Bangkok Population Research Articles

Prevalence and exploratory factor analysis of long COVID-19 symptoms among experienced infected population in Bangkok, Thailand

BackgroundPatients with long COVID may experience various concomitant symptoms caused by inflammation, which affect their lives and well-being. In this study, we aimed to (1) investigate the prevalence of long COVID; (2) explore the levels of symptom severity and functional disability owing to long COVID, overall health, and their relationship; and (3) conduct exploratory factor analysis of long COVID-19 symptoms among experienced infected population in the capital of Thailand.MethodsA cross-sectional research design was used and a sample of 337 community members with previously COVID-19 infection in Bangkok, Thailand was recruited for this study. Purposive sampling was used. Data collection was performed using an online and a paper-based questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (number, percentage), odds ratio, exploratory factor analysis, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were used for the data analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of long COVID was 32.9%. The main reported symptoms included anxiety (28.5%), fatigue (26.1%), and dyspnea (13.4%). There was a significant relationship between symptom severity and functional disability (rs=0.385, p value < 0.01). Overall health was negatively correlated with symptom severity (rs = − 0.291, p < .01) and functional disability (rs = − 0.108, p < .05). Using principal component analysis with Promax rotation, three clusters were identified, explaining 71.44% of the total variance. The Clusters comprised (1) common symptoms of long COVID and communication, (2) fatigue, functioning, and nutritional concerns, and (3) psychosocial impacts.ConclusionsThe present results might help multidisciplinary care teams understand the concurrent symptoms of patients with long COVID and develop rehabilitation care programs to ease all symptoms simultaneously and improve patients’ quality of life.

Exploring the perception of quality of life in urban daily commuting for sustainable urban transport in Bangkok, Thailand

AbstractQuality of life (QoL) in daily travel is increasing in popularity as a research topic since transportation infrastructures and services are instrumental in accessing basic services and social capital benefits in areas such as public health, employment, housing, etc. This accessibility has consequently led to improved QoL for the Bangkok population. In this study, the evaluation of the perception of QoL during the daily travel of Bangkokians in Sukhumvit District, Thailand is conducted using face-to-face interview questionnaires with 500 respondents. The structural equation model (SEM) is employed to quantify QoL and its related multidimensional determinants. Four statistically significant factors affect QoL from the travel perspective: (1) accessibility (p-value 0.001), (2) travel cost (p-value 0.05), (3) environment (p-value 0.05), and (4) information (p-value 0.05). Interestingly, accessibility was found to have the most influence on QoL in daily travel. Therefore, policymakers are recommended to consider the degree to which QoL may be affected to establish transportation policies that are more acceptable, practical, and efficient.

In the Footsteps of Wolfgang Franke: Revisiting Chinese Temples in Bangkok

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Chinese immigrants constituted up to 50% of the population in Bangkok. Beyond their religious role, Chinese temples served as community centers, fostering social connections, news exchange, and providing entertainment for newcomers in the Thai capital. With archival records scarce, the preserved epigraphy within these temples emerges as a crucial historical source. This article revisits Wolfgang Franke’s documented sites from the 1970s and 1980s, finding that the inscribed objects generally remain intact, and indicating stability in Bangkok’s Chinese temple culture over the last fifty years. Addressing the lack of a comprehensive listing of Chinese temples and their locations, the article presents a geo-referenced survey, significantly expanding previous lists. The survey data are available online as supplemental material, contributing to the documentation of Chinese religious sites in Southeast Asia. The article concludes by reflecting on the historical evolution of temple construction in Bangkok.

