Browsing by Author "Seo Ah Hong"

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    A study on psycho-social determinants of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) juice cocktail consumption among youth in Suratthani province, Thailand
    (Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center, 2016) Nutsara Chongrattanakon; Bang-on Thepthien; Seo Ah Hong
    The study was to explore the prevalence of Kratom juice cocktail (KJC) consumption among youth and psychosocial determinants using a cross-sectional community based study design. A total of 468 adolescents in Surat-Thani province were selected using a simple random sampling technique and they were asked to complete a questionnaire, which was developed by researchers during February, 2016 to March, 2016. Self-report questionnaires were used and descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and logistic regression were used for data analysis. The data was analyzed using multiple logistic regression model by SPSS 22 to identify the demographic and psychosocial factors related to the KJC use. The prevalence of KJC user was high (31.4%). Regarding psychosocial factors, self-efficacy (AOR= 12.95, 95% CI= 1.64-102.35), attitude toward KJC (AOR= 30.14, 95% CI= 6.91-131.53) and self-regulation (AOR= 23.80, 95% CI= 3.11-182.28) are strongly associated with KJC consumption among youth. Youth who drink alcohol (AOR= 5.23, 95% CI= 1.07-25.63), who are employed and have an income (AOR= 4.02, 95% CI= 1.07-15.13), and who have peers drinking KJC (AOR= 32.46, 95% CI= 4.86-216.58) are more likely to drink KJC. The findings suggest that existence of occupation and income, alcohol drinking behavior, self-efficacy, attitude toward KJC, self-regulation, existence of peers drinking KJC were strongly associated with KJC drinking behavior of youths. Increasing self-efficacy and developing better self-regulation skills to resist the urge to drink KJC in high-risk situations, formulating correct attitudes against drug use and increasing surveillance of legal drug use may drive down harmful drug use among young people. In addition, as friends influence their KJC consumption, peer education can be used as a KJC consumption prevention strategy;
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    Association between antibiotic exposure, bronchiolitis, and TLR4 (rs1927911) polymorphisms in childhood asthma
    (2014-01-01) Eun Lee; Ji Won Kwon; Hyo Bin Kim; Ho Sung Yu; Mi Jin Kang; Kyungmo Hong; Song I. Yang; Young Ho Jung; Seung Hwa Lee; Kil Young Choi; Hye Lim Shin; Seo Ah Hong; Hyung Young Kim; Ju Hee Seo; Byoung Ju Kim; So Yeon Lee; Dae Jin Song; Woo Kyung Kim; Gwang Cheon Jang; Jung Yeon Shim; Soo Jong Hong; University of Ulsan, College of Medicine; Seoul National University Bundang Hospital; Inje University Paik Hospital; Goucher College; Mahidol University; Kosin University, College of Medicine; Korea Cancer Center Hospital; Hallym University; Korea University Medical Center; National Health Insurance Cooperation Ilsan Hospital; SungKyunKwan University, School of Medicine
    © Copyright The Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The complex interplay between environmental and genetic factors plays an important role in the development of asthma. Several studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the 2 asthma-related risk factors: antibiotic usage during infancy and/or a history of bronchiolitis during early life and the development of asthma. In addition to these risk factors, we also explored the effects of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) polymorphism on the development of childhood asthma. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 7,389 middle school students who were from 8 areas of Seoul, Korea, and completed the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. The TLR4 polymorphism rs1927911 was genotyped in 1,395 middle school students from two areas using the TaqMan assay. Results: Bronchiolitis in the first 2 years of life, antibiotic exposure during the first year of life, and parental history of asthma were independent risk factors for the development of asthma. When combined, antibiotic use and a history of bronchiolitis increased the risk of asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.09-6.97, P value for interaction=0.02). In subjects with CC genotype of TLR4, antibiotic exposure and a history of bronchiolitis during infancy, the risk of asthma was increased, compared to subjects without these risk factors (aOR: 5.72, 95% CI: 1.74-18.87). Conclusions: Early-life antibiotic exposures and a history of bronchiolitis are risk factors for asthma in young adolescents. Polymorphisms of TLR4 modified the influence of these environmental factors. Reducing antibiotic exposure and preventing bronchiolitis during infancy may prevent the development of asthma, especially in genetically susceptible subjects.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Associations between Hunger and Mental Health among Adolescents in Bangladeshi Slums Amid COVID-19
    (2024) SM Taslima Yasmin; SM Taniya Yasmin; Seo Ah Hong; Sarah Sultan
