University Students In Thailand Research Articles

Adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines in university students

Background Existing data on adverse effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines among university students are limited. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of adverse effects that may arise from administering COVID-19 vaccines to university students in Thailand. Methods An online survey study was conducted among students from 12 Health Sciences faculties, and from 16 non-Health Sciences faculties of two universities from October 2021 to January 2022 to assess types and adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines received by the students. Results There were 1,439 participating students; 522 (36%) were from Health Sciences faculties, and 917 (64%) were from 16 non-Health Sciences faculties. The types of the first-dose vaccine received were inactivated (49%), viral vector (46%), and mRNA (5%), while the types of the second-dose vaccine received were viral vector (53%), inactivated (40%) and mRNA (7%). The first-dose vaccines’ most common adverse effects of inactivated, viral vector, and mRNA vaccines were muscle pain (47%, 82%, and 58%, respectively). The second-dose vaccines’ most common adverse effects were cough (47%) for inactivated vaccines and muscle pain (49% for viral vector vaccines and 56% for mRNA vaccines). Viral vector vaccines were more likely to cause fever, muscle pain, diarrhoea, headache, and rashes than the others. The mRNA vaccines caused injection site pain more than inactivated vaccines. The majority of adverse effects occurred 24-48 hours after vaccination (68%), were more severe with the first dose compared with the second dose, and resolved spontaneously without any treatment at a hospital. Conclusions The adverse effects experienced by the students were various according to the types and number of doses of COVID-19 vaccines. The adverse effects were mostly non-severe and occurred less for the second dose compared with the first dose.

Factors influencing Thai university students’ decisions to take COVID-19 vaccine booster doses: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundWe aimed to describe the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses and factors influencing this among Thai university students.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted between July and September 2022. All university students in Thailand were eligible to participate. We explored the acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses and regular vaccines (if available) among university students. Associations between factors influencing the acceptance of vaccination were analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsA total of 322 participants were surveyed (78.9% female, age 18 to 49 years (mean = 22.6, standard deviation = 5.47)). Most participants (85.7%) were undergraduate students (Bachelor level), and a proportion (84.8%) had a background in health sciences studies. The proportions who accepted booster doses and regular vaccines were 52.8% and 69.3%, respectively. Vaccine accessibility was found to be significantly associated with the acceptance of booster doses (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–6.97), while the availability of scientific evidence (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI = 1.21–9.77) was significantly associated with the acceptance of regular vaccines.ConclusionsThis study contributes to addressing the knowledge gap regarding acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses among university students in Thailand. Our findings revealed that vaccine accessibility and the availability of scientific evidence, as well as vaccination costs, influenced individuals’ decisions around accepting vaccine booster doses. Further research should focus on the dynamics of vaccine acceptance to facilitate the development of targeted strategies and support vaccination policymaking in Thailand.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use and resistance among health science and non-health science university students in Thailand.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) have been recognized as one of the global health issues affecting humans, animals, and the environment. A lack of knowledge, negative attitudes, and irrational drug use can make significant contributions to the spread of ARB. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotic use and resistance among health science (HS) and non-health science (NHS) students and to determine the factors that influence their KAP concerning antibiotic use and resistance. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 404 HS and NHS students in Southern Thailand from December 2021 to March 2022. The students who fulfilled the study inclusion criteria responded to a questionnaire that had five dimensions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the qualitative variables, and Fisher's exact test was applied to compare the demographic variables, KAP responses between the HS and NHS students. The KAP regarding antibiotic use and resistance for each variable were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test. Spearman's correlation test was used to estimate the correlation between the variables and KAP. A total of 404 (HS,162; NHS,242) students completed the self-administered questionnaire. The students' highest score was for attitude, followed by practice and knowledge. Our findings revealed that the HS students had higher levels of KAP correlated with antibiotic use and resistance than the NHS students (P < 0.001). The higher KAP scores were among the more senior students, which indicates that instruction on antibiotics was effective in their curriculum. Antibiotic use and resistance knowledge and attitudes should be conveyed to all university students via academic curriculum. Such interventions could set the standard for rational antibiotic use as well as long-term prevention and control of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Prevalence and associated factors of dyslipidemia among university students in Central Thailand: a cross-sectional study