The Correlation between the Knowledge and Understanding of Eating Behavior Appropriate for each Blood Type and its Impact on Obesity among the Population in Bangkok

Obesity is now a major concern among Thai citizens and the world population, as the proportion of people who are obese has been rising for decades. Obesity can lead to many health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and diabetes, and therefore is a problem that should be addressed. As various studies have suggested, there is an association between blood types and certain diseases including obesity. Eating behaviors appropriate for each blood type is one of the suggested ways to lose weight and be healthy. Accordingly, we conducted a survey on the Bangkok citizens to find the correlation between their knowledge and understanding of eating behaviors appropriate for each blood type and their impact on obesity, with a total of 301 responses obtained from Google Forms. The questionnaires include general information and questions about blood type diets. The results showed no significant correlation between knowledge and understanding of blood type diets and the body mass index (BMI). However, there is a significant correlation between gender and knowledge of the blood type diet. As a result, this study has revealed a lack of awareness on blood type diets among the population in Bangkok, which has a knowledge score of 7.99 out of 20, and showed that there is no significant correlation between the score and obesity.

Consumers Discernment on Online Shopping

The researcher aims to study Consumers Discernment on Online Shopping, To study the personal factors of consumers that have a relationship with the decision to purchase products. Through the online shopping channel of online consumers in Bangkok ,.to study the marketing mix of consumers that have a relationship with the decision to purchase products online of online consumers in Bangkok., To study consumer perceptions that have a relationship with the decision to purchase products through Online shopping channels of online consumers in Bangkok Population and sample Data were collected from a group of 500 consumers who purchased products through online channels in Bangkok., this research study The researcher has formulated a conceptual framework from the synthesis of concepts, theories, and research related to Consumers Discernment on Online Shopping on the concept ., [2]Kotler, Philip. Marketing management. Pearson Prentice Hall. 2009.), (2023). Consumer Perception towards Online Shopping) Data collection tools/methods The tools used in the research are Questionnaire by collecting data from consumers' perceptions of online shopping. of online consumers in Bangkok by method and using questionnaires as (Questionnaire) through online channels consisting of Consumer perception of online shopping consists of exposure, intention to perceive, and understanding of consumers towards online shopping in Bangkok. showcasing blend comprising of cost, dispersion channels Promoting advancement In terms of clear measurements items, the measurements utilized are recurrence (Recurrence), rate (Rate), cruel (Cruel) and standard deviation (Standard Deviation). Reference measurements examination. The insights utilized are t tests (Autonomous Tests). t-test), One-Way Investigation of Fluctuation (ANOVA), Relationship Examination, and Stepwise Different Relapse Investigation. The results showed The Leadership style and practitioner motivation. Hypothesis 1(H1) Consumer perception of online shopping Consisting of exposure, intention to perceive, and understanding of consumers towards online shopping. In Bangkok Affects the decision to purchase products through the channel Online in Bangkok, DE=0.16**. Accept the research hypothesis. and Hypothesis 2 (H2) The marketing mix consists of price and distribution channels. Marketing promotion Product side of consumers towards online shopping In Bangkok Affects the decision to purchase products through the channel Online in Bangkok DE=0.52*,IE=0.37*Accept.

Hearing health survey of the population in Bangkok

In this cross-sectional random survey among Thai adults living in Bangkok, we aimed to identify the prevalence of hearing problems and examine their relationship with individual factors. We administered a self-report questionnaire and performed pure-tone air conduction threshold audiometry. A total of 2463 participants (1728 female individuals) aged 15–96 years were included. The hearing loss prevalence was 53.02% and increased with age. The prevalence of a moderate or greater degree of hearing impairment was 2.8%. Participants aged 65 years and over had 8.56 and 6.79 times greater hearing loss and hearing impairment than younger participants, respectively. Male participants were twice as likely to have hearing loss and hearing impairment as female individuals. Participants with higher education levels showed less likelihood of having hearing loss and hearing impairment than those with no or a primary school education. Participants who ever worked under conditions with loud noise for > 8 h per day had 1.56 times greater hearing loss than those without such exposure. An inconsistent correlation was found between hearing loss, hearing impairment and noncommunicable diseases (diabetes, hypertension, and obesity). Although most participants had mild hearing loss, appropriate care and monitoring are necessary to prevent further loss in such individuals. The questionnaire-based survey found only people with hearing problems that affect daily communication.