    Objective: Identify the prevalence of hunger, anxiety, and depression, while also exploring the association between hunger, sociodemographic factors, and the presence of anxiety and depression among adolescents in Dhaka's urban slums during the Covid-19 pandemic Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during April to May 2022 among 324 adolescents living in slums in Dhaka division, Bangladesh. Data collection was done onsite using a structured questionnaire. Anxiety and depression were assessed using pre-validated and reliable Bangla translated versions of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Hunger was measured using the Household Hunger Scale (HHS). Binary logistic regression was used to find associations. Results: 61.7% of the adolescents suffered from moderate – severe hunger. The prevalence of moderate to severe levels of anxiety and depression were high at 46.3% and 63.3% respectively. In logistic regression, hunger showed significant association with both anxiety (AOR= 2.345, 95% CI= 1.474- 3.731) and depression (AOR= 1.852, 95% CI= 1.166- 2.941). Additionally, early adolescence was associated with anxiety, and adolescents who were school going and lived in a household with >5 family members had more likelihood of both anxiety and depression. Conclusion: Hunger during the Covid-19 pandemic was associated with increased risk of anxiety and depression. In crisis situations, public health measures should ensure that poor communities have access to at least basic meals to minimize impact on mental health of adolescents. Apart from this, they should also focus on living situations in slums and enhance their efforts in the national school feeding program.
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    Comparison of Prevalence of Nutritional Status of Thai Children in the First 2 Years of Life Using National and International Growth Charts
    (2016) Seo Ah Hong; Aroonsri Mongkolchati; Jiraporn Chompikul; Ladda Mo-Suwan; Chanpen Choprapawon; Mahidol University. ASEAN Institute for Health Development,
    Objective: Identify the difference of the nutritional status of Thai children from birth to 24 months of age using the national and international growth charts. Material and Method: The analytic sample was of 4,224 children from the Prospective Cohort Study of Thai Children (PCTC). Age-specific prevalence of malnutrition was estimated using the NCHS, WHO, and Thai growth charts. Results: Rapid growth faltering was found in both genders during the first two years, regardless of the reference, but the Thai charts reflected better Thai children. When using the Thai and NCHS charts, a steep fluctuation was observed in infancy, although the prevalence of wasting, underweight, and overweight between the references became narrower at 24 months. Meanwhile, the WHO standards identified a higher number of stunted children and showed a linear increasing trend of overweight with age, compared to the Thai reference. Conclusion: Although the Thai growth charts better reflect the Thai children, in consideration of a double burden of stunting and overweight in Thailand, the WHO standards can be used to identify Thai children at risk of stunting and overweight in the first two years of life.
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    Condom use at last sex and associated factors among male migrant workers in a coastal area of Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State, Myanmar
    (2018) Kyi Tun Lwin; Seo Ah Hong; Bang-On Thepthien; กรี ตัน วินส์; โซ อะ หงษ์; บังอร เทพเทียน; Mahidol University. ASEAN Institute for Health Development
    Migrants have been considered at risk of acquiring and spreading HIV infection as bridging populations. Condom use is considered an effective strategy in protecting against transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STI), including HIV. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the prevalence and factors associated with condom use at last sex among male migrant workers in a coastal area of Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State, Myanmar. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2018. A total of 420 male migrant workers of sexually active age (18-49 years) who had sex within the last 12 months were selected by cluster random sampling. The data were collected by a face-to-face interview with structured questionnaires. The questionnaires were developed according to social cognitive theory (SCT) consisting of three major components: socio-environmental factors, psycho-social factors and condom use behavior at last sex. Prevalence of condom use at last sex was 21.2%. Younger age group (Adj OR=2.88, 95% CI =1.38- 6.01), migrants from other regions (Adj OR=2.40, 95% CI=1.15-5.01), length of stay less than 1 year (Adj OR=2.40, 95% CI=1.31-4.40), not currently married or living with a partner (Adj OR=5.13, 95% CI =2.85-9.24), condom accessibility [Fair (Adj OR=2.42, 95%CI =1.08-5.40) and Easy (Adj OR=2.96, 95% CI=1.49-5.89)], poor knowledge about condom use (Adj OR=3.74, 95% CI =1.95-7.15) and positive partner expected outcomes (Adj OR=2.09, 95% CI =1.19-3.68) were associated with condom use at last sex. The key finding of this study suggests that provision of HIV service packages to migrant clusters, including condom distribution is needed.