Background: Dyslipidemia is regarded as a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs). Currently, there is limited data regarding dyslipidemia among Thai university students. Objective: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its related factors among university students in the central region of Thailand. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 434 students aged 18-25 years at Thammasat University and Kasetsart University were recruited using simple random sampling. Fasting venous blood samples were obtained, and plasma lipid profiles were assessed by an automated analyzer. Dyslipidemia was formally characterized according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP III) guidelines. Demographic information, dietary behavior, and physical activity were collected using questionnaires. Anthropometric measures were also performed according to a standard protocol. Results: The prevalence of elevated total cholesterol, high-risk HDL-C, elevated LDL-C, and elevated triglycerides was 30.4, 18.2, 20.0, and 11.8%, respectively. The most common adverse lipid parameter was total cholesterol in both genders. Obesity and high fat intake were significantly associated with dyslipidemia (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: This research revealed a significant occurrence of dyslipidemia, primarily driven by elevated total cholesterol, among university students in Thailand. Obesity and high fat intake are significant risk contributors to dyslipidemia. These findings emphasize the need for awareness, prevention, and management strategies targeting this population.

Learning with Happiness and Academic Achievement of University Students in Thailand

Learning with Happiness and Academic Achievement of University Students in Thailand

Do Learning Strategies Lead to Improved English Proficiency? A Study of University Students in Thailand

Do Learning Strategies Lead to Improved English Proficiency? A Study of University Students in Thailand

Knowledge and practice of facemask disposal among university students in Thailand: A new normal post the COVID-19 pandemic.

The use of facemasks is essential to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. University students are a significant demographic that generates substantial infectious waste due to the new normal practice of using disposable facemasks. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the facemask disposal knowledge and practices among university students in Thailand between September and October 2022. We used a self-report questionnaire comprising 29 questions to determine the students' demographic characteristics and facemask disposal knowledge and practices. We then applied a logistic regression model to estimate the association between the students' facemask disposal knowledge and practices and their demographic characteristics. A total of 433 participants completed the questionnaire comprising health science (45.27%) and non-health science (54.73%) students. Surgical masks were the most popular masks (89.84%), followed by N95 (26.33%) and cloth masks (9.94%). While their levels of knowledge regarding facemask disposal were poor, the students' practices were good. The factors associated with proper facemask disposal were sex (AOR = 0.469, 95% CI: 0.267, 0.825), academic grade (AOR = 0.427, 95% CI: 0.193, 0.948), and knowledge level (AOR = 0.594, 95% CI: 0.399, 0.886). No demographic factors influenced knowledge. Our findings highlight the influence of facemask disposal knowledge on students' disposal practices. Information promoting the appropriate disposal practices should therefore be promoted extensively. Furthermore, continuous reinforcement by raising awareness and educating students on proper facemask disposal combined with the provision of adequate infectious waste disposal facilities could help reduce the environmental contamination of infectious waste and thus improve general waste management.

How are They Different? Teaching Chinese University Students in Thailand

How are They Different? Teaching Chinese University Students in Thailand

Attitudes and practices related to smoking among university students in Thailand

Objective: To investigate attitudes and practices toward smoking among university students and to identify associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,299 students from five public universities in Thailand. Factor analysis and multiple regression were used for analysis. Results: A higher score of anti-smoking attitude was associated with female gender, majoring in science, living on campus, having a father with primary or secondary school, and those whose father was employed in the private sector. A more positive perceptions about smoking was associated with male gender, having a family income of 30,001–50,000 baht, and having a smoking friend. High positive preventive practice score was associated with those who came from rural areas, having a mother who was self-employed, and having a smoking family member. Conclusions: Although students showed strong anti-smoking attitudes, their preventive practices were poor. These findings should be taken into consideration when developing preventive smoking programs.

Weight Stigma among Young Adults in Thailand: Reliability, Validation, and Measurement Invariance of the Thai-Translated Weight Self Stigma Questionnaire and Perceived Weight Stigma Scale

The previous studies found that the Weight Self Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) and Perceived Weight Stigma Scale (PWSS) have shown well-established psychometric properties for measuring weight stigma with strong reliability and validity from different languages. However, there is a lack of an appropriate instrument in assessing weight stigma in Thai samples. This study aimed to examine the Thai WSSQ and PWSS among Thai university students. Both instruments were also assessed for their measurement invariance across gender and weight status subgroups. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 801 university students in Thailand between January 2022 and July 2022. All participants completed a demographic questionnaire and a Thai version of the WSSQ, PWSS, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) via an online survey. Reliability, validity, measurement invariance, and correlational analyses were performed to investigate whether the Thai versions of the WSSQ and PWSS psychometric properties were acceptable. Both translated questionnaires demonstrated overall acceptable psychometric properties and revealed a two-dimensional structure for the WSSQ, and unidimensional structure for the PWSS. Measurement invariance was obtained across gender and weight status subgroups. Additionally, both translated WSSQ and PWSS were significantly correlated with DASS-21. The Thai-translated WSSQ and PWSS showed strong validity, reliability, and factorial invariance across different subgroups for measuring weight stigma among Thai university students.

