Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

Original Articles

Health Effects of Heavy Metal Exposure Among E-waste Workers and Community-dwelling Adults in Thailand: A Cross-sectional Study: Chonyitree Sangwijit, Parichat Ong-artborirak, Warangkana Naksen, Kraiwuth Kallawicha, Pallop Siewchaisakul; J Prev Med Public Health. 2025;58(2):156-166. Published online November 21, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.24.415

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Objectives
Global concern is increasing about the health effects of electronic waste (e-waste). This study examines the health impacts of heavy metal (HM) exposure among e-waste workers (EWWs) and community-dwelling adults (CDAs) in Northeastern Thailand and identifies factors associated with adverse health outcomes.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted of 164 EWWs and 164 CDAs. A survey was employed to collect data on participant characteristics, symptoms, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. Urine samples were analyzed for lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) levels using atomic absorption spectrometry. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors impacting health.
Results
Across all participants, urinary Pb and Cd levels ranged from 5.30 µg/g to 29.50 µg/g creatinine and from 0.60 µg/g to 4.00 µg/g creatinine, respectively. The most frequently reported health issues pertained to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at 38.70%, central nervous system (CNS) issues at 36.60%, and skin disorders at 31.10%. Multivariable analysis indicated that the presence of MSDs was significantly associated with exposure to Pb and Cd. Poor sleep quality (PSQ) was significantly linked to CNS problems, while body mass index was significantly related to skin disorders. Factors including primary education level or below, smoking, cleaning the house more than 3 times weekly, and PSQ were significantly linked to depression. Anxiety was significantly associated with PSQ.
Conclusions
Environmental exposure to Pb and Cd can have adverse health impacts in the form of MSDs. Depression and anxiety are common conditions among CDAs. Public health officials should monitor HM exposure and mental health within the community.; Summary

Key Message
- Pb and Cd level was not significant difference between e-waste workers and community-dwelling adults. - Pb and Cd can adversely affect symptoms in the MSD and PSQ affects the CNS in e-waste workers. - E-waste workers had a higher chance of having musculoskeletal disorder, central nervous system disorder, and skin disorder problems than community-dwelling adults but a lower chance of having depression and anxiety than community-dwelling adults.

Using the Health Belief Model to Predict Tuberculosis Preventive Behaviors Among Tuberculosis Patients’ Household Contacts During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Border Areas of Northern Thailand: Nantawan Khamai, Katekaew Seangpraw, Parichat Ong-Artborirak; J Prev Med Public Health. 2024;57(3):223-233. Published online May 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.453

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Abstract Summary PDF: Objectives
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has exacerbated the rate of tuberculosis (TB) infection among close contacts of TB patients in remote regions. However, research on preventive behaviors, guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), among household contacts of TB cases is scarce. This study aimed to employ the HBM as a framework to predict TB preventive behaviors among household contacts of TB patients in the border areas of Northern Thailand.
Methods
A cross-sectional study with multi-stage random sampling was conducted in Chiang Rai Province. The study included 422 TB patients’ household contacts aged 18 years or older who had available chest X-ray (CXR) results. A self-administered questionnaire was used to conduct the survey.
Results
The participants’ mean age was 42.93 years. Pearson correlation analysis showed that TB preventive behavior scores were significantly correlated with TB knowledge (r=0.397), perceived susceptibility (r=0.565), perceived severity (r=0.452), perceived benefits (r=0.581), self-efficacy (r=0.526), and cues to action (r=0.179). Binary logistic regression revealed that the modeled odds of having an abnormal CXR decreased by 30.0% for each 1-point score increase in preventive behavior (odds ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.61 to 0.79).
Conclusions
HBM constructs were able to explain preventive behaviors among TB patients’ household contacts. The HBM could be used in health promotion programs to improve TB preventive behaviors and avoid negative outcomes.; Summary

Key Message
- Tuberculosis knowledge and the Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs are associated with preventive behaviors that affect CXR results among pulmonary TB patients’ household contacts. - The HBM could be used in health promotion programs to improve TB preventive behaviors and avoid negative outcomes.

Environmental Health Literacy Regarding Fine Particulate Matter and Related Factors Among Village Health Volunteers in Upper Northern Thailand: Nattapon Pansakun, Warangkana Naksen, Waraporn Boonchieng, Parichat Ong-artborirak, Tippawan Prapamontol; J Prev Med Public Health. 2024;57(2):138-147. Published online February 10, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.434

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1 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Objectives
Fine particulate matter pollution has emerged as a significant life-threatening issue in Thailand. Recognizing the importance of environmental health literacy (EHL) in disease prevention is crucial for protecting public health. This study investigated EHL levels and aimed to identify associated factors among village health volunteers (VHVs) in the upper northern region of Thailand.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 710 VHVs using the EHL assessment tool developed by the Department of Health, Thailand.
Results
The overall EHL score was moderate (mean, 3.28 out of a possible 5.0), with the highest and lowest domain-specific mean score for the ability to make decisions (3.52) and the ability to access (3.03). Multiple linear regression revealed that the factors associated with EHL score were area of residence (urban areas in Chiang Mai: B=0.254; urban areas in Lampang: B=0.274; and rural areas in Lampang: B=0.250 compared to rural areas in Chiang Mai), higher education levels (senior high school: B=0.212; diploma/high vocational certificate: B=0.350; bachelor’s degree or above: B=0.528 compared to elementary school or lower), having annual health checkups compared to not having annual health check-ups (B=0.142), monthly family income (B=0.004), and individuals frequently facing air pollution issues around their residence (B=0.199) compared to those who reported no such issues.
Conclusions
The VHVs exhibited moderate EHL associated with residence area, education, health check-ups, family income, and residential air pollution. Considering these factors is vital for enhancing VHVs’ EHL through strategic interventions.

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Citations

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Environmental Health Literacy of Brazilian Indigenous People
Bernardo Oliveira Buta, Wauana Sheeva Costa Silva Manchineri, Matheus Britto Froner, Maria Berta Ecija, Debora Helena Rosa Cardoso, Benjamin Miranda Tabak
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2025; 22(4): 625. CrossRef

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