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    A descriptive study of gambling practices and problem gambling among internal migrants in Muse, Northern Shan, Myanmar
    (2019-02-01) La Seng Aung; Seo Ah Hong; Sariyamon Tiraphat; Mahidol University
    © 2018, Nagoya University. Due to rapid economic growth in China, many gambling sites have emerged along the neighboring countries, including Myanmar, which place migrants at risk of developing gambling problems. This study aimed at identifying: i) types of gambling, ii) gambling involvement and intensity, and iii) the associations with problem gambling. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Muse, Myanmar. A convenience sample of 273 internal migrants (18-49 years) filled a self-administered questionnaire. Chisquare tests and multiple logistic regression explored associations between gambling practices and problem gambling. Among the categories of gambling, the popular gambling types were lottery games (Aung Bar Lay, Thone-Lone and Nhit-Lone) and card games, as well as the use of Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs). An average number of past-year gambling types involved and of gambling types engaged in regularly were 1.61 (SD=0.95) and 1.22 (SD=0.70), respectively. In association with PG, Nhit-Lone, EGMs, cards, and dice games were strongly associated among the gambling types. Those with PG had a higher number of involvement by past-year gambling types (1.92 vs. 1.18 for no PG) and spent 5 times higher amount of money on gambling. In conclusion, this study showed that types of gambling, such as Nhit-Lone, cards and dice games and higher involvement and intensity were associated with problem gambling. The findings provide new and important insights into gambling behavior among internal migrant workers in the border area with China and highlight the need for culturally specific preventive measures for the Myanmar population, with preference to gambling types.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Determinants of cervical cancer screening utilization among women aged 30-45 years in Blantyre district, Malawi
    (2015) Mary Sesu Chosamata; Seo Ah Hong; Sariyamon Tiraphat; Mahidol University. ASEAN Institute for Health Development
    Cervical cancer screening is the single important public health strategy to reduce cervical cancer incidence and subsequent mortality. In Malawi, low utilization leads to high mortality rate (80%). This cross-sectional community based study aimed at identifying determinants to utilization of cervical cancer screening services among women aged 30-45 years in Blantyre district, Malawi. A total of 257 selected women (134 urban and 123 rural) participated in the study and face to face interview was conducted using a structured questionnaire to gather information on socio-demographic, knowledge, perception, health locus control, and social support from 30th April 2015 to 16th May 2015. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. Only 13.2% of the women had ever been screened for cervical cancer screening. The main reasons for not being screened among the respondents who were not screened yet included lack of interest (39.7%), lack of knowledge (33.5%) and no reason given (19.8%). The most significant determinants to utilization were older age (Adj.OR=7.05, 95% CI=2.31-21.6), having more than one sex partners (Adj.OR=3.24, 95% CI=1.31-8.0), use of oral contraceptive (Adj.OR=2.60, 95% CI=1.02-6.61), having heard of cervical cancer screening (Adj.OR=17.7, 95% CI=2.18-144) and higher level of knowledge (Adj.OR=7.37, 95% CI=2.44- 22.2). In conclusion, there is low utilization of cervical cancer screening among women in Blantyre district. There is need for effective community based cervical screening, education and awareness for good and successful utilization of cervical cancer screening in Blantyre District and Malawi.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Determinants of tobacco smoking among presumptive TB patients in Taungoo Township, Myanmar
    (2017) Kyaw Hsan Tun; Seo Ah Hong; Jiraporn Chompikul; จอ ซาน ตุน; โซ อะ หงษ์; จิราพร ชมพิกุล; Mahidol University. ASEAN Institute for Health Development
