 20.1%). The relationship between age and blood alcohol level was statistically significant. Although the vehicle accident rates are declining, they are still high. Drunk Don't Drive Campaign or strictly following the traffic law is essential to reduce vehicle accidents.
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    The effects of using karaoke videotape of nursing care for cardiovascular disease patients on knowledge of nursing students, Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University,
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) K Yodchai; A Oumtanee; W Sangkharak
    The purpose of this quasi-experimental research (pre-post test one-group design) was to evaluate the effect of using karaoke videotape on knowledge of nursing care for patients of nursing students before and after trial. The study sample consisted of 42 voluntary senior nursing students (the 4th year) studying at the Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University. Research instruments consisted of (1) karaoke videotape of nursing care in patients with cardiovascular disease (2) a Knowledge Test (KT) of nursing care in patients with cardiovascular disease and a Attitude Questionnaire of Using karaoke videotape (AQU). All were tested for the content validity. The reliability of KT and AQU were 0.86 and 0.82, respectively.Regarding the study trial, the researchers produced karaoke videotape based on the contents of nursing care in patients with cardiovascular disease by the assistance of volunteer nursing students who participated in composing and singing songs. The completed karaoke videotape was used with another group of students for outcome testing. The volunteer students were asked to complete the KT (pre-test) before studying the contents of nursing care in patients with cardiovascular disease from the karaoke videotape for about 15 minutes in the classroom. After that they were asked to complete the KT and AQU again (posttest). Data were analyzed by mean, standard deviation and independent t-test.The result of the study showed that the average scores of the knowledge test after studying nursing contents with the VCD karaoke were significantly higher than those before, at the significant level of .001.
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    A meaning of well-being: from the experience of paraplegic Thai people
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) N Khupantavee; P Songwathana; A Chuaprapaisilp
    The goal of care for paraplegic people is the enhancement of their "well-being". However, despite the frequent use of the term "well-being" its definition remains unclear and there is little information in the literature concerning the paraplegic's own perspective. Twenty paraplegic adults from Songkhla participated in an in-depth interview that employed a natural inquiry methodology. Following the technique of Lincoln \& Guba, the interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and analysed.Three commonly used meanings of well-being were identified and eight components in the three identified groups were included in the definition. The results also indicated that the meaning of well-being is an individual perception, which includes both objective and subjective values and experiences. The study provides information that is useful for health professionals in the development of specific programmes that will enhance the well-being of paraplegic patients
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    The effect of long stick exercise on female adolescents’ physical fitness and health
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) P Pongpaiboon; K Sornprasit; J Lawantrakul; S Youngwanichsetha
    Objectives:1) To compare the effects of long stick exercise on physical fitness and health of female adolescents who practiced long stick exercise with those who did not practise long stick exercise.    2) To compare the effects of long stick exercise before and after practising long stick exercise on physical fitness and health of female adolescents who practised long stick exercise.Design: Experimental researchMaterials and methods: Subjects were female students studying at Prince of Songkla University. Randomization was used to nassigned female adolescents to practising long stick exercise group (n = 70) or a control group (n = 70). Female adolescents in the experiment group practised long stick exercise for 12 weeks. Physical fitness forms and health questionnaires were used for data collection. Percent, mean, standard deviation, t-test and paired t-test were employed for data analysis.Results: After intervention, the results showed that the female adolescents who practised long stick exercise in the experimental group had mean scores for overall physical fitness, grip strength, leg strength, flexibility, lung capacity and aerobic capacity significantly higher than those of female adolescents who did not practise long stick exercise (p \< .001- p \< .05). Body fat was not statistically significant. However, the mean scores for health were statistically significant (p \< .001).The mean scores of the overall physical fitness, body fat, leg strength, grip strength, flexibility, vital capacity and aerobic capacity of the female adolescents who practised long stick exercise were statistically significantly higher after the intervention than before the intervention (p \< .001-p \< .05). Also the mean scores for health were statistically significantly higher (p \< .001).Conclusions: The results of this study have shown that female adolescents who practiced long stick exercise had better physical fitness and health. Long stick exercise is helpful for adolescent health and should be promoted. 
