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OBJECTIVESThis study aimed to characterize the prevalence of poor sleep quality and to identify associated factors among community-dwelling elderly individuals in northern Thailand.METHODSA cross-sectional study was conducted among 266 randomly selected elderly people in a sub-district in rural Chiang Rai Province, northern Thailand. The participants were interviewed using the Thai version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).RESULTSRoughly 44.0% of the participants had poor sleep quality (PSQI score, >5), 9.4% used sleep medication, 27.1% had poor family relationships, and 12.0% had mild depression. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that being female (odds ratio [OR], 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10 to 3.02), a higher education level (OR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.34 to 6.86 for primary school; OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.31 to 5.44 for higher than primary school), mild depression (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.11 to 6.36), and poor family relationships (OR, 3.65; 95% CI, 1.98 to 6.75) were significantly associated with poor sleep quality.CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence of poor sleep quality among the elderly was moderately high. Healthcare providers should regularly conduct screenings for sleep quality and depression; provide sleep health education; and conduct interventions to encourage participating in family activities, resolving conflicts, sharing ideas, and making compromises within the family.

Serum Cholinesterase Levels of Thai Chilli-Farm Workers Exposed to Chemical Pesticides: Prevalence Estimates and AssociatedFactors: Prasit KACHAIYAPHUM, et al. Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Thailand-Objective: To estimate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, abnormal serum cholinesterase (SChE) levels among chilli-farm workers in Chatturat District, Chaiyaphum Province. Methods: A total of 350 chilli-farm workers aged 18-60 yr were randomly sampled and interviewed. A reactive-paper finger-blood test was used to assess SChE levels. Results: The prevalence of abnormal SChE levels was 32.0%. The most common pesticide-related symptoms were dizziness (38.0%), headache (30.9%), nausea/vomiting (26.9%), and fever (26.9%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed 7 factors were independently associated with abnormal SChE level: male gender, single/separated/ divorced, being a permanent worker, spraying pesticide more than 3 times per month, having moderate or poor pesticide-use behaviors, and low perceived susceptibility and severity of pesticide use. Conclusions: The prevalence of abnormal SChE levels among chilli-farm workers was quite high. It would be beneficial to decrease pesticide use and encourage alternative measures. Effective preventive interventions to increase correct perceptions of pesticide use, the use of personal protective measures and continuing monitoring for blood cholinesterase, especially for male permanent farm workers, are recommended. (J Occup Health 2010; 52: 89-98)

This cross-sectional study is aimed to measure the prevalence of patient adherence to treatment regimens and factors affecting glycemic control among Type 2 diabetes patients. 243 diabetes patients seeking care at a tertiary hospital diabetic clinic in Bangkok were interviewed. HbA1c was used as an index of glycemic control. The proportions of cases with good adherence to physical exercise and diet regimen were 31.7 and 54.3%, respectively. About 46.5% reported receiving good social support for diabetes from his/her family. The median of HbA1c was 8% (normal range 4.7-6.3%). Approximately 33.3% achieved good glycemic control (HbAlc < or =7%), while 50.2% had poor control (HbAlc >8%). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated two variables were significantly associated with glycemic control: adherence to diet control and exercise. Interactive health education should be introduced to increase patient adherence to treatment regimens. Family members should be informed about their important roles in encouraging patients' glycemic control.

High HIV incidence has been reported in young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in North America and Western Europe, but there are limited data from Southeast Asia suggesting MSM may be the driver of the HIV epidemic in this region. We described HIV incidence and risk factors among 494 YMSM enrolled in a cohort study in Bangkok, Thailand. The HIV incidence was 7.4 per 100 person-years. In multivariable analysis, reporting use of an erectile dysfunction drug in combination with club drugs, having receptive or both insertive and receptive anal intercourse with men, having hepatitis A infection, having rectal Chlamydia trachomatis, having hepatitis B infection prior to HIV seroconversion, and reporting not always using condoms with male steady partners were significantly associated with HIV incidence in YMSM. Reduction in new HIV infections in YMSM are critical to reach targets set by Thailand and the region.