    A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Taungoo Township, Myanmar to examine prevalence and determinants of current tobacco smokers among presumptive TB patients aged 18 years and above. A total of 400 presumptive TB patients which was drawn by purposive sampling were face-to-face interviewed using a structured questionnaire in April, 2017. The questionnaire had three parts: socio-demographic factors, socio-environmental factors and psycho-social factors based on social cognitive theory. Harmful alcohol drinking and mental distress were measured by using Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), respectively. Current tobacco smokers, the outcome measure were identified based on questionnaires of Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used to examine determinants of tobacco smoking. Prevalence of current tobacco smokers was 54%. In multiple logistic regression, factors significantly associated with tobacco smoking were sex (Adj OR=4.65, 95%CI=2.14-10.12 for men compared to women), education levels (Adj OR=3.89, 95%CI=1.19-12.65 for middle or high school and Adj OR=4.39, 95%CI=1.22-15.77 for primary school or less compared to college or university), income (Adj OR=3.05, 95%CI=1.42-6.54 for middle income compared to low income), marital status (Adj OR=1.97, 95%CI=1.01-3.81 for living without a spouse compared to living with a spouse), harmful alcohol drinking (Adj OR=3.42, 95%CI=1.77-6.60), mental distress (Adj OR=2.97, 95%CI=1.12-7.89), and knowledge about smoking hazards (Adj OR=4.94, 95%CI=2.49-9.76 for middle level, and Adj OR=6.50, 95%CI=2.45-17.24 for low level compared to high level). This study showed one in two presumptive TB patients were current smokers. Current smokers were particularly male, from low socioeconomic status and had poor knowledge, lived alone, drank alcohol, and had mental distress. This could help policy makers to identify people at risk of negative health outcomes of diseases, and promote the tobacco cessation services with integrated alcohol intervention in health facilities as a component of TB program in Myanmar.
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    Double burden of malnutrition and its association with infant and young child feeding practices among children under-five in Thailand
    (2021-07-01) Leshawn Benedict; Seo Ah Hong; Pattanee Winichagoon; Phudit Tejativaddhana; Vijj Kasemsup; Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry; Hanyang University; Mahidol University
    Abstract Objective: This study examined the prevalence of stunting-overweight and socio-demographic determinants among children under-five years of age, as well as associations with infant and young child feeding (IYCF) among children aged 6-23 months. Design: Secondary data analysis based on the Thailand Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2015-2016. Setting: Cross-national study. Participants: Nationally representative sample of children under-five years of age (n 12 313). Results: The prevalence of wasting, stunting, overweight and stunting-overweight was 5·3, 10·5, 10·1 and 1·6 %, respectively. In multivariate analyses, children under 6 months, children from low and middle wealth tertiles, and children living in rural areas were prone to being wasted. Male children, low wealth tertile and a non-Thai speaking household head were positively and children aged 48-59 months and a one-child household were inversely associated with stunting. Children from a low wealth tertile were less likely to be overweight, while older age, male children and children from a one-child household were more likely to be overweight. Stunting-overweight was associated with children aged 24-47 months, male children, mothers having secondary education, a one-child household, a non-Thai speaking household head and an urban area. In terms of IYCF indicators, despite no association with stunting and stunted-overweight children, current breast-feeding and inadequate meal frequency were associated with being wasting, while current breast-feeding and dietary diversity were inversely associated with being overweight. Conclusions: This study revealed the double burden of malnutrition at the individual and population levels among Thai children under-five, which calls for concrete integrated interventions to tackle all forms of malnutrition.
