Jiraporn Chompikul

Determinants of cervical cancer screening adherence in urban areas of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand

Cervical cancer is the most common disease among Thai women. The cervical cancer mortality rate has increased in the previous decade. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the factors associated with cervical cancer screening adherence. Stratified sampling with the proportional to size method was used to select registered women aged 30-60 years. Of the 700 self-administered questionnaires distributed during July and September of 2012, 675 were returned, resulting in a response rate of 96.2%. Approximately 65.4% of the women were considered to be adherent to cervical cancer screening (i.e., maintainers) as defined by at least one screening within the recommended 5-year screening interval and the expectation of attending a screening in the future. Chi-square tests revealed that occupation, marital status, number of children, sexual activity, health insurance scheme, history of oral contraceptive pill use, perceived barriers, perceived benefits, and knowledge about cervical cancer prevention were significantly associated with cervical cancer screening adherence. After adjusting for occupation, marital status, number of children, and health insurance in the model, perceived barriers (Adj OR=1.97, 95% CI=1.24-3.10) and knowledge (Adj OR=1.65, 95% CI=1.13-2.41) remained significant predictors of cervical cancer screening adherence. These findings suggest that the non-housewives, women of single/separated/divorced/widowed status, and women with no children should be the first priorities for getting Pap tests. Strategies for overcoming the barriers of these women, such as using mobile units for cervical cancer screening, should be promoted. Education programs should be strengthened and promoted to overcome negative perceptions and knowledge deficiencies.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices about tuberculosis and choice of communication channels in Thailand

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to assess tuberculosis (TB) knowledge, attitudes, and practices in both the general population and risk groups in Thailand. METHODOLOGY In a cross-sectional survey, a general population (n = 3,074) and family members of a TB patient (n = 559) were randomly selected, using stratified multistage sampling, and interviewed. RESULTS The average TB knowledge score was 5.7 (maximum = 10) in the Thai and 5.1 in the migrant and ethnic minorities general populations, 6.3 in Thais with a family member with TB, and 5.4 in migrants and ethnic minorities with a family member with TB. In multivariate linear regression among the Thai general population, higher education, higher income, and knowing a person from the community with TB were all significantly associated with level of TB knowledge. Across the different study populations, 18.6% indicated that they had undergone a TB screening test. Multivariate logistic regression found that older age, lower education, being a migrant or belonging to an ethnic minority group, residing in an area supported by the Global Fund, better TB knowledge, having a family member with TB, and knowing other people in the community with TB was associated having been screened for TB. CONCLUSION This study revealed deficiencies in the public health knowledge about TB, particularly among migrants and ethnic minorities in Thailand. Sociodemographic factors should be considered when designing communication strategies and TB prevention and control interventions.