Assessing Mental Health Among Thai University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, experts warned of the increasing rate of mental well-being issues among university students. The pandemic impacted the university-age populations, which studies have found to be particularly at risk for COVID-related stress, anxiety, and depression. There is cause for concern, particularly in countries such as Thailand that have relatively underdeveloped mental health systems and greater stigmatization of psychopathology. As a step toward addressing this concern, this study assessed student well-being at a Thai university ( N = 367) using three online survey instruments: the EPOCH Measure of Adolescent Well-being, the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Participants’ scores on all three scales were relatively low compared to the results of previous studies conducted in Thailand and internationally. Based on these results, the authors call for further investigation and interventions to address the growing need for the cultivation of well-being among university students in Thailand.

Patterns of Antibiotic Usage Based on Awareness, Knowledge and Attitude (AKA) among University Students in Chonburi, Thailand

This paper was the first to describe the level of Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitude (AKA) on trend of antibiotics usage among university students in Thailand. Objective This study was aimed to 1) to compare mean of AKA based on socio-demographic among university students in Chonburi and 2) To predict relationship between Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitude (AKA) domain among university students in Chonburi. Subject and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving university students in Burapha University, aged 19 years old from Faculty of Thai Traditional Medicine. The questionnaire utilised in this study was adapted and modified from previous studies; consisted of socio-demographic questions and AKA domains. The data was collected and analysed by descriptive statistics, independent t test and Pearson correlation employing SPSS Version 23.0. Results A total of 91 respondents (female = 83.5%; urban area = 52.7%) were recruited. Overall, Awareness (47.4 ± 15.2), Knowledge (37.1 ± 20.9) and Attitude (35.9 ± 14.7) were reported moderate. Awareness was significantly correlated with Attitude (r = 0.457, p = 0.003). Conclusion This study showed the importance of implementing an educational intervention to educate the students on proper usage of antibiotics.

The Association between Motivation Prevention and Acceptance Vaccine Services for Prevention and Control of the COVID-19 on University Students in Thailand

The Association between Motivation Prevention and Acceptance Vaccine Services for Prevention and Control of the COVID-19 on University Students in Thailand

Awareness of existence, knowledge, and acceptability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among university students in Thailand

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Malaysian Public University Students on Risk Factors for Cardiovascular DiseasesMardhiah Mahada Ibrahim, Nor Azlina A. Rahman, Nor Iza A. Rahman, Mainul Haque

Mind Your Gap between Entry English Proficiency and Graduation Expectation

In recent years, the trend of teaching and learning English as a foreign language in Thai universities have changed drastically. This can be seen by the changes in the English as a foreign language curriculum and the manner it is being taught in schools as well as in the universities. The main objective of these changes is to prepare students to participate more aggressively in the ASEAN community, where English is the universal language. Thai universities launched a new policy about English graduation requirements aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). One area of interest is whether there is a gap between the entry English proficiency and English graduation expectation. Thus, this study sought to gauge the gap between English oral proficiency among the Thai 1st year undergraduates and the expected exit proficiency level (B2 CEFR). Results suggest that almost all 1st-year university students in Thailand have a tremendous gap between the real entry English oral proficiency level and the high expectations exit proficiency level. This information about the gap would allow the universities to prepare their students accordingly.

Borderline Personality Symptoms: What Not to Be Overlooked When Approaching Suicidal Ideation among University Students.

Suicidal ideation is a serious condition antecedent to suicidal attempts and is highly related not only to depression but also other psychosocial factors. This study aimed to examine the predictive effects of these potential factors for suicidal ideation among young adult university students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of university students in Thailand. An online questionnaire employed the perceived stress scale-10 (PSS-10), the patient health questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8), the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS), and a screening instrument for borderline personality disorder. An ordinal regression analysis was applied to determine the predictive effects of the independent variables. Of 336 students, the mean age was 20.26 ± 1.3 years, 80.4% of whom were female; 14.3% had suicidal ideation. The significant predictors of suicidal thoughts were perceived stress (AOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.22); depressive symptoms (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.22); borderline personality symptoms (AOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.40); and perceived social support (AOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.00). Not only did depressive symptoms contribute to suicidal ideation but they also constituted important variables. Therefore, they should be included in intervention plans to prevent suicidality among university students.