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    Early Adolescent Patterns of Alcohol and Tobacco Use in Eight Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States
    (2019-01-28) Seo Ah Hong; Karl Peltzer; Hanyang University; University of Limpopo; Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa; Mahidol University
    © 2018, (c) 2018 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Background: Though alcohol and tobacco are the most commonly used substances among adolescents, little is known about the patterning of early adolescent substance use in Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states. Objectives: This study examined past month patterns of substances use and its gender difference among adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional samples among adolescents aged 13–16 years who completed the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) from eight ASEAN countries were included in the analysis (n = 40,212). Results: Prevalence of past month any tobacco use was relatively high in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines (11–15%), but prevalence of dual cigarette and other forms of tobacco use was about 2–5% in the five countries. Past month alcohol consumption prevalence was also high in Thailand, Viet Nam, and the Philippines (16–24%), compared to the rest countries (1.4–8.2%). Moreover, prevalence of the concurrent alcohol and tobacco use was higher in Thailand and the Philippines (7 and 10%, respectively), particularly in boys (13 and 15%, respectively). Conclusions/importance: Almost 30–40% of the boys and 10–20% of girls in Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam are engaged in at least one of the two risk behaviors, and the concurrent alcohol and tobacco use was also relatively high among boys in those countries (5–15%). This study may provide some valuable insights on alcohol and tobacco policy in the region and requires to begin prevention and treatment programs in ASEAN member states.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Factors associated with anaemia among pregnant women in Kegalle district, Sri Lanka
    (2015) Sriyal Wijesinghe; Sariyamon Tiraphat; Seo Ah Hong; Jiraporn Chompikul; Nilmini Hemachandra; Mahidol University. ASEAN Institute for Health Development
    Maternal nutritional status is an important factor for a better outcome of the pregnancy. Anaemia and being underweight are preventable nutritional deficiencies which should be addressed long before the pregnancy. This cross sectional analytical study was carried out to determine the prevalence of anaemia during the first trimester of pregnancy and its associated factors among pregnant women in Kegalle district, Sri Lanka. Data were collected using clusters from six MOH divisions comprising 320 pregnant women who were more than 12 weeks of pregnancy. Face to face interviews and maternal health records were used to collect data. Analysis was done through Chi square test and multiple logistic regression to identify the factors related to anaemia in the first trimester. The results showed a 16.2% prevalence of anaemia during the first trimester of pregnancy. The risk of anaemia at first trimester of pregnancy was found to be prominent with BMI and the age of last child. Pregnant women with low BMI compared to normal BMI and those having a last child below 3 yrs compared to those having a last child over 5 yrs of age had 4 (95%CI:1.79 - 9.79) and 4.6 times (95%CI:1.27 - 16.74) higher risk of having anaemia respectively. Therefore, birth spacing with a child less than 3 yrs of age and strengthening of pre-pregnancy iron supplementation for expecting women with low BMI (underweight) will be useful modes to prevent future anaemia during the pregnancy.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Factors associated with junk food consumption among urban school students in Kathmandu District of Nepal
    (2018) Bhanu Poudel; Sariyamon Tiraphat; Seo Ah Hong; ภาณุ โพลเดล; ศริยามน ติรพัฒน์; โซอะ หงษ์; Mahidol University. ASEAN Institute for Health Development
    People’s lifestyle turns toward unhealthy dietary pattern as high availability of junk food products. Although consumption of junk food is one of the problem of non-communicable disease, the research on junk food consumption in Nepal particularly among teenage students has not well documented. The adverse effects of junk food on teenage physical and psychological health are both evident. Therefore, factors associated with junk food consumption among teenage students with grade 6, 7 and 8 in urban schools were investigated in this study. The data collection for this cross-sectional analytical study was conducted during March to April 2018. A sample of 440 students aged 10-18 years with grade 6, 7, and 8 were randomly drawn from 22 selected public and private schools. Students were selected using two-stage cluster random sampling using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected through face-to-face interview with in school premise using structured questionnaire. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used to determine the association between independent variables and junk food consumption. The result showed that the 11.8% was at a high level of the junk food consumption and 88.2% was at a low level with the cutoff point of 85th Percentile (P 85). A total 6 variables were significantly associated in Chi-square test. In multiple logistic regression, after adjusting for other factors, 3 variables were significantly associated with junk food consumption: high daily allowance/pocket money of students (Adj OR=2.51, 95% CI=1.36-4.63), high influence to have junk food from parents. (Adj OR=2.69,95% CI=1.46-4.96) and high influence from friends (Adj OR=3.12, 95% CI=1.40-6.93). In conclusion, schools and home environments are major influencing factors for student’s junk food consumption. Therefore, parents and school authority should cooperate to implement health promotion programs and campaigns to reduce of junk food consumption among school-age children.
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    Factors contributing to participation in food assistance programs in the elderly population
    (2014-01-01) Seo Ah Hong; Kirang Kim; Mahidol University; Dankook University
    Background/Objectives: The study objectives were to examine the participation rate in food assistance programs and explore the factors that contribute to such participation among the Korean elderly population. Subjects/Methods: The study sample comprised 3,932 respondents aged 65 years or older who were selected from a secondary data set, the fourth Korean Welfare Panel Study (KoWePS). The factors, related to participation in programs were examined based on the predisposing, enabling and need factors of the help-seeking behavior model. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to select the best contributors among the factors related to program participation. Results: The predisposing rate in food assistance programs was 8.5% (7.1% for men and 10.4% for women). When all variables were included in the model, living without spouse, no formal education, low income, having social security benefits and food insecurity in elderly men, and age, low income, having social security benefits and feeling poor in elderly women were significantly related to a higher tendency to program participation. Conclusions: The predisposing and need factors, such as living without spouse, low education level, food insecurity and feeling poor were important for program participation, as well as enabling factors, such as household income and social security benefits. A comprehensive approach considering these factors to identify the target population for food assistance programs is needed to increase the effectiveness and target population penetration of these programs. © 2014 The Korean Nutrition Society and the Korean Society of Community Nutrition.