Outreach strategies to promote HIV testing and linkage-to-care focusing on a young sexual and gender-diverse population in Bangkok, Thailand.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevalence among young gender-diverse (a wide range of gender identities for people whose gender identity is different from the sex that they were assigned at birth) individuals is high but testing coverage among this key population remains low. We aim to evaluate strategies for outreach, HIV testing, and linkage to proper management in young men-who-have-had-sex-with-men (MSM, homosexual male) and transgender women (TGW) in Bangkok, Thailand. The "YM2M outreach program" consisted of two strategies: 1) online platforms (OP) and 2) physical outreach activities (POA). Participant questionnaires were completed on a voluntary basis during outreach activities during 2018-2021. Demographic and behavioral characteristics were assessed for association with HIV positivity. A total of 3,972 homosexual male and TGW participated in the YM2M program: 2,973 by OP and 999 by POA. Of 2,230 participants who reported gender identity, 603/1,392 (43.3%) of OP and 252/985 (25.6%) of POA were gender diverse. Of 631 (21.2%) participants in OP and 970 (97.1%) in POA who underwent testing, 286 (45.3%) in OP and 41 (4.2%) in POA were HIV-positive. The venue reporting highest HIV yield was the Mor-Lam (11.5%). Among those with an HIV-positive test, 175 (61.2%) from OP and 23 (51.1%) from POA were successfully linked to HIV care. The independent factors associated with HIV positive in OP were being youth (adjusted odd ratio (aOR), 0.37; 95%CI 0.16-0.81; P = 0.01) and suspected or confirmed STI (aOR 15.39; 95%CI 7.17-33.03, P<0.01); while those in in POA at Mor-Lam were being gender diverse (aOR, 8.43; 95%CI 1.94-36.62; P<0.01) and reactive syphilis test (aOR, 5.40;95%CI 2.45-11.88; P<0.01). Linkage to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among HIV-negative participants was low, 4.9% and 2.6% in OP and POA participants, respectively. While uptake of HIV testing was higher in POA while OP was more effective in identifying undiagnosed people living with HIV/AIDS and linking them to care. Neither strategy was considered effective in linkage to PrEP.

The Correlation between Breakfast Consumption and the Probability of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease in Bangkok Population

Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia, is known to be widely prevalent in the worldwide population, including Thailand. The incidence of this illness in Thailand is increasing rapidly and is expected to reach a million by 2030 (Doungkaew &amp; Taneepanichskul, 2014). We are concerned that this rise is caused by the trend during these modern days, where skipping breakfast is becoming more popular due to time constraints. Hence, we conducted a survey research by providing questionnaires to 180 individuals of all ages across Bangkok, asking for their frequency in consuming breakfast per week and their likelihood in having Alzheimer’s. This was done through an online platform, Google Form. To test whether the two aforementioned variables are correlated with one another, Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) program version 29 was used for data analysis. One-Way ANOVA (F-test) was used to determine the significance between age group and the risk of getting Alzheimer’s. The result showed that age is a significant factor which can promote the illness. Age 41 and above tend to have a stronger probability in developing the disease because of the easier spread of a protein called tau-protein, which is involved in causing Alzheimer’s disease (Wegmann et al., 2019). Pearson’s correlation test has shown that there is a negative correlation between the frequency of breakfast consumption and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This is likely due to low blood sugar levels and lack of beneficial nutrients contained in breakfast . In the future, we hope that this research could be beneficial to other people by raising awareness on this particular topic regarding the importance of frequency of breakfast consumption in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Molecular Detection and Genetic Characterization of Zoonotic Hookworm in Semi-Domesticated Cats Residing in Monasteries in Bangkok, Thailand.

