Sastri Saowakontha

Plasma Resistin, Insulin Concentration in Non-Diabetic and Diabetic, Overweight/Obese Thai

This study investigated levels of fasting plasma glucose (FBS), homeostasis model of the assessment of the insulin resistance (HOMA), lipid profile, insulin, and resistin hormones in 202 individuals, divided into four groups. Two groups had type II diabetes mellitus (DM): one group had been overnourished (DM/OB) (body mass index: BMI equal or above 25) and the other had not (DM/nOB). Two additional groups not suffering from diabetes were either overnourished (nDM/OB) or of normal nutritional status (nDM/nOB). Only the DM/OB group had insulin levels elevated above the other three groups. Resistin levels had been lowest in the nDM/nOB group. When participants of the two nOB groups were pooled into one group and the subjects of the two OB groups were combined into another group, the median plasma resistin levels of the OB groups were significantly higher compared with the nOB groups. Likewise the DM groups had higher resistin levels than the nDM groups. A significant correlation of plasma resistin with BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, FBS, and HOMA score had been observed. The result suggests that plasma resistin has a role in linking central obesity and obesity-related insulin resistance to type II diabetes mellitus.

Iodine deficiency disorder—an old problem tackled again: a review of a comprehensive operational study in the northeast of Thailand

Abstract Between 1991 and 1996 attempts were made to control iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) in the Northeast of Thailand. The project was conducted within the framework of an intervention project with emphasis on women’s health in the reproductive age. IDD was found to be highly prevalent in the project area. The goitre rate of the women was 50,6%. In school children it was between 27 to 93%. The use of iodinated water was not successful. In the project area, iodinated fish sauce was favoured over iodinated salt. This was because the local population mostly use fish sauce instead of salt in their cooking. The results of two independent intervention trials, one with females and another with school children, indicated that iodinated fish sauce could be the best means to control IDD in the area. The experiences gained in the trials were used to control IDD in the whole project area. From 1991 to 1996 the goitre rate of females in the reproductive age decreased to about 20%.

Management of communication channels for health information in the community

Object To investigate channels for communication of health information to various groups in the community. Design An exploratory cross sectional design was used, followed by focus groups of selected participants to confirm and clarify the findings. Setting Five levels of sub-district administration organizations were selected from different districts of Chonburi Province, Thailand. Method A survey using a self-administered questionnaire was carried out. Survey data were collected, analyzed then verified by observation and focus groups conducted in each community. Results Most people (78.7 per cent) receive health information everyday. The internet was an information source used frequently by those respondents less than 35 years of age (45.5 per cent). Health information was received by mobile telephone message, wireless systems and satellite televisions mostly by people less than 35 or 35—44 years old (33.3 and 38.1 per cent respectively). Receipt of health information from television, newspaper and radio was most common in the 35—44 and 45—54 year age groups (29.9 and 30.1 per cent). Distributed or central loudspeaker systems were cited as a source most often by people in the 45—54 year age group (36.0 per cent). Conclusion Findings lead to recommend coordination of health communications, using the internet for health information, preparing for coordination of messages on wireless systems and other new technologies for people in rapidly developing countries. Common communication channels are still useful especially in rural areas. Various interest groups should participate in developing their own models of communication, management, and evaluation for strengthening health development.

Folk Health Wisdoms as an Alternative Health Care Modality in the Community

This study aimed to investigate perceptions and practices of folk health wisdoms among various age groups in Thailand. The study used an exploratory design involving a survey and focus group discussions. Between March 2003 and April 2005, 422 respondents from 5 communities of different districts of Chonburi Province, Thailand were interviewed, and then followed up for clarification of responses by focus groups in each community. Most respondents (93.8%), especially in the older age groups, were familiar with and interested in folk health wisdoms, with 62.8% using one or more kinds of folk health wisdoms. Herbal medicines and massage were most often used as health care, with significant differences in use (p < .05) between younger and older age groups. Younger people (<35 years) used almost every type of folk health wisdom in lesser percentages, with the exception of mind control therapies. Greater use of folk health wisdoms could contribute to improving the health care of the people of Thailand. However, to appropriately use and integrate these practices, the people need to increase their confidence in these modalities and be encouraged by the official health system.