Hue Province Research Articles

Determining the factors impacting the quality of life among the general population in coastal communities in central Vietnam

People living in coastal areas are frequently affected by natural disasters, such as floods and storms. This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) of people living in disadvantaged coastal communes (subdivision of Vietnam) and identify their associated factors by using the World Health Organization’s quality of life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF). To achieve this, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 595 individuals aged 18 years and above living in the coastal communes in Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam, from October 2022 to February 2023. The results showed that the mean overall QoL (mean ± SD) was 61.1 ± 10.8. Among the four domains of QoL, the physical health (57.2 ± 12.3) domain had a lower score than the psychological health (61.9 ± 13.0), social relations (63.4 ± 13.4), and environment (61.9 ± 13.3) domains. The QoL score of the domains for participants affected by flooding was significantly lower than that of those not affected, except for social relations. Multivariable logistic regression showed that subjects with not good QoL had the educational background with no formal education (Odds ratio (OR) = 2.63, 95% CI 1.19–5.83), fairly poor/poor households (OR = 2.75, 95% CI 1.48–5.12), suffered Musculoskeletal diseases (OR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.02–2.56), unsatisfaction with health status (OR = 5.27, 95% CI 2.44–11.37), family conflicts (OR = 4.51, 95%CI 2.10–9.69), and low levels of social support (OR = 2.62; 95% CI 1.14–6.02). The analysis also revealed that workers (OR = 0.17, 95% CI 0.04–0.66) had a better QoL than farmer-fisherman. QoL in disadvantaged coastal communes was low, with the lowest scores in the physical health domain. Based on the socioeconomic factors associated with not good QoL identified here, it is recommended that local authorities take more appropriate and practical measures to increase support, including measures for all aspects of physical health, psychological health, social relations, and the living environment, especially for people affected by floods.

Effect of vermicompost application on growth and yield of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under organic cultivation

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is an important and commercial vegetable crop. Organic farming is increasingly popular in Vietnam. Vermicompost, an organic fertilizer processed from red earthworm and cow manure, has a positive effect on plant growth, yield and quality of plant, and improved the soil fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of vermicompost named BioGrow01 on the growth, yield, quality of lettuce plants and soil property under organic cultivation. A field experiment was conducted in the spring season from January to May 2022 at an organic farm at Huong An commune, Huong Tra town, Thua Thien Hue province, Central Vietnam (N16047’2660”; E107052’6904”) with five application levels (e.g. 5, 8, 10, 12 and 15 tons per one hectare) of the vermicompost of BioGrow01. Growth parameters, yield components, yield of lettuce and soil property were investigated. The results showed that the vermicompost produced from cow manure and red worm had a positive effect on the growth and yield of lettuce. Application at the level of 12 and 15 t/ha was optimal levels produced highest yield of 20.3 and 22.7 t/ha, respectively. The soils decomposed with the vermicompost were increased organic matter and improved soil physical, chemical and biological properties. As results, farmers are recommended to use the vermicompost as an organic fertilizer for organic lettuce production.

Management of heavy metals in rice (Oryza sativa) soils by silicon rich biochar materials

Multiple heavy metals have contaminated soils with a combination of ecological consequences that make soil remediation more challenging. An experiment was conducted during 2022–23 at University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, Hue city, Vietnam to evaluate the potential of silicon rich biochar from rice (Oryza sativa L.) husk and peanut shell in the remediation of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) present in rice soils of central Vietnam. A total of 20 samples of rice soil were taken from two distinct locations, Quang Tho commune and Thuy Phuong ward, Thua Thien Hue province, Central Vietnam to measure the quantity of heavy metals and evaluate the level of pollution. Silicon is a beneficial element and its external application as fertilizer seems impractical. Therefore, in this study, the effects of different silicon-rich materials [rice husk biochar (RHB) and peanut shell biochar (PSB)] at 6 different rates (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5%) were determined in reducing heavy metal (Cd and Pb). The mean concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in soil samples ranged between 0.56–22.14 mg/kg; 19.48–81.30 mg/kg; 23.26–48.54 mg/kg and 28.47–55.12 mg/kg, respectively. Cd and Pb toxicity in rice soil samples was greater in Thuy Phuong ward than the average shale values. Considering the pollution load index (PLI), a total of 6 sites in Thuy Phuong ward had values >1.0 indicating pollution load in the respective sites, and Cd, Pb were the major contaminants in soils of the study area. The addition of silicon-rich materials decreased the contents of Cd and Pb in rice soils with adsorption efficiency from 22.83–38.54% and 30.69–31.53% in rice husk biochar (RHB); 20.47–29.55% and 26.77–27.87% in peanut shell biochar (PSB), respectively. Thus, RHB could be more effective to remediate soils contaminated with heavy metals when compared to other silicon-rich materials.