Hookworms are the most common parasitic nematodes in the genus of Ancylostoma that infect both humans and animals in subtropical and tropical South East Asia. The common hookworm species in cats is Ancylostoma ceylanicum which is emerging in Thailand. However, the genetic characterization of hookworms in cats is outdated and insufficiently studied in Thailand. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors and genetic characterization of hookworm infection in semi-domesticated temple cats in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 500 temple cat fecal samples were collected from 43 monasteries in 24 districts of Bangkok, Thailand. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed by amplifying the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (cox 1) gene. The infection prevalence of hookworm in temple cats was 13.2% (66/500). The highest prevalence was 34.6% in the Bang Khun Thian district, which is located in a suburban area. The risk factor analysis revealed that cats older than one year (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.5, p < 0.05), lack of veterinary attention (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.7-4.9, p < 0.001) and Bangkok zone (suburban vs. inner city; OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.6-5.4, p < 0.001) were significantly increasing hookworm infection risk. All hookworm positive samples were identified as A. ceylanicum by ITS gene. Moreover, genetic characterization of cox 1 gene in A. ceylanicum isolates indicated a mix of isolates from humans, cats and dogs. The findings show that temple cats can act as a potential source of zoonotic hookworm parasites for the human and animal population in Bangkok, Thailand. Therefore, appropriate control measures for hookworms in semi-domesticated temple cats as well as prevention measures for hookworms in pet cats and humans should be promoted.

Psychometric Properties of Scales for Assessing Experiential Avoidance

Objective: To study and compare the psychometric properties, reliability, and validity of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II) and the Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (MEAQ), which were translated into Thai.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This study used the AAQ-II and MEAQ, which were back translated into Thai. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used in conjunction to collect data from 35 graduate students (females 77.1%) and 462 people from the general population of Bangkok (females 74.2%).&#x0D; Result: Item Objective Congruence (IOC) of AAQ-II and MEAQ was 0.79 and 0.87, respectively. Both had high correlation coefficients with DASS-21 and SWLS, indicating criteria-related validity. Moreover, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was also carried out. The correlation coefficient to the original was high (0.96 for AAQ-II and MEAQ, and subscales ranging from 0.83-0.94). They also had high internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha being 0.89 in AAQ-II and 0.92 in MEAQ, with high construct reliability (0.88 and 0.79-0.86).&#x0D; Conclusion: The translated versions of AAQ-II and MEAQ have good psychometric properties. When comparing AAQ-II with MEAQ, it was noted that the correlation between AAQ and other scales was higher than MEAQ, which only had a moderate correlation. AAQ-II also tends to have a high association with distress variables. However, it is still possible to assess experiential avoidance. Thus, the use of each questionnaire will be depended on certain objectives.

Health-Risk Behaviors, COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors, and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Working-Age Population of Bangkok, Thailand.

Although studies have extensively discussed the effects of COVID-19 on global health behaviors, little is known about the extent of COVID-19 preventive behaviors and their negative effects on the working-age population of Bangkok, Thailand. Therefore, this study aimed to examine health-risk behaviors, COVID-19 preventive behaviors, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among the Thai working-age population. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among working-age adults through a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression. Of the 313 Thai participants (227 females, 72.5%), 84.0% had high levels of health-risk behaviors for preventing COVID-19 infection, most respondents (89.1%) had high levels of knowledge about COVID-19, and most respondents (61.7%) had high levels of overall COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Stepwise multiple regression revealed that health-risk behaviors (β = 0.445), knowledge of COVID-19 (β = 0.148), gender (β = 0.145), and age (β = 0.133) were predictive of COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Additionally, most respondents (48.9%) had moderate overall effects from COVID-19. Based on our findings, these factors must be considered when implementing public policies to improve COVID-19 preventive behaviors among the currently employed working-age population. In addition, appropriate interventions must be established and evaluated for the pandemic’s long-term effects.