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    Factors influencing the willingness of palliative care utilization among the older population with active cancers: A case study in mandalay, myanmar
    (2021-08-01) Aye Tinzar Myint; Sariyamon Tiraphat; Isareethika Jayasvasti; Seo Ah Hong; Vijj Kasemsup; Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University; Mahidol University
    Palliative care is an effective, multidisciplinary healthcare service to alleviate severe illness patients from physical, psychological, and spiritual pain. However, global palliative care has been underutilized, especially in developing countries. This cross-sectional survey aimed to examine the factors associated with older cancer patients’ willingness to utilize palliative care services in Myanmar. The final sample was composed of 141 older adults, 50-years of age and above who suffered from cancers at any stage. Simple random sampling was applied to choose the participants by purposively selecting three oncology clinics with daycare chemotherapy centers in Mandalay. We collected data using structured questionnaires composed of five sections. The sections include the participant’s socio-economic information, disease status, knowledge of palliative care, psychosocial and spiritual need, practical need, and willingness to utilize palliative care services. The study found that approximately 85% of older cancer patients are willing to receive palliative care services. The significant predictors of willingness to utilize palliative care services include place of living, better palliative care knowledge, more need for spiritual and psychosocial support, and practical support. This study can guide health policymakers in increasing the rate of palliative care utilization. The suggested policies include developing community-level palliative care services in Myanmar, especially in rural areas, promoting palliative care knowledge, applying appropriate religious and spiritual traditions at palliative treatment, and developing suitable medicines for the critically ill.
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    Factors Related to Medication Adherence among Essential Hypertensive Patients in Tertiary Hospitals in Yangon, Myanmar
    (2015) Wai Phyo Han; Seo Ah Hong; Sariyamon Tiraphat; Mahidol University. ASEAN Institute for Health Development
    Poor adherence to medications is one of the major public health challenges. Due to little study on the adherence to anti-hypertensive treatment in Myanmar, where the prevalence of hypertension is the highest among South-East Asian Countries (42%), this study aimed to determine the prevalence of the adherence and to identify the factors related to medication adherence among hypertensive patients in Yangon, Myanmar. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was done on a sample of 216 hypertensive patients who recruited by convenient sampling method at tertiary hospitals in Yangon, Myanmar during April and May 2015. Faceto-face interview was conducted using a structured questionnaire to gather information on socio-demographic, knowledge, perception, self-efficacy, family support and cues to action. The medication adherence was measured by Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). “Good adherence” was defined as MMAS- 8 scores of 6 or greater out of a total score of 8 points whereas “Poor adherence” as point of less than 6. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and multiple logistic regressions were used for data analysis. Only 50% of hypertensive patients were reported as good adherence to anti-hypertensive medication. Using backward multiple logistic regression, younger age (adjOR=3.03, 95%CI=1.15-7.99), male patients (adjOR=1.84, 95%CI=1.01-3.37), low household income (adjOR=2.39, 95%CI=1.17-4.85), longer duration of hypertension (adjOR=4.00, 95%CI=1.87-8.59 for those within 1-3 years and adjOR=2.63, 95%CI=1.12-6.20 for those with more than 3 years compared to those less than 1year)) and higher level of perceived barriers (adjOR=2.55, 95%CI=1.27-5.09) were related with poor medication adherence. This study reported relatively high proportion of poor medication adherence. With regard to perceived barriers, such as medication side effects and complex dosing, health education program can be designed in out-patient settings particularly for patients with a long duration of hypertension. In addition, implementation of health insurance system should be considered to address external barriers like financial problem.
