Panit Yamchuen

Objective: This study aimed to examine self-protective behaviors in pesticide use and identify factors associated with these behaviors among rice farmers in Phitsanulok Province, Lower Northern Thailand. Methods: A Correlational study was conducted among 261 registered rice farmers selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.845) covering health literacy and self-protective practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. Results: The majority of farmers (77.0%) possessed adequate health literacy (X̅ = 100.26, SD = 8.735). While 58.6% reported good self-protective practices, 41.4% were at a moderate level (X̅ = 35.17, SD = 2.513). Multiple regression analysis revealed that educational level, access to health information and services, and decision-making skills were significantly associated with protective behaviors ( R ² = 0.305; adjusted R ² = 0.271, p < 0.05). Access to health information exhibited the strongest positive association ( β = 0.343). Conclusion: Although most farmers have adequate health literacy, risky practices persist. To enhance occupational safety, interventions should move beyond information dissemination to focus on strengthening decision-making skills and improving risk communication. Targeted practical training is essential for fostering safer agricultural practices.

Background: Health inequities among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) populations remain a public health concern regarding healthcare access and sexual health literacy. This study examined sexual health literacy and factors associated with healthcare access among LGBTQ+ people in Thailand’s Health Zone 6. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 451 LGBTQ+ people aged 18 years or older using multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire on demographic characteristics, sexual health behaviors, sexual health literacy, and healthcare access. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariable logistic regression, and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Most participants were gay (30.6%), lived in rural areas (60.5%), and had monthly incomes of 15,001–30,000 Baht (56.3%). Sexual health literacy was at a good level (mean = 135.94 ± 24.99). Most participants reported adequate healthcare access (82.7%), while stigma and discrimination were the most common barriers to care (42.5%). In the adjusted model, living in Chonburi (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.22–4.76) or Samut Prakan (AOR = 3.12, 95% CI: 1.51–6.42), urban residence (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.29–3.56), gay identity (AOR = 3.84, 95% CI: 2.01–7.32), monthly income >30,000 Baht (AOR = 3.71, 95% CI: 1.27–10.55), self-payment for healthcare (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.11–4.00), and high sexual health literacy (AOR = 4.82, 95% CI: 1.96–11.87) were associated with greater healthcare access. Conclusions: Healthcare access among LGBTQ+ populations is influenced by socioeconomic, geographic, and literacy-related factors. Strengthening LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare services and sexual health literacy programs may help reduce healthcare inequities in Thailand.

Background: Oral health significantly affects the overall well-being of the elderly, influencing nutrition, communication, and quality of life. Poor oral hygiene can cause infections and dental issues. In Thailand, promoting oral hygiene among the aging population remains a pressing and ongoing public health challenge. Design and methods: This study explores the factors influencing oral health care behaviors among elderly individuals at the Phitsanulok Health Center (Buddhachinaraj Hospital) as a case study of lower Northern Thailand. A total of 365 elderly participants were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Results: Multiple regression analysis showed that general employment (β = −0.227, p < 0.001), business (β = −0.300, p < 0.001), and government service (β = −0.205, p < 0.001) were negative predictors of oral health care behaviors. In contrast, enabling factors (β = 0.204, p < 0.001), average monthly income (β = 0.200, p < 0.001), and supporting factors (β = 0.142, p = 0.005) had positive effects. These factors together explained 20.02% of the variation in behaviors ( p < 0.001), with enabling factors having the strongest influence. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of financial security, access to dental care, and social support in maintaining oral health among the elderly. Enhancing affordable dental services is crucial for low-income seniors. The findings suggest further research into factors influencing elderly oral health and strategies to improve care access. Recommendations include reducing dental costs, creating family-centered health initiatives, involving families in oral hygiene, and enacting policies to support low-income elderly individuals.