The Relationship between Attitudes and Satisfaction Concerning the COVID-19 Vaccine and Vaccine Boosters in Urban Bangkok, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is a global concern. Many individuals are concerned about the potential side-effects of the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccine boosters. The purpose of this study was to assess attitudes and satisfaction concerning COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters in the population in Bangkok, Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey measuring COVID-19 vaccine attitudes and satisfaction was distributed from September to December 2021. Multiple linear regression was used to explore associations between demographic variables and questionnaire results. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to examine associations between attitude and satisfaction scores. Results: A total of 780 questionnaire responses were obtained. The largest groups of participants reported having obtained a first vaccination dose via viral vaccine (52.8%), a second vaccination booster via viral vaccine (49.5%), and a third vaccination booster via mRNA vaccine (28.8%). Multiple linear regression revealed a lower association between vaccine attitude scores and having earned less than a bachelor’s degree (β −0.109; 95% CI −2.541, −0.451) and infection risk without self-isolating (β −0.154; 95% CI −4.152, −0.670) compared with attaining a bachelor’s degree or higher and never having being at risk of infection, respectively. Higher vaccine satisfaction scores were more closely associated with being married than being single (β 0.074; 95% CI −0.073, 3.022), whereas lower vaccine satisfaction scores were less closely associated with non-healthcare workers (β −0.143; 95% CI −4.698, −0.831) and infection risk without self-isolating (β −0.132; 95% CI −6.034, −0.502) compared with non-healthcare workers and never being at risk of infection. There was weak but significant positive correlation between attitude and satisfaction scores (r = 0.338, p-value < 0.001). Hence, a gradual decline in protection following vaccination and the positive effects of a booster dose after primary vaccination have made the decision to administer booster doses. Conclusion: The results suggest that policymakers need to develop more effective strategies to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination.

Flood Hazard Mapping and Flood Preparedness Literacy of the Elderly Population Residing in Bangkok, Thailand

This research aimed at assessing flood hazard areas and flood literacy of the elderly population in Bangkok, Thailand and analyzing their flood preparedness through SWOT analysis. Expert interviews and a community survey were conducted. Using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and GIS technique, the results indicated that land-use, drainage density, and annual maximum rainfall were the most heavily weighted factors in flood hazard mapping in Bangkok. About half (50.32%) of Bangkok’s total area was defined as high flood hazard area. A total of 736 questionnaires were distributed in flood-prone areas and in the areas with the highest percentage of elderly population. The results of both SWOT and survey analysis found that many senior citizens have low digital and media literacy and limited experience in using information technology for flood preparedness. Lack of integration of disaster risk reduction and aging population policy, ineffective warning system, and lack of access to disaster preparedness training were the key barriers in reducing vulnerability to flood hazard. The survey revealed that the majority of elderly respondents (75%) have neither used online applications for their flood hazard management both before and during flood disaster nor shared/communicated information via online platforms. Some respondents (13%) used Facebook and Line applications to obtain information before a flood event. Very few of the elderly respondents (&lt;2%) accessed the national/provincial web-based platform to find out flood-related information. Almost all respondents, especially who are living in high-risk flood zones, had never participated in the community training of flood preparedness and management. Therefore, effective strategies in enhancing social engagement of the elderly and their literacy skills in flood risk preparedness and management are urgently needed.

Identifying Key Implication Factors to Influence the Approach and Promotion of the Sustainable Furniture-Sharing Platform in the Circular Economy in Bangkok, Thailand

The rapid increase in the size of the population in Bangkok is one of the reasons for the swiftly increasing rate of furniture waste generated in the city which creates a significant negative impact on the socioeconomic environment. While most sharing platforms in Thailand are about sharing a ride, habitat, or hand tools; used furniture which often takes up large amounts of space in landfills is normally seldom considered as a potential value stream from the sustainability perspective. To help address this shortfall, a sustainable furniture-sharing platform that is open for all to use was designed to support sustainability practices by encouraging the use of second-hand furniture by individuals rather than them buying new. Consequently, this research investigates possible significant factors that affect the decision of likelihood of usage of the platform to widen the adoption and promotion of the sustainable sharing platform and other sustainability practices. Accordingly, the data collected via an online survey from research into developing a sustainable-sharing platform was analysed by correlation analysis to find out the relationship between possible factors. The findings provided insights which lead to four suggestions: 1) Have those in the younger generation as knowledge spreaders; 2) Have personalised channels and content for better engagement of each target group; 3) Have a reward program as an attraction for target groups who have less interest in the topic; and 4) Promoting activities that let users experience the platform is suggested to increase the likelihood of their usage of it in the future.