The seahills and seahills ecosystems in the nearshore of Thua Thien-Hue province (Central Vietnam)

At the seabed in the nearshore, Vietnam has sandbars, shoals, bedrock knobs, rock reefs, and other landforms with elevations a few to several tens of meters higher than the seabed, which is always under the lowest astronomical tide (chart datum) and material structure of diverse compositions such as sands, gravel, boulders, blocks, etc. They have determined and warned on the chart map for the safety of navigation and the navy. These areas are significant fishing grounds due to abundant fish, shrimp, and benthic organisms. However, until now, investigation, research, and knowledge regarding these landforms’ environment, biomes, and naturals have yet to be explored. This paper presents some initial results of natural features (morphology, genetic terrain, material compositions, and types), environmental features, ecological community features (diversity, major groups of organisms, marine fish resources), and their significance in marine biomes (distribution of organisms, ecological linkage, habitats of endemic species) of a sandbar, bedrock in the nearshore in Thuan An, Tu Hien - Chan May and Lang Co - Hai Van - Son Cha of Thua Thien Hue province in the framework project of Thua Thien Hue province and National Independent Project belongs to the National Program 562 with Code Number is ĐTĐLCN.78/22. Based on these findings, the authors proposed naming this terrain “seahill” and the accompanying ecosystem “seahill ecosystems” in the nearshore of Vietnam while continuing to investigation, survey, and research.

Using Factor Analysis To Find Source Atmospheric Pollution By Moss Technique

The aim of this investigation was to apply the moss biomonitoring technique using Barbula Indica moss and factor analysis to evaluate the possible sources of atmospheric pollution in the Thua Thien Hue province. The Barbula Indica moss samples were collected at sixteen sites in the areas of Thua Thien Hue province, the central Vietnam. The concentrations of thirty elements in the collected Barbula Indica moss samples were determined by neutron activation analyses at the reactor IBR-2 at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna, Russian Federation. Factor analysis has been applied to the obtained concentrations to reveal the possible pollution sources. Rotated factor loadings suggested three factors, that could explained more than 84% of variability. Additionally, factor scores were calculated, that confirmed the presence of pollution sources in the corresponding sites.

Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Returnee Migrant Workers’ Income, Psychological Well-Being, and Daily Life Expenses: A Case Study in Thua Thien Hue Province

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the lives, economies, and cultures of communities in Vietnam despite it no longer being considered a global emergency. Migrant workers who returned to their localities during the outbreak are among the most vulnerable groups affected by the pandemic. This study surveyed 298 returning migrant workers in 6 Thua Thien Hue province coastal communes to understand the pandemic’s effects on them. Results indicate that the pandemic has affected migrant workers differently based on their work type, education level, and gender. The pandemic severely impacted workers’ employment and income, with self-employed workers being the most affected. The reduction in income led to changes in their quality of life, including cutting down on expenses and experiencing increased stress. In particular, female migrant workers with limited education have experienced heightened vulnerability and anxiety in comparison to their male counterparts, primarily attributed to their societal and caregiving responsibilities. However, most respondents intend to remigrate post-pandemic to continue sending remittances home regardless of the challenges ahead. The findings highlight the need for policies and support measures to improve the resilience and adaptive capacity of migrant workers in the post-pandemic period. These measures should focus on skill improvement, access to job placement networks, social insurance, and employment contracts, and raising awareness about the importance of saving income and providing psychological support.