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    Gender difference in betel quid consumption levels and tobacco use among adults in Myanmar
    (2021-01-01) Yin Min Aye; Seo Ah Hong; Bang On Thepthien; Sariyamon Tiraphat; Mahidol University
    Several small scaled studies in Myanmar investigated determinants of betel quid chewing status but to better understand more complete profiles of betel quid chewing habits, this study investigated the associations of betel quid consumption levels with tobacco and sociodemographic factors using a nationally representative sample in Myanmar. A cross-sectional, secondary data analysis was conducted by using Myanmar demographic and health survey (MDHS) (2015-2016). Chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression were performed with p-value<0.05 as significance. Men averagely chewed 5.59 (SD=8.229) pieces per day while women chewed 1.25 (SD=3.584) pieces. The prevalence of chewing daily pieces 1-2, 3-5 and 6+ were 7.9%, 17.1% and 34.2% for men and 6.1%, 8% and 7.1 %, respectively, for women. In multivariate analysis, low education, low family wealth, married, and urban were more likely to chew 6+ pieces per day relevant to no consumption in both genders, while a positive association with age was observed only in women. Tobacco use was associated with low consumption level (1-2 pieces), relative to no consumption in both genders. Therefore, this study underlined the need to improve knowledge on the dangers associated with betel quid chewing and tobacco use among socially disadvantaged populations and urban residents.
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    The interaction between prenatal exposure to home renovation and reactive oxygen species genes in cord blood IgE response is modified by maternal atopy
    (2016-01-01) Jinho Yu; Kangmo Ahn; Youn Ho Shin; Kyung Won Kim; Dong In Suh; Ho Sung Yu; Mi Jin Kang; Kyung Shin Lee; Seo Ah Hong; Kil Yong Choi; Eun Lee; Song I. Yang; Ju Hee Seo; Byoung Ju Kim; Hyo Bin Kim; So Yeon Lee; Suk Joo Choi; Soo Young Oh; Ja Young Kwon; Kyung Ju Lee; Hee Jin Park; Pil Ryang Lee; Hye Sung Won; Soo Jong Hong; University of Ulsan, College of Medicine; SungKyunKwan University, School of Medicine; College of Medicine, Pochon CHA University; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul National University College of Medicine; Mahidol University; Korea Cancer Center Hospital; Inje University Paik Hospital; Hallym University, College of Medicine
    © The Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology • The Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease. Purpose: Although home renovation exposure during childhood has been identified as a risk factor for the development of allergy, there is limited information on the association between prenatal exposure to home renovation and cord blood (CB) IgE response. The aims of this study were to identify the effect of prenatal exposure to home renovation on CB IgE levels, and to investigate whether this exposure interacts with neonatal genes and whether the effect can be modified by maternal atopy. Methods: This study included 1,002 mother-neonate pairs from the COhort for Childhood Origin of Asthma and allergic diseases (COCOA). Prenatal environmental factors were collected using a questionnaire. The levels of CB IgE were measured by the ImmunoCAP system, and DNA was extracted from CB. Results: Exposure to home renovation during the prenatal period was associated with significantly higher levels of CB IgE only in neonates from atopic mothers, and the effect of renovation exposure on CB IgE levels persisted from 31 months before birth. Furthermore, prenatal exposure to home renovation increased the risk of CB IgE response interacting with polymorphisms of NRF2 and GSTP1 genes only in neonates from atopic mothers. Conclusions: Maternal atopy modified the effect of prenatal exposure to home renovation on CB serum IgE response as well as the interaction between the exposure and neonatal genes involved in the oxidative stress pathway. These findings suggest that the genetically susceptible offspring of atopic mothers may be more vulnerable to the effect of prenatal exposure to home renovation on the development of allergy.