EXPLORING THE VIRTUAL MARKET OF RECYCLING: A CASE STUDY IMPROVINGWASTE REUSE AND RECYCLING IN BANGKOK

Increasing quantities of solid waste is a global challenge for many urban areas in industrializing countries, such as Thailand. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set clear targets and indicators to improve the waste situation globally. These targets include higher collection rates, safe disposal practices and enhancing the rates of waste reuse and recycling. Bangkok, with a population of 9.5 million (Population of 2018) is facing a number of challenges in solid waste management. These challenges include an increasing quantity of waste, a shortage of waste disposal sites, and reduced incentives to reuse and recycle waste. While at the same time, 80% of the population has active internet and phone connections (Internet World Statistics, 2018). This paper explores the viability of a virtual waste market in Bangkok by connecting the supply and demand of recyclable waste materials through a mobile application. Particularly, its viability is explored in the nexus between government institutions, informal systems of waste recycling, and in Bangkok population groups. Behaviors and attitudes towards the use of virtual markets to enhance recycling rates have been studied, while key actors (especially those who directly deal with the waste generators) in the recycling chain are also interviewed. The paper concludes that the concept of a virtual market through a mobile application offers the potential to enhance connection between supply and demand. A virtual market offers the advantage of real time information regarding the material’s quality, quantity, prices and locations. It also offers faster and reliable transfer of money. Buyers and sellers can even rate the quality of each other’s services. However, to achieve the full advantages and to build a system, all the actors in the chain need to be connected. The study found that itinerant waste buyers and waste pickers directly access the waste and deal with the waste generators. While these groups are the most important links in the chain, they have a low connectivity to mobile phones and hence could not acquire full benefits of the virtual market. Virtual market works well when the connectivity is available to all the relevant groups. The paper concludes that recycling and reuse rates of waste materials can be increased through virtual market if the support is targeted to connect all. Keyword: Recycling, Waste Reuse, Bangkok, Virtual Market

Vitamin D status in Thai dermatologists and working-age Thai population.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among Thai dermatologists compared with the general working-age population in Bangkok. A cross-sectional study was conducted in healthy Thai physicians who had at least 1years' experience in dermatology practise and a subsample of the general Thai population from the Fourth National Health Survey. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), a combination of 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3, levels in both groups were measured using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The majority of dermatologists were of Fitzpatrick skin type III (n=61, 61.3%) or IV (n=32, 33.3%). The mean serum 25(OH)D and 25(OH)D3 levels were 18.9 and 18.2ng/mL, respectively, whereas the corresponding levels in the general population were 26.5 and 25.8ng/mL. None of the dermatologist had serum 25(OH)D sufficiency (>30ng/mL), 38 (38.78%) had vitamin D insufficiency (20-30ng/mL) and 60 (61.22%) had vitamin D deficiency (<20ng/mL). The frequency of vitamin D deficiency in dermatologists was significantly higher than in the general population (61.2% vs 19.2%, P<0.001). Ninety percent of dermatologists used sunscreen daily and spent time mostly indoors. Dermatologists used physical sun-protection more than half of the time when outdoors, for example, a book or paper as a sunshade (70.3%), an umbrella (48.4%), a long-sleeved shirt (20.4%) or a hat (9.7%). In conclusion, dermatologists showed a remarkably high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency which may be due to inadequate exposure to sunlight, regular use of sunscreen and practicing various sun-protection activities.