Intussusception and Other Adverse Event Surveillance after Pilot Introduction of Rotavirus Vaccine in Nam Dinh and Thua Thien Hue Provinces-Vietnam, 2017-2021.

Rotavin-M1 (POLYVAC) was licensed in Vietnam in 2012. The association of Rotavin-M1 with intussusception, a rare adverse event associated with rotavirus vaccines, and with adverse events following immunization (AEFI) have not been evaluated and monitored under conditions of routine use. From February 2017 to May 2021, we conducted a pilot introduction of Rotavin-M1 into the routine vaccination program in two provinces. Surveillance for intussusception was conducted at six sentinel hospitals. AEFI reports at 30 min and 7 days after vaccination were recorded. Among 443 children <12 months of age admitted for intussusception, most (92.3%) were children ≥ 6 months. Of the 388 children who were age-eligible to receive Rotavin-M1, 116 (29.9%) had received ≥1 dose. No intussusception cases occurred in the 1-21 days after dose 1 and one case occurred on day 21 after dose 2. Among the 45,367 children who received ≥1 dose of Rotavin-M1, 9.5% of children reported at least one AEFI after dose 1 and 7.3% after dose 2. Significantly higher AEFI rates occurred among children given Rotavin-M1 with pentavalent vaccines (Quinvaxem®, ComBE Five®) compared to Rotavin-M1 without pentavalent vaccines. There was no association between intussusception and Rotavin-M1. The vaccine was generally safe when administered alone and when co-administered with other vaccines.

Genetic diversity of G9, G3, G8 and G1 rotavirus group A strains circulating among children with acute gastroenteritis in Vietnam from 2016 to 2021

Rotavirus group A (RVA) is the most common cause of severe childhood diarrhea worldwide. The introduction of rotavirus vaccination programs has contributed to a reduction in hospitalizations and mortality caused by RVA. From 2016 to 2021, we conducted surveillance to monitor RVA prevalence and genotype distribution in Nam Dinh and Thua Thien Hue (TT Hue) provinces where a pilot Rotavin-M1 vaccine (Vietnam) implementation took place from 2017 to 2020. Out of 6626 stool samples, RVA was detected in 2164 (32.6%) by ELISA. RT-PCR using type-specific primers were used to determine the G and P genotypes of RVA-positive specimens. Whole genome sequences of a subset of 52 specimens randomly selected from 2016 to 2021 were mapped using next-generation sequencing. From 2016 to 2021, the G9, G3 and G8 strains dominated, with detected frequencies of 39%, 23%, and 19%, respectively; of which, the most common genotypes identified were G9P[8], G3P[8] and G8P[8]. G1 strains re-emerged in Nam Dinh and TT Hue (29.5% and 11.9%, respectively) from 2020 to 2021. G3 prevalence decreased from 74% to 20% in TT Hue and from 21% to 13% in Nam Dinh province between 2017 and 2021. The G3 strains consisted of 52% human typical G3 (hG3) and 47% equine-like G3 (eG3). Full genome analysis showed substantial diversity among the circulating G3 strains with different backgrounds relating to equine and feline viruses. G9 prevalence decreased sharply from 2016 to 2021 in both provinces. G8 strains peaked during 2019–2020 in Nam Dinh and TT Hue provinces (68% and 46%, respectively). Most G8 and G9 strains had no genetic differences over the surveillance period with very high nucleotide similarities of 99.2–99.9% and 99.1–99.7%, respectively. The G1 strains were not derived from the RVA vaccine. Changes in the genotype distribution and substantial diversity among circulating strains were detected throughout the surveillance period and differed between the two provinces. Determining vaccine effectiveness against circulating strains over time will be important to ensure that observed changes are due to natural secular variation and not from vaccine pressure.