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    Risk behaviour from sexual activity in female adolescents at vocational school
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) T Ingkathawornwong; S Kritcharoen; K Pol-in; Y Charoonsak
    The purpose of this survey study was to examine the sexual risk behaviour found among female students at vocational schools and to compare these behaviours among the first, second and the third year students in vocational schools. Using multistage random sampling, 497 students were selected from the 1st-3rd years in vocational schools in Songkhla and Pattalung provinces. The content validity for sexual risk behaviour in the prevention aspect tested using Cronbach's alpha was 0.87. Knowledge of the prevention of both sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy were tested with Kuder-Richardson formula and it was 0.91. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA test were used for data analysis. The results were as follows:1. Nine point three percent of the sample had an initial sexual relationship between 12-19 years of age and usually with their lover (89.1%). The characteristic of sexual behaviour was oral sex (30.4%) and lesbian (26.1%). On both the first occasion and subsequent sexual relationships birth control was used in 19.6% and 28.3% respectively. When they had problems of a sexual nature they mostly consulted their friends.2. Aspects of prevention for sexual risk behaviour found that most respondents did not use any form of protection and only 37.8% used a condom correctly every time. Peer groups had the highest influence on sexual risk behaviour usually after they had been drinking alcohol and then they had sex. In the study sample media sources, such as Internet web sites and VCDs, were found to be important stimulants of sexual desire (62%, 56.3% respectively).3. In relation to the knowledge for either the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy, most respondents did not know the best contraceptive method to use: contraceptive pills, condoms or drugs.4. Adolescents with different levels of education displayed significantly different sexual risk behaviours (p \< .001). The first year student's sexual behaviour had a higher risk than did the second and the third year students (p \< .001). The second and the third year students showed no difference.The results of this study have suggested that to reduce the risks from sexual behaviour among adolescents knowledge of “safe sex” should be promoted. Education concerning attitude towards sex and sexual values should also be taken into consideration in order that adolescents can protect themselves against sexual risk behaviours.
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    Perception of severity of the illness, information required, and anxiety among preoperative ENT patients in Songklanagarind Hospital
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) P Mesuwun; K Naka
    This descriptive study aimed firstly to examine the perception of severity of the illness, the information required before an operation, and the anxiety level of the preoperative outpatients. Secondly we investigated the relationships between the perception of severity of the illness, the information required before an operation, and the level of anxiety.Purposive sampling was used to recruit the sample at the Ear Nose and Throat outpatient clinic (ENT clinic) in Songklanagarind Hospital during November, 2006 - January, 2007. The 126 patient sample used in this study was aged at least 18 years, had been diagnosed and had an appointment for an operation. The questionnaires asked 1) perception of severity of the illness, 2) information required before operation, 3) anxiety trait, and 4) state of anxiety on the illness.The results of the study gave an average age of 41 years (SD=14.31) and 70% were women. The main operations were the thyroid gland and tonsils. The level of perception of severity of the illness was at the medium level but most perceptions of the severity were severe followed by perceived complications of the disease, potential to die, and whether they had an opportunity to be cured from the disease. The levels for the trait and state of anxiety of the patient were at the medium level. The information that is required before an operation was at high level and showed a need to know the results of the operation was at the highest level followed by self-care after surgery, and self-care to prevent the postoperative complications. The relationships between the perception of severity of the illness and trait anxiety was weak (r=0.26, p \< 0.01), or was the perception of severity of the illness and state anxiety (r=0.25, p \< 0.01), while the relationship between having operative experience and the information required before an operation was weakly negative (r=-0.33, p \< 0.01).The results of this study showed the essential information required by the ENT outpatients before an operation and will help guide the effective nursing care of ENT patients in the future. 
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    State of health and health-promoting behaviors among staff: a case study of the Faculty of Nursing
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) L Prateepchaikul; P Chailungka; P Jittanoon
    Objectives: To determine the state of health; describe health-promoting behaviors; examine the relationships between physical and mental state of health and also the health-promoting behaviors of staff in the Faculty of Nursing at Prince of Songkla University.Study design: Descriptive research Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 146 academic and supporting staff from the Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University. Data were collected using scientific equipment that included body weight and height scale, mercury sphygnomanometer and physical fitness test equipment and a set of questionnaires that included general information, the Thai mental health indicator and health-promoting behavior questionnaire. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the Thai mental health indicator and health-promoting behavior questionnaire was 0.79 and 0.80, respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis.Results: There were 72 of the 146 subjects enrolled in physical health and physical fitness assessment. The results indicated that the majority of staff (70.80%) had a normal body mass index, 20.80% were overweight and 86.11% had normal blood pressure. About 43% and 42% had an overall physical performance at a good and moderate level, respectively. Forty seven percent had a mental health state at the same level as that of general public and 43.20% had a mental health state better than that of general public. The mean scores of overall health-promoting behaviors and almost all aspects of health-promoting behaviors of the staff (n = 146) were at a moderate level except the spiritual growth aspect, which was at a good level. No significant relationship between the physical health state (body mass index, blood pressure, physical performance) and healthpromoting behaviors was found. There was a positive correlation between the mental health state and health-promoting behaviors (r = 0.493, p  \<  0.01).Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest the need to further promote and support proper health promoting practices among staff of the Faculty of Nursing, especially physical activity and health responsibility practices. 