714. Predictors of Influenza-Associated Hospitalization and Pneumonia in a Pediatric Population in Bangkok, Thailand

BackgroundInfluenza infection in children can be severe, resulting in complications such as pneumonia, but may be mitigated by early recognition and administration of antivirals. In this study, we identified risk factors for hospitalization and pneumonia in a pediatric population presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) in Thailand.MethodsOur study included pediatric patients (age < 18 years) presenting with ILI to inpatient and outpatient departments at a public hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, from 2009 to 2016. ILI was defined as fever plus cough or sore-throat, and pneumonia was defined as either lung radiographic or pulmonary examination abnormalities. Demographic and clinical data, as well as nasal and throat swabs, were collected during a one-time interview with patients presenting with ILI. Influenza infections were confirmed via RT-PCR testing of respiratory specimens. Retrospective chart review was used to collect data on individuals with influenza admitted for inpatient care.Results5,968 children (33.6%) were enrolled with ILI, of whom 1,530 (25.6%) were confirmed to be influenza by RT-PCR, of which 25.5% were influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, 31.5% influenza A(H3N2), and 43.0% influenza B. 124 (8.1%) patients were admitted, and 41 of these children (33.1%) developed pneumonia. Predictors of hospitalization included younger age (4.1 yrs for inpatients vs. 5.6 yrs) and higher presenting temperature (38.6C for inpatient vs. 38.0C) (both P < 0.05). Among children hospitalized with influenza, influenza subtype was not associated with pneumonia risk. Co-detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae was associated with an increased risk of pneumonia (P < 0.05. Patients with pneumonia were younger (4.1 yrs with vs. 6.4 yrs, P = NS), had a longer interval from fever onset to presentation at the hospital, and required longer hospital stays. Risk of pneumonia was decreased in patients who received oseltamivir within 48 hours of fever onset (odds ratio 0.36, 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.91).ConclusionPost viral pneumonia is a potentially serious complication of influenza, requiring longer hospitalization stay and affecting more than one-third of hospitalized pediatric patients with influenza. The risk of pneumonia can be reduced with early presentation for clinical care and prompt administration of oseltamivir following fever onset.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Selling and buying sex in the city: men who have sex with men in the Bangkok men who have sex with men Cohort Study.

We describe participants in the Bangkok Men who have sex with men Cohort Study (BMCS) who sold or bought sex. Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women aged ≥18 years had HIV testing and behavioral data collected at enrollment and every four months. We evaluated report of receiving money or goods for sex (selling sex) or giving money or goods for sex (buying sex) at enrollment using logistic regression models; we also describe sex work over time, and HIV and syphilis incidence among those who report sex work. At enrollment, 511 (29.3%) of 1744 participants reported buying or selling sex. Factors associated with selling sex were young age, lower education, living alone or living with a friend, being unemployed, higher HIV knowledge, binge drinking and club drug use, a higher number of casual male partners, meeting sex partners at specific venues, having a foreign sex partner, and being HSV-1 seropositive. MSM aged 18-21 years who sold sex had an HIV incidence of 11.1 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 6.7-17.4). Almost one-third of participants from BMCS reported sex work at enrollment. Young men who sold sex had high HIV incidence and HIV prevention interventions are needed for this at-risk population in Bangkok, Thailand.

Captive breeding reveals larval performance and adult body size differences between two geographical populations of the stag beetle Aegus chelifer chelifer (Coleoptera: Lucanidae)

Stag beetles usually have great intraspecific variation in their body sizes, which can be affected by both environmental and genetic factors. However, direct studies on wild-caught specimens may be insufficient to clarify such variation due to the confounding effects of ecological variance in natural habitats. To evaluate this, the stag beetle Aegus chelifer chelifer MacLeay, 1819 was collected from within two localities (Bangkok metropolitan area and Chanthaburi province) in Thailand and then reared under the same condition to investigate the differences in morphological characteristics between the wild-caught and captive-bred beetles and between the two geographical populations. Narrow-sense heritabilities (h2) of the observed traits in adults were not significant. Variation in the body size of captive-bred specimens was less than in the wild-caught specimens and the overlap of the body size variation between the two populations was lower in the captive-bred beetles. The Chanthaburi population had a significantly larger body size than the Bangkok population. Allometric slopes and intercepts were also significantly different between the two geographic populations. Captive-bred larvae showed similar relative growth rates, but male larvae from the Chanthaburi population had a longer feeding period, and so a larger adult body size, than those from the Bangkok population. The differences between the two populations could be explained by adaptation through larval performances and body size in order to respond to their habitats.

ANOVA tables and statistical significance of models

ANOVA tables and statistical significance of models