Root and canal morphology of mandibular second molar

Background: The mandibular second molar is the main chewing tooth and often suffer from pulp damage due to the misalignment of the mandibular third molar. In addition, it’s C-shaped root canal system is a challenge for endodontic treatment. This emphasizes the significance of tooth morphology and root canal system study which can contribute to anthropology, as well as Odonto-Stomatology. Purpose: The objective of this study was explore the morphology and root canal system of the mandibular second moalar in order to provide indicators dentistry applications. Materials and methods: Preclinical (in vitro) study was conducted on 48 mandibular socond molars which was collected in Thua Thien Hue province from December 2021 to June 2022. The teeth were measured externally and determine the shape of the roots. The canal system was examined with two methods including clearing technique and Cone Beam CT. Results: The average length of mandibular second molar was 20.37 ± 1.28 mm. 81.2% of teeth had one root, and 18.8% had two. The teeth with C-shaped roots accounted for 31.2%. The majority of distal roots possessed a simple type I (single canal) configuration. While the canal system of mesial roots was more complex which contained two canals, of which type I, II, III, IV were the most prevalent. C-shaped canal morphology was observed in 31.2% of the examined teeth. Conclusion: The root canall system of mandibular second molar was complex, the percentage of C-shaped canal was high (31.2%). There was similarlu results of two methods of clearing technique and Cone Beam CT in examining the root canal system of mandibular second molars. Key words: mandibular second molar, root canal system, C-shaped root, C-shaped root canal.

Community-based early warning systems in a changing climate: an empirical evaluation from coastal central Vietnam

ABSTRACT Climate-related hazards severely threaten human lives and livelihoods and are projected to increase due to global warming. Early warning systems are essential in mitigating losses, and community-based early warning systems (CBEWS) aim to empower at-risk communities for better preparedness and response. Though CBEWS have been implemented in several countries, the assessment of their effectiveness remains limited. To address this research gap, we assess existing CBEWS practices in the Thua Thien Hue (TTH) province in Central Vietnam in terms of community capacity and the process of establishing CBEWS. We use qualitative data from focus group discussions (FGDs) in six coastal communes with 133 participants representing different community groups. FGD results were transcribed and processed with the software Nvivo12. The findings reveal that CBEWS have significantly improved disaster risk reduction efforts and promoted the active participation of communities in TTH. However, there is also evidence of insufficient communities capacities and ownership. Gaps in the establishment of CBEWS stem from constraints in community engagement and investments in the system at the grassroots level. Findings further show that long-term political and financial commitment from the government and an enabling environment for community commitment, rather than the support from outsiders, determine the sustainability of CBEWS.

APPROACHES TO DETERMINING STEM TOPICS IN LEARNING PHYSICS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF VIETNAM

STEM education is currently considered one of the main trends in global education. This article presents the defi- nition, classification and formation process of STEM topics in Vietnamese secondary school students’ learning of physics. The results of a study conducted at An Luong Dong Secondary School (Thua Thien Hue Province, Viet- nam) are analyzed.

Mortality pattern analysis in Thua Thien Hue province during the period from 2013 to 2020: application of family planning population information management sortware

ABSTRACT Background: The mortality model reflects the economic, cultural, social, and political conditions of a region or country. Determining disease and mortality patterns helps the healthcare sector develop comprehensive healthcare plans for the population. Objectives: to describe characteristics, and results of mortality rate in Thua Thien Hue province from 2013 to 2020. Subject and method: Mortality patterns were identified using the secondary data in the period from 2013 to 2020 managed through the specialized statistical software of the Sub-Department of Population. The crude death rate (CDR) and age-specific death rate (ASDR) were calculated per 1000 people. The mortality patterns were analyzed over the study period based on CDR and ASDR. Results: The continuous trend of an increasing elderly population was observed in Thua Thien Hue province. The lowest overall mortality rate in the province is 3.61 ‰ (2020) and the highest is 4.86 ‰ (2013). The overall CDR in males was reported to be higher than that in females during the study period across the 9 districts, towns, and cities, as well as province-wide. The ASDR showed improvement over time in each age group, with the most significant increase observed in the age group above 60 years. Conclusion: The crude death rate and age-specific death rate were changed and tended to decrease during the study period in the province, as well as in districts, towns, and Hue City. Keywords: crude death rate, age-specific death rate.