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    Multiple self-care behaviors and associated factors in community-dwelling patients with hypertension in Myanmar
    (2020-05-01) Ze Haung; Seo Ah Hong; Phudit Tejativaddhana; Apa Puckpinyo; Myat Noe Htin Aung Myint; Mahidol University; Township Department of Public Health; State Department of Medical Care
    © 2020 Nagoya University. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of self-care behaviors and the associated factors among hypertensive patients in primary care in Myanmar. This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2019 among 410 hypertensive patients in Myitkyina Township, Kachin State, Myanmar. Hypertensive patients aged 30-70 years old and being registered at the community health centers in Myitkyina Township were selected using multi-stage cluster random sampling. Self-care behaviors were measured by Hypertensive Self-Care Activity Level Effect (H-SCALE). Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to explore the associated factors. Prevalence of adherence to multiple self-care behaviors were low: avoidance of tobacco use at 50.2%, followed by physical activity at 24.9%, medication at 24.1%, weight management at 9.5%, and healthy diet at 2.7%, while abstinence from harmful alcohol drinking was high at 97.8%. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that younger patients, low family income, inadequate knowledge, and no comorbidity were associated with non-adherence to medication. Living in rural area and having poor self-efficacy were associated with non-adherence to weight management, while being younger, female and having poor self-efficacy were also associated with non-adherence to physical activity. Compared with Kachin, other ethnics were more likely to be non-adherent to avoidance of tobacco use. Although a majority of respondents were not harmful drinkers, adherence to medication, healthy diet, physical activity, weight management and avoidance of tobacco use were very low. Health practitioners should provide education programs for hypertensive patients to direct them towards practical techniques in managing their blood pressure.
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    Parental misperception of child’s weight and related factors within family norms
    (2019-06-01) Seo Ah Hong; Karl Peltzer; Chutima Jalayondeja; Hanyang University; University of Limpopo; Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa; Mahidol University
    © 2017, Springer International Publishing Switzerland. Purpose: Parental perception of their child’s weight may be a crucial factor in parental ability for action with regard to their child’s weight problem. This aim of this study was to investigate parental perception of their child’s weight status and dietary healthiness, amount of food consumed and physical activity level and its related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among children (Grades 4–6) selected by cluster sampling in two schools. Children were invited to participate in the measurements of anthropometry and their parents were asked to classify their child’s weight and health behaviors. Results: In total, 41.8% of parents misperceived their child’s weight, of which 82% underestimated their child’s weight, in particular regarding overweight or obesity. As parents of overweight or obese children underestimated their child’s weight, around 65% were not concerned with their child’s current weight and about becoming overweight in the future. Factor associated with underestimation of overweight children was not having a sibling, while among children with normal weight, the underestimation was associated with boys, lower body mass index (BMI), maternal employment and low household income. Furthermore, parents underestimating their child’s weight were more likely to be optimistic about their child’s dietary healthiness, food amount taken, and physical activity level than those with correct child’s weight estimates. Conclusions: Findings show a high proportion of parental misperception of their child’s weight status. Family-based weight control interventions will need to incorporate parental misperceptions of the body weight and health behaviors of their children.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Patterns of polysubstance use and associated factors among grade 11 students in Bangkok, Thailand
    (2019) Eunyoung Ham; Bang-on Thepthein; Prapapun Chucharoen; Seo Ah Hong; อิมยอง แฮม; บังอร เทพเทียน; ประภาพรรณ จูเจริญ; โซ อะ หงษ์; Mahidol University. ASEAN Institute for Health Development
    Polysubstance use, the use of more than one substance, is a current problem among adolescents. The study assessed the prevalence of polysubstance use and associated factors among grade 11 students in Bangkok, Thailand. A web-based, cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing the secondary datasets of the Bangkok Behaviour Surveillance Survey (BBSS) in 2017, and the data were collected from June to July 2017. The BBSS is conducted every two years. In the process of analysis, 1,755 adolescents were included. Chisquare test and multiple logistic regression were performed to identify the association between independent variables and polysubstance use. The prevalence of use of alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana were 26.2%, 14.4%, and 5.9%, respectively. The polysubstance use during the past 12 months was 14.1%. Among 484 student substance users, more than half reported polysubstance use, and 17.4% have used all three substances. Male students were more likely to use polysubstance than females. Having a close friend who uses substances, persuasion of a close friend, recent grade point average (GPA), socio-economic status (SES), and sexual orientation were significantly associated with polysubstance use. As for psychological factors, anxiety and depression were not associated with polysubstance use. However, having had adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) was associated with polysubstance use. In addition, sexual perception and experience and risky sexual behaviour scores were significantly associated with polysubstance use. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that having a boy/girlfriend, close friends smoking cigarettes, recent low GPA, sexual perception, sexual experience, and high and moderate SES significantly predicted polysubstance use. Such findings can be used by prevention specialists and health educators to develop and implement alcohol tobacco and marijuana prevention programs and interventions specifically tailored to Thai adolescents.