Phitaya Charupoonphol

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Lifestyle-Related Diseases in the Asia-Pacific Region: Comparative Study in Okinawa, Palau and Thailand

Genetic differences between Asians and Caucasians may be involved in the rapid increase in lifestyle-related diseases in the Asia-Pacific region that has coincided with Westernisation of diets in the region. In the present study, we assessed correlation between 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and chronic disease risk factors in age-matched and population-based groups in four Asian-Pacific locations: Okinawa, Palau and Thailand (two areas). The following allelic SNP profiles significantly differed (p<0.01) among the four populations, in both men and women: uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), uncoupling protein 3 promoter (UCP3p), leptin receptor (LEPR) exon 6, and angiotensinogen (AGTa-20c). Multiple regression analyses showed significant associations between SNPs and clinical data. For men, these associations were between β3 adrenergic receptor (β3AR) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p<0.01), UCP3p and total cholesterol (p<0.01), UCP2 and age (p<0.05), and AGTa-20c and age (p<0.01). For women, these associations were between LEPR exon 14 and body mass index (BMI) (p<0.05), UCP2 and systolic blood pressure (p<0.05), UCP3p and DBP (p<0.05), UCP2 and DBP (p<0.01), apolipoprotein E (Apo-E)nd total cholesterol (p<0.01), β3AR and triglyceride (p<0.05), AGTa-20c and triglyceride (p<0.05), and UCP2 and age (p<0.05). These results illustrate the interrelationships among SNPs and risk factors in the Asia-Pacific including China and Japan.

Alcoholic Beverages Drinking among Female Students in a Tourist Province, Thailand

This study aimed to investigate alcoholic beverages drinking and predictive factors among female students. The participants were 377 subjects from 3 high schools in a tourist province, of Thailand. Data collection was done through self-administered questionnaire. Scales of the questionnaire had reliability coefficients ranging from 0.84 – 0.88. The data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed as follows. About half (51%) of them have ever drunk and 10.5% of drinkers have drunk once a week. In addition, 15.6% of drinkers began their first drink when they were under 10 years old. Risk factors for alcohol consumption of female student were age, GPA, drinker in family, peer pressure, advertisement and accessibility to alcoholic beverages while protective factors were perception of drinking impacts on family and moral values. Students who have a drinking family member were 4.6 times more likely to drink than those who do not have.

Rate of Utilization of Skilled Birth Attendant and the Influencing Factors in an Urban Myanmar Population

A survey study aimed at identifying rates and predictive factors on utilization of skilled birth attendant (SBA) among pregnant women. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 200 Myanmar women aged 18 to 49 years in Kalay Township. Data were collected by interview questionnaire from March 1 to 15, 2012, and data were analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation, χ2 test, and multiple logistic regression analysis. The utilization rate of SBA was 74%. Factors significantly predicting utilization of SBA (P < .05) were level of maternal and child health (MCH) knowledge, attitude toward SBA, and accessibility to MCH services. The women who had a moderate to good level of knowledge utilized SBA 2.7 times more than those who had a poor level of knowledge (odds ratio = 2.705, 95% confidence interval = 1.31-5.57). The women who had a positive attitude toward SBA utilized SBA 7.7 times more than those who had a negative attitude (odds ratio = 7.708, 95% confidence interval = 3.71-15.98). The women who had high accessibility to MCH services utilized SBA 1.4 times more than those who had low accessibility (odds ratio = 1.477, 95% confidence interval = 1.05-2.21). These factors were able to correctly predict utilization of SBA at 74.9%. MCH knowledge and information on utilization of SBA should be strengthened during every antenatal care visit to enhance positive attitude on utilization of SBA and to increase accessibility to MCH services by providing community antenatal care or home visits.