Isolation and identification of yeasts from local fruits in Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam

In this study, a total of 30 yeast isolates were recovered from local fruits in Thua Thien Hue province. Genetic characterization based on the ITS sequences identified isolates belonging to 3 species including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lachancea fermentati, and Clavispora fructus, with high sequence homology (over 99%) compared to published sequences in the GenBank. All identified S. cerevisiae isolates could grow well at 30°C and ferment several sugar including fructose, galactose, sucrose, mannose, maltose, and raffinose with different performances, but were inhibited at temperature higher than 35°C. The strains also grew well in the medium containing 5% ethanol (v/v) and 200 g/L glucose, but their growth ability was decreased gradually with an increase in ethanol and glucose concentrations. Interestingly, D14 strain was able to grow in the medium supplemented with 12% of ethanol, and 500 g/L of glucose at 45°C, while D7 strain could utilize both mannitol and glycerol at a low level. Our results also indicated that some strains have relatively high sedimentation efficiency, which are favorable conditions for beer fermentation and biomass recovery. The isolated yeast strains with good tolerance properties may provide a potential source of valuable raw materials for applications in beverage production and food processing.

Decoding the livelihood vulnerability of flood-prone communities in Vietnam: Implications for disaster risk reduction and sustainable rural development

In the midst of increasing global uncertainties, understanding household vulnerability to disaster risks and identifying the most susceptible individuals and communities has become an urgent concern. This study assesses and compares the flood vulnerability of two communities, Quang Tho and Quang Phuoc, in Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam. The study utilizes primary data collected in 2022 from 280 rural households whose livelihood sources are agriculture and fishery. Flood vulnerability is determined by applying the Livelihood Vulnerability Index based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's definition (LVI-IPCC) approach. Our analysis reveals that both communities exhibit moderate vulnerability to flood hazards across various dimensions. Notably, fishing-only communities are found to be more vulnerable to flooding compared to mixed agri-fishery farmers. Additionally, we have identified several factors that exacerbate vulnerability, including poverty, low education levels, single parenthood, limited resources, narrow livelihood strategies, and inadequate social connections. Therefore, development policies and disaster risk reduction programs should prioritize disadvantaged groups, focusing on promoting social inclusion and gender equality in accessing services and public resources. It is concluded that tailored disaster risk management and rural livelihood development initiatives are crucial to addressing each community's specific vulnerabilities and challenges, fostering resilience, and thus reducing future risks. Achieving greater sustainability and equilibrium for vulnerable groups necessitates continuous action and investment.

Toxoplasma gondii contamination in fresh vegetables destined for human and livestock consumption in Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

Toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonosis that shows severe symptoms in immunocompromised patients. High seroprevalences of toxoplasmosis were found in cats, humans, and pigs in traditional farms in Thua Thien Hue province. The main sources of infections remain unknown, thus making toxoplasmosis neglected and uncontrollable in this region. This study aimed to determine T. gondii contamination in vegetables used for human and livestock consumption and its spatial distribution in Thua Thien Hue rural areas. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate T. gondii contamination in vegetables grown in households in three different geographic regions. The pathogen DNA was detected from vegetable samples using a primer pair that is highly specific for the 529-bp repetitive element found in T. gondii genome. In this study, 55 out of 221 (24.9%) vegetable samples were positive for T. gondii using PCR. Factors, including location, presence of fence in the garden, owning cats, and treatment of feed for cats, were not significantly associated with T. gondii contamination in vegetables according to the logistic regression. However, vegetables collected in households that have no fence for vegetable gardens, own cats, and feed cats raw or undercooked foods tend to be more heavily contaminated than others. Furthermore, a wide distribution of infected vegetables was observed in all investigated districts, showing a high infection pressure in these residential areas. This is the first report of vegetables contaminated with T. gondii in Vietnam, which reveals an overlooked health risk for humans and animals.

