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Exploring factors contributing to falls in home-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study in Northeastern Thailand Boonkhao, Laksanee; Choochouy, Nattagorn; Rattanachaikunsopon, Pongsak; Laosupap, Kitti; Saenrueang, Thitima; Labcom, Chiraporn; Chakhamrun, Nittaya; Boonsang , Arun; Butsorn, Aree
Narra J Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025): April 2025
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v5i1.1545

Abstract

Falls are the most common accidents among older adults in home settings. Older adults experience falls due to several risk factors. In 2005, Thailand became an aging society, with projections indicating that by 2021, older adults would represent the majority of the population, and by 2035, approximately 30 percent of the population would be older adults. Approximately 3 million fall episodes transpire among older adults each year in Thailand, leading to almost 60,000 hospitalizations. The aim of this study was to examine the factors associated with falls among older adults in northeastern Thailand, hypothesizing that characteristics such as cognitive capacity, visual acuity, hearing acuity, balance ability, and mobility are associated with fall risk in this population. A cross-sectional analytical study involved 264 older adults aged 60 years or older using a questionnaire and a battery of tests that assessed the participants’ cognitive capacity, eyesight proficiency, hearing ability, balancing ability, and mobility. The variables that exhibited a statistically significant association (p<0.05) were employed in a binary logistic regression analysis. The results revealed that falls among home-living older adults were significantly associated with sex, family size, congenital issues, and mobility. Older adults who were female and had a large family, congenital disorders, or mobility impairments were at a higher risk of falls, which emphasizes the need for personalized prevention strategies. It is recommended to adopt a proactive healthcare strategy to prevent falls and ensure safe living conditions. Interventions aimed at improving balance, mobility, and mental health, as well as encouraging an active lifestyle, may reduce the risk of falls among older adults living in the community. The findings may aid private and government agencies in developing effective fall prevention programs for older adults living at home.
Assessment of PM10  Exposure Risk in Communities Downwind and Upwind of Stone Milling Plants in Northeastern Thailand Boonkhao, Laksanee; Pinpan, Savittri; Philabut, Aorawanya Philabut; Kantow, Supakan; Rattanachaikunsopon , Pongsak
Unnes Journal of Public Health Vol. 13 No. 2 (2024)
Publisher : Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) in cooperation with the Association of Indonesian Public Health Experts (Ikatan Ahli Kesehatan Masyarakat Indonesia (IAKMI))

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15294/ujph.v13i2.4135

Abstract

 PM10 particles can be inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream and lymphatic systems.However, there is a lack of information in Thailand regarding the release of dust fromstone mill units and the potential health risks it poses to the surrounding community. Theaim of this research is to assess the health risks associated with PM10 exposure for residents of communities surrounding stone milling plants in Northeastern Thailand. Thestudy included a total of 225 households located both downwind and upwind of the stonemilling plants. Data were gathered by the conduct of a questionnaire to the participants,as well as the collection of PM10 particulate matter in the specified area. The collectionof PM10 was conducted following the established NIOSH method number 0600. Thenon-carcinogenic attributes of PM10 were analyzed based on the guidelines provided bythe Environmental Protection Agency. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed onthe collected data to determine various parameters such as frequency, percentage, average,maximum, and minimum values. The mean concentration of PM10 in the downwindcommunity was 0.024796 mg/m3 (S.D. = 0.0551), while in the upwind community itwas 0.000232 mg/m3 (S.D. = 0.0002). The community exhibited Hazard Quotient (HQ)values that were considered acceptable, along with lower exposure levels. However, theresidents in the surrounding areas of the stone mill may be exposed to dust from a varietyof sources, including transportation, construction, and the burning of agricultural material. The current study’s findings are anticipated to provide important information to improve the understanding of PM10exposure in populations living near stone milling plants.