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    Effect of hypertension clinic program in Primary Health Care Unit on its patients’ blood pressure
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) N Suttipong
    The purpose of this research was to study the blood pressure level in hypertensive patient who received services inMaelan Hospital between January 2006 to December 2006 numbering of 242 patients compared with the same refered patients who received the services at Maelan Hospital between January to December 2007 numbering of 53 patients and refered to Primary Health Care Unit 189 patients who were taken care of by hypertension clinic program for the hypertensive patients in Maelan district Hospital which was established for the research and experiment.The data were analyzed statistically for percentage description ratio, standard devation and t-test (dependent t-test). The finding suggested that the patiens who received the services from high blood pressure Clinic at Maelan Hospital in 2006 and those who received the services from Primary Health Care Unit in 2007 were able to have better control of high blood pressure through the systolic pressure  \< 140 mmHg and the diastolic pressure  \< 90 mmHg with the different statistical significant importance at the level of .05 (t=4.074) (t=2.177) with the increase of normal blood pressure in 2007 systolic pressure  \< 140 mmHg which been increased from 82 patients in 2006 to 108 patients in 2007 (13.7%) and diastolic pressure  \< 90 mmHg which has been increased from 158 patients in 2006 to 160 patients in 2007 (1%) respectively.
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    Sexual beliefs and patterns among Thai adolescents and youths in educational institutions in Songkhla Province
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2009-12-25) A Prasartwanakit; A Prasartwanakit; P Songwathana; P Songwathana; B Phetcharat; B Phetcharat
                This survey research aimed to study the beliefs and patterns of sexual risk behavior of Thai adolescents and youths in education institutions in Songkhla Province. The sample included 1,156 adolescents and youths who were studying in secondary schools, vocational schools and universities from both public and private institutions. The data were obtained through both focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. A questionnaire about beliefs and patterns of sexual risk behavior was developed based on qualitative data analysis and literature review. Cronbach's alpha reliability of this questionnaire was 0.8. The results showed that belief on sexual relations among adolescents and youths of every educational level were similar. The common beliefs were that it is common for them to have sex with lovers (66.2%) or other acquaintance (48.6%) although they have had boy/girlfriend. They also felt that condom use increased sexual activities because they can prevent pregnancy. The overall mean age of first sexual intercourse was 15.9 years old, lower in males than in females. Only 29.9% of males and 35.2% of females had used a condom at their first sexual intercourse. There was a significant difference among males and females on whether it was acceptable to have sex, and in their understanding or ability to practice safe sex (p \< 0.001).     
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    Pain intensity as perceived by patients with cancer and their caregivers, and influencing factors
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) Y Kantabanlang; W Petpichetchain; K Nilmanat
    The purposes of this descriptive study were to describe and compare the levels of pain intensity perceived by both patients with cancer and their caregivers, and to describe a group of influencing factors contributing towards pain perception. A total of 98 dyads of patients with cancer and their caregivers from five hospitals in southern Thailand participated in this study. A pain numeric rating scale, knowledge, attitude, interrelationship between patients and caregivers, and a demographic questionnaire were used in the study. The results indicated that the overall mean pain intensity score perceived by patients and caregivers were at the mild level and moderate levels respectively. Pain intensity perceived by the patients and family caregivers was not significantly different. Hierarchical regression analysis of the patients' data sets revealed that the demographic variables, patient-caregiver relationships, and patients' knowledge and attitudes accounted for 6% of the perception of pain intensity (adjusted R2 = .06) while for the caregivers it was 21% of their perception of pain intensity (adjusted R2 = .21). The most significant factor for patients was their knowledge of cancer pain but for the caregivers' they were their relationship, education and knowledge. These findings have implications for nursing practice in planning interventions to educate cancer patients and caregivers concerning cancer pain. In addition, the contribution of the relationship between patients and caregivers suggests that nurses may need to support and strengthen this relationship.
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    Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Songklanagarind Hospital
    (Songklanagarind Medical Journal, 2010-01-15) S Ruangsin; T Wanasuwannakul; S Sangkhathat
    Objective: To contribute our five years of experience of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Songklanagarind Hospital and find out the risk factors of prolonged length of hospital stay.Design: A retrospective study.Materials and methods: A review of the hospital database of all the patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy between January 2001 and December 2005.Results: A total of 539 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed; the conversion rate was 23.19%. In the cases of successful laparoscopic surgery; patients the mean time for hospital stay was 5.23 days. Surgical site infection occurred in 9.67% of the cases and prophylactic antibiotics were used for 85.27% of the patients. Significantly, surgical wound infection was associated with the type of drain used and also obesity (p = 0.03, p \< 0.001). Local injections of marcaine did not reduce the volume/quantity of narcotic used (p=0.236), and was found to very slightly increase the incidence of wound infection (p = 0.215). Prophylactic postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) did not reduce the incidence of severe PONV and medication used (p = 0.109). One patient had a common bile duct injury (0.28%).Conclusions: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and feasible procedure. We have tried to improve the patient outcome through moving to a day care laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgical option.