Analysis of documents issued during two phases responding to COVID-19 in Thua Thien Hue province through matching against the set of essential functions of public health in Vietnam.

ABSTRACT The Thua Thien-Hue province study in 2022-2023 on "Analysis of Documents issued during the COVID-19 Pandemic Through Matching against the Essential Functions of Public Health" is one of a series of basic studies that the Public Health Association (VPHA) has conducted right during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam. The main objective of these studies is to understand the gaps in the practical application of the functions and subfunctions of the EFPHs toolkit and to find effective complementaries to have a good preparedness for future health emergency response. The research series was divided into two phases: In phase one, the research object is documents issued during the pandemic, but only from agencies at the central level, including the government, the National Steering Committee, and the Ministry of Health. those default places are the most important decision-making bodies directly related to the pandemic. The second phase is conducted in three provinces of the Public Health Association in three regions of Vietnam, including Yen Bai, Hue, and Dong Thap. The main objective of this second phase study is to describe the epidemic pattern occurring at the provincial level and decisions made at the local levels through documents issued: the textual data from the Province, District, and Commune were also matched against the EFPHs toolkit to draw specific lessons at the grassroots level in responding to a real pandemic. These studies were conducted by the Yen Bai, Hue, and Dong Thap Public Health Associations with technical support from the Vietnam Public Health Association. Readers are invited to follow the specific research results of each province. Keywords: public health functions, directive documents, Covid-19, Thua Thien Hue

“Self-compassion and life satisfaction in Vietnamese adolescents: the mediating role of emotional and behavioral problems”

Purpose The current study aims to examine the relationship between self-compassion and life satisfaction in Vietnamese adolescents and investigate the possibility that emotional and behavioural problems mediate this relationship. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative means of data collection and analysis were used to investigate the relationship between self-compassion and life satisfaction and the underlying mechanism of this relationship. A set of questionnaires was presented to a sample of 828 adolescents (M age = 14.61; SD = 1.08) aged 14–17 years from two secondary schools and two high schools in Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam. This helped to determine their self-compassion (self-compassion scale), emotional and behavioural problems (strengths and difficulties questionnaire) and life satisfaction (life satisfaction scale). Instruments reflected satisfactory reliability and validity. Findings The results show that self-warmth was positively associated with life satisfaction and that self-coldness was positively associated with emotional and behavioural problems and negatively associated with life satisfaction in Vietnamese adolescents. Emotional and behavioural problems fully mediated the negative relationship between self-coldness and life satisfaction. Practical implications It is implied that intervention programmes should be tailored to both promote self-compassionate behaviours and reduce self-coldness, to increase life satisfaction in adolescents. Originality/value The research available on the relationship between self-compassion and life satisfaction in adolescents, especially adolescents from Southeast Asia, is very sparse. More significantly, the underlying mechanisms behind this relationship are not yet fully understood.

Knowledge, attitude and practice on the use of vietnamese medicinal plants for common diseases treatment among people in Phu Vang district, Thua Thien Hue province