Tobacco use and associated factors among university students in Thailand

ABSTRACT Background Tobacco smoking remains a major public health concern as it is a leading cause of serious illness and premature deaths worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of smoking among university students in Thailand and identify associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in five public universities in Thailand. The inclusion criteria were current enrollment in the university and age ≥18 years. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information about sociodemographic characteristics, smoking status, and knowledge and attitudes toward smoking. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with smoking. Results Of a total of 1,299 students included, 28.2% were smokers, 76.5% in males and 23.5% in females. Being male, aged between 21 and 22 years, enrolled in a non-science major, living off campus, having a family member or friend who smoked, having a favorable attitude toward smoking, and having a moderate attitude toward smoking were significantly associated with being a smoker. However, knowledge about smoking was not a significant influencing factor. Conclusions A high prevalence of smoking among university students was reported in our study. Our findings should be taken into consideration when developing programs to prevent smoking among this young social group.

Contact Lens Use Patterns, Behavior and Knowledge Among University Students in Thailand.

PurposeLittle is known about contact lens (CL) use in young generation. This study aimed to investigate the patterns, behavior and knowledge of CL wear and care in Thai university students.MethodsA cross-sectional study using online questionnaires was conducted during July 2019 to February 2020 in two Rajabhat universities, Bangkok, Thailand. Participant characteristics, CL information, knowledge and behaviors were collected. Factors associated with poor behaviors and CL-related corneal ulcers were analyzed using logistic regression.ResultsOf 493 students participating in the survey, 336 students (66.78%) were current CL users and completed the questionnaires. Mean age was 19.2 ± 1.4 years with female predominance (80.36%). All students wore soft CL with a major replacement schedule of monthly disposable (90.18%). Good CL wear and care behaviors were found in 190 students (56.55%). The most common poor CL behavior and poor CL knowledge were CL overuse (44.64%) and sleeping with lenses (31.85%), respectively. There were no correlations between behaviors and knowledge (r = 0.03). Purchasing lens from internet, wearing experience over one year, and long wear duration (> 12 hours) were significantly associated with poor CL behavior. Male gender and swimming with lens were significantly associated with history of corneal ulcers.ConclusionThe study pointed out a low compliance of CL wear and care in Thai university students. Good CL practices, awareness of CL-related complications and purchasing place should be carefully informed and regularly stressed to minimize preventable visual damage in young population.

Predictors of Health Behaviors Among Undergraduate Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Predictive Study.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected the health behaviors of university students. Thus, factors influencing students’ health behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak should be examined.PurposeTo our knowledge, little is known about stress, adversity quotient, and health behaviors of university students in Thailand. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine the relationships among socioeconomic factors, stress, and adversity quotient influencing university students’ health behavior during the COVID-19 crisis.Patients and MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional predictive study; it was included 416 undergraduate students ≥18 years of age at a university in Thailand. We used descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, and stepwise multiple linear regression for data analysis.ResultsThe results indicated that most participants were women (71.90%), and the highest proportion of students were enrolled in College of Politics and Governance (25.24%). Most of the students had a high stress level (M = 3.54, SD = 0.53), high adversity quotient (M = 3.77, SD = 0.63), and good health behavior (M = 3.06, SD = 0.53). Adversity quotient, stress, and current faculty/college were significant predictors of health behaviors of undergrad students (total variance: 37.2%).ConclusionTotal adversity quotient was the strongest predictor of health behavior, followed by stress and current faculty/colleges. On the basis of our results, we suggested that faculty members, caretakers, and interdisciplinary care teams should consider adversity quotient and stress in developing activities to encourage and promote students’ physical and mental health behaviors, particularly during the COVID-19.

Understanding Generation Z through collective consciousness: Impacts for hospitality work and employment

This paper offers insights into Generation Z (Gen Z), using the collective consciousness as an underlying mechanism that shapes generationally distinct human values and behaviors. Written life narratives of 125 Gen Z, University students in Thailand, were used to identify links and commonalities between shared experiences, human values and work behaviors. A combination of major national and global events, personal events, social and technological vehicles played a key role in shaping Gen Z’s collective consciousness, leading to a number of salient human values, including universalism, benevolence, self-direction, achievement and security. The links between collective consciousness and values offer a pathway to a more accurate understanding about generational groups and their corresponding work behaviors. Implications for managers and policy are offered which can facilitate attraction, retention and engagement of Gen Z in the 2020s workplace. Impacts of COVID-19 are addressed and suggestions offered in relation to potential impacts on this generation in a work context.