Background: Vietnamese herbs are considered as a botanical resource, a precious medicinal source of our country, and are widely used in the residential community in general. Phu Vang district is a coastal plain and lagoon in Thua Thien Hue province, where people’s living standards are not high, health facilities lack equipment. Therefore, the needs for primary health care are necessary to be strengthened, especially in the treatment of common diseases using Vietnamese herbs to reduce costs and improve health for the people. However, the knowledge of the local residents about Vietnamese herbs preventing and treating common diseases at home has not been surveyed. Objectives: (1) To describe the knowledge, attitude and practice on the use of Vietnamese herbs used in the treatment of common diseases of residents in some communes of Phu Vang district. (2) To determine some factors related to the use of Vietnamese herbs in the treatment of common diseases among the residents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 residents representing the heads of households in three communes of Phu Vang district, Thua Thien Hue province, Thua Thien Hue province. Descriptive statistical analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed with SPSS software. Results: Knowledge: Good: 45.2%; Fair: 30.8%; Average: 9.0%; Poor: 2.0%. Attitude: 97.0% of residents preferred using Vietnamese herbs in the treatment of common diseases, and 96.6% of residents agreed to continue using Vietnamese herbs to treat similar diseases later. Practice: Good: 7.8%; Fair: 16.7%; Average: 25.3%; Poor: 50.2%. Receiving information about Vietnamese herbs and growing them at home gardens were two factors related to the use of Vietnamese herbs to treat common diseases (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The practice of using Vietnamese herbs to treat common diseases of the residents in Phu Vang district is still low, it is necessary to strengthen educational propaganda to raise the awareness and practice among residents on the prevention and treatment of diseases with Vietnamese herbs at home. Key words: knowledge, attitude, practice, Vietnamese herbs, common diseases, Phu Vang district.

Blood pressure screening results in adults in Thua Thien Hue province through the program “May Measurement Month” 2022 of the International Society of Hypertension

Background: Hypertension is a common disease in adults, also the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide. The prevalence of hypertension has increased, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, hypertension screening is important to provide the basis and evidence for the development of timely intervention policies and programs. The objective of the “May Measurement Month” 2022 program is to investigate the prevalence of hypertension, drug treatment and blood pressure control in people in Thua Thien Hue province and to assess the risk factors surrounding hypertension. Subjects and Methods: This cross–sectional study collected data from volunteer adults (≥ 18 years old) in Thua Thien Hue province from 7/2022 to 8/2022. Sitting blood pressure had been measured in triplicate according to standardized specified methods of the International Society of Hypertension. Results: Average age 54.07 ± 18.17, there were 627 people (23.4%) with hypertension at the time of screening, 245 of which (39.1%) had never been diagnosed with hypertension before screening at the time. 724 people were on treatment with 1 or more types of drug, however, there were 337 people (46.5%) having their blood pressure not controlled. The statistics showed that 84.9% of volunteers were using at least 1 drug to treat hypertension. Related factors of hypertension are age, sex, overweight/obesity status, smoking, medical history of diabetes and medical history of COVID-19. The rate of subjects who had history of COVID-19 was 36.4%, including 31.6% of hypertension patients. Conclusion: The hypertension percentage of Thua Thien Hue population is still high and the rate of blood pressure control is still limited. There is a relationship between hypertension proportion and history of COVID-19. It is necessary to publish timely intervention measures to reduce the rate of hypertension and its risks to people. Key words: Hypertension, screening, control, 2022 MMM program, ISH, COVID-19.

Microscopic characteristics, chemical compositions and bioactivities of Alpinia vietnamica

Background: The genus Alpinia is one of the diverse genera in Thua Thien Hue province, in which many species have been used as medicine. But until now, studies on A. vietnamica have rarely been reported. Objectives: The present study was aimed at the determination of microscopic characteristics and chemical compositions as well as evaluating the antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of A. vietnamica. Materials and methods: A. vietnamica was collected in Phong Dien district, Thua Thien Hue province. Anatomic structures and powder properties were determined by the microscopic method. Phytochemical screening was conducted by specific chemical reactions. The Folin-Ciocalteau method and the aluminum chloride-flavonoid assay, respectively, were used to quantify the total polyphenol (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC). Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay, while acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity was evaluated using the Ellman method. Results: The microscopic characteristics of this species have been described. Phytochemical analysis results revealed the presence of flavonoids, coumarins, and tannins in A. vietnamica. The ethanol extract from the aerial part of A. vietnamica had higher polyphenol and flavonoid contents than the underground part extract. Moreover, this extract also displayed a stronger DPPH radical scavenging and exhibited AChE inhibitory activities. Conclusion: This is the first report on the microscopic characteristics, chemical compositions, and biological activities of A. vietnamica. Key words: Alpinia vietnamica, microscopic characteristics, chemical constituents, antioxidant activity, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory