Vietnamese Research Articles

The article “Oath Expressions in Vietnamese Prose (1930–1945) and Reflections of Vietnamese Cultural Characteristics” examines 127 oath expressions found in Vietnamese prose works, demonstrating that oaths vividly reflect the distinctive cultural identity of the Vietnamese people. These oath expressions embody cultural elements through two major aspects: first, the use of spiritual symbols such as Heaven, Earth, deities, and ancestors; and second, the speaker’s self-attribution of harm or loss, including being punished by Heaven, losing honor, or even sacrificing one’s life. Through this analysis, the article contributes to clarifying the interrelationship between language and culture within the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

Abstract Along with the process of integration, openness and deep globalization, Vietnamese society has undergone rapid, strong and comprehensive changes in many fields, including literature. That is demonstrated through the emergence of a number of new genres of folk literature, including new idioms and proverbs. This reality raises the requirement of teaching them to foreigners who are learning Vietnamese. This article presents the concept, identification and role of modern folk literature genres such as modern idioms and proverbs and proposes some skills and methods of teaching this genre to foreign students so that they can understand and use this genre correctly, thereby helping foreign students to see the movement of Vietnamese society in the Doi Moi period. This is a necessary requirement to meet the social communication needs of foreign students with Vietnamese people and this also requires Vietnamese language teachers to have deep and broad cultural and social knowledge. Keywords: Literature, genre, idiom, proverb, modern, folk, teach, Vietnamese, foreigners, students.

BackgroundGenetic polymorphisms in the genes encoding enzymes and proteins in drug metabolism, transport, and response can significantly impact enzymatic activity and overall pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, leading to inter-individual and inter-population differences in drug efficacy and safety. The prevalence of pharmacogenomic variants often differs among populations due to unique evolutionary and demographic factors. By studying the genetic variation within 100 pharmacogenes in the Kinh Vietnamese population, a relatively underexplored group in pharmacogenomic research, we aim to provide insights into the population-specific pharmacogenomic landscape.Materials and Methods100 healthy people were recruited for peripheral blood donation after getting consents. Genomic DNA from participants was sequenced at coding regions of 100 pharmacogenes. Sequence reads were qualified, and variants were called using Genome analysis toolkit (GATK) followed with variant processing. Very important variants were characterized. Genetic distance using pairwise fixation index and allele frequencies comparison between the Kinh population and 25 populations of the 1000 Genome Project were analyzed.Results689 variants were called with 652 SNPs and 37 indels including 371 missense-, 266 synonymous-, 30 frameshift-, 14 stop-gain-, 2 stop-lost-, 3 in-frame insertion-, 2 in-frame deletion- and 1 protein variant. There are 59 novel variants (8.6%) present in 39/100 genes in which 13 variants are labeled with damaging phenotype. 28 VIP variants were obtained from these regions. Allele frequencies of variants are mostly similar with East Asians, but different from Africans. Remarkably, variants rs1801280 and rs1208 (NAT2), rs2231142 (ABCG2), rs2306283 (SCLO1B1) and rs4148323 (UGT1A1) distribute significantly between Kinh people and all other populations.ConclusionThe prevalence of pharmacogenomic variants of 100 pharmacogenes was obtained for Kinh Vietnamese people, in which 28 variants were characterized as very important variants. Kinh Vietnamese shows close genetic distance with East Asians but far from Africans. The variants with distinguished distribution in Kinh people were also highlighted.

Addition of allopurinol to traditional Vietnamese medicine shows major improvement of 100 gout patients in a single center one-year prospective study.

ABSTRACTBackgroundAsian Americans (AAs) are a diverse population, and aggregation of AA health data in national reports conceals significant differences between AA subgroups. As hepatobiliary cancer rates increase globally, a greater understanding of hepatobiliary mortality among AA subgroups could motivate precision intervention and screening programs.MethodsUsing national mortality data from 2005 to 2020, we report age‐adjusted mortality rates, standardized mortality ratios, and annual percent change for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), nonspecified liver cancer (NOS), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC), and gallbladder cancer (GBC) using national mortality data for the six largest AA subgroups (Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese) compared to non‐Hispanic White people (NHW).ResultsAll AA subgroups (except Asian Indians) had significantly higher hepatobiliary cancer mortality than NHW people. Vietnamese people demonstrated the highest mortality from HCC (7.65 per 100,000) and nonspecified liver cancer (5.57 per 100,000), while Korean people had the highest mortality from the biliary tract cancers: ICC (3.10 per 100,000), GBC (0.72 per 100,000), and ECC (0.97 per 100,000). Notably, ICC mortality increased across the study period. Across all subgroups, male individuals had significantly higher hepatobiliary cancer mortality than female individuals, with differences being largest for HCC and nonspecified liver cancer.ConclusionsDifferences in mortality across hepatobiliary cancer types demonstrate the importance of analyzing subtypes separately. These differences also highlight the importance of developing ethnically targeted screening, prevention strategies, and treatment.

BackgroundSexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) service use plays a vital role in improving the health of young people and in preventing negative reproductive health consequences. In this study, we explored awareness, attitudes, and access regarding SRH services among young people ages 15 to 24 in three provinces in Vietnam.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in three provinces in Vietnam, namely Hanoi, Lao Cai, and Thanh Hoa, from January to December 2019. We used a convenience sampling method to recruit participants. Participants with 10% or more missing data were excluded from the study, resulting in 1,358 out of 1,693 respondents being included in the final analysis.ResultsThere were statistically significant differences in awareness of SRH services between rural (91.1%) and urban (81.9%) areas. However, regarding the variety and scope of SRH services available, participants in urban areas reported awareness of more services. Financial issues were a major barrier to seeking SRH services in both areas, however, rural residents were more likely to report financial barriers.ConclusionOur findings highlight rural/urban differences in awareness, attitudes, and access to SRH services, as well as barriers to the use of SRH services in three provinces in Vietnam. SRH programs for young people must address these gaps and barriers. In addition, it is essential to emphasize synchronized development across regions to ensure equitable health care access for the population.

ObjectivesThere are large and growing communities of Chinese, Vietnamese and Arab populations within many high-income countries, including Australia. These populations experience disproportionately higher rates of tobacco smoking. Cessation strategies are required that acknowledge the cultural factors shaping smoking behaviours. This review aimed to synthesise the evidence for smoking cessation interventions among Chinese, Vietnamese and Arab people, including outcomes and cultural considerations.DesignScoping review.Data sourcesWe searched five electronic databases for peer-reviewed literature (CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PubMed and Scopus). Relevant grey literature was sourced from research and health organisations, and community cultural organisations.Eligibility criteriaEnglish-language studies of tobacco cessation interventions with Chinese-speaking, Vietnamese-speaking or Arabic-speaking participants conducted in Australia, the USA, Canada, the UK or New Zealand between 2013 and 2025.Data extraction and synthesisTwo reviewers independently screened for eligible studies and, if included, assessed risk of bias using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools.ResultsWe identified 23 studies describing 15 intervention types, with written resources most highly featured. Promising category evidence was found for nine intervention types with Chinese people (written information, education sessions, visual information, counselling, involving others, providing nicotine replacement therapy, intervention branded merchandise, mobile messaging and telephone follow-up), as well as counselling with Arab people, and telephone follow-up with Vietnamese people. A variety of cultural considerations were addressed in the interventions, most commonly language barriers as well as the use of co-design and community participation.ConclusionsSmoking cessation interventions with Chinese people were strongly supported, with less evidence for interventions with Vietnamese and Arabic people. Education-focused interventions were particularly effective, addressing low baseline knowledge underpinning smoking. Language barriers to smoking cessation were addressed through primary language supports. Further research is needed on effective smoking cessation intervention types with Arab and Vietnamese people.

This article examines the profound philosophy of life embedded in the political thought of Tran Quoc Tuan, a legendary hero, strategist, and symbol of Vietnamese resilience against the Yuan-Mongol invasions in the 13th century. Tran Quoc Tuan’s contributions to the Vietnamese nation extend beyond his military genius, encapsulating a rich philosophical outlook on life, governance, and the art of war. His thoughts, deeply rooted in the values of patriotism, humanity, and unity, propelled Dai Viet to remarkable victories and significantly influenced the development of a cohesive, independent feudal state. This paper delves into the core aspects of Tran Quoc Tuan’s philosophy of life, including the ethical conduct of generals, the moral obligations of leadership, and the strategic application of humanistic principles in military tactics. By analyzing Tran Quoc Tuan’s literary works and historical contributions, this study highlights the enduring relevance of his philosophical insights for contemporary political and military strategy, national unity, and cultural identity. Tran Quoc Tuan’s legacy, characterized by a harmonious blend of Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist thought, remains a beacon of national pride and a guiding principle for the Vietnamese people’s spirit of independence and self-reliance (Pham et al., 2025). The new contribution of the article lies in systematizing the fundamental content of Tran Quoc Tuan’s philosophy of life, highlighting its historical significance in the development of Vietnamese national history, thereby affirming that his philosophy is also the philosophy of the entire Vietnamese people, symbolizing the spirit of self-reliance and the resilience of the nation.

BackgroundDespite the high burden of depression in Vietnam, little is known about the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices among Vietnamese people with depression in contemporary society. The study aims to explore in depth knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to depression among those with depressive symptoms of depression in contemporary Vietnamese society.MethodsThis is a qualitative study with 40 adults, 18–64 years old, with symptoms of depression. In-depth interviews were conducted to explore knowledge (symptoms, causes, treatment), attitudes, and practices to seek support or care for depression.ResultsParticipants demonstrated relatively adequate literacy regarding depression symptoms and treatment. Most people with depression know about psychotherapy and pharmacological treatment. Stigma related to depression seems lesser compared to that in the past. People with depression receive support from family and friends. A significant knowledge-practice gap was found, concealment of illness is common, access to care is limited, medicines are frequently discontinued, and praying and offering to altars to treat mental illness still exist. Based on analysis guided by the ‘glocalization theory’ we offer an explanatory account of the current state off knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward depression amongst people living with depression in Vietnam. This analysis recognizes the co-existence of global and local influences. People are creating and adapting their “glocal” views, attitudes, and norms around depression as well as mental illness. This explanatory model recognizes the co-existence of global and local influences, the influence of “glocal” dynamics to rationales the knowledge, attitudes and practices of people related to depression, therefore, it helps better explain and sharpen the responses to depression in Vietnam.ConclusionsSocietal changes have influenced the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards depression in Vietnam in positive ways; however, historical, cultural challenges continue, while new challenges are emerging. Our findings point to the need for renewed, continued efforts to improve mental health related awareness, while simultaneously improving the availability, accessibility, and responsiveness of mental health services. These efforts should take into account both global and local influences on how people in Vietnam think and act regarding mental health issues.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, NCT06456775. Registered June 13, 2024 – Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06456775?cond=depression%26intr=Tele-SSM%26rank=1.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly considered as a sustainable key to traditional modes of transportation. However, in many developing countries, their adoption has been slow and uneven. This study examines what drives people in Vietnam to consider buying EVs through the lens of the sustainability mindset. This framework focuses on three key elements: Knowing (pro-environmental knowledge), Being (pro-environmental self-identity), and Doing (EV purchase intentions). Unlike traditional models that focus on logical decision-making, this approach emphasizes the often-overlooked role of pro-environmental self-identity in shaping consumer choices. Based on survey data from 516 participants in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the study used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling to test its theoretical model. The outcomes indicate that individuals' intention to purchase an EV (Doing) is significantly influenced by their pro-environmental self-identity (Being), which in turn is shaped by their environmental knowledge (Knowing). While pro-environmental knowledge alone does not have a direct effect on purchase intention, it plays a crucial indirect role by enhancing self-identity, which then drives behavioral intention. This highlights the mediating effect of identity as a bridge between awareness and action. By applying the sustainability mindset framework, which integrates Knowing, Being, and Doing, this study helps in theoretical advancement together with practical strategies to promote EV adoption. Rather than relying solely on financial incentives, efforts should focus on cultivating environmental identity through experiential education, value-based communication, and social engagement, particularly in developing contexts where identity strongly motivates sustainable behavior.

As developing countries undergo profound social transformations, from gender inequality, environmental pollution to youth mental health, the need to find media that can promote social awareness and action is increasingly urgent. Music, especially genres that are close to young people, has emerged as a powerful cultural tool, but has not yet been fully studied from the perspective of its psychosocial impact. Clarifying the mechanisms of music's influence on empathy and social participation behavior not only fills the current research gap, but also brings high application value in education, communication and cultural policy towards the young generation. The objective of the study is to investigate the influence of social messages in youth music on social engagement of Vietnamese youth through social empathy variable. Based on the ELM and Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis, the study used a quantitative research method using a questionnaire with 312 young people in Vietnam, then using SmartPLS4 to analyze collected data. The study found a positive impact of message relevance and music exposure on social engagement through the mediating role of social empathy. Research suggests that socially-informed music can be an effective tool for promoting empathy and social action in young people, especially when integrated into education, community activism, and media campaigns. Combining music education, directed artistic creation, and cross-sector collaboration between artists, civil society organizations, and policymakers will help to maximize the potential of music in building a more empathetic and socially-involved generation of young people.

The concepts of filial piety and factors affecting filial piety of Vietnamese people

ABSTRACT Identity documentation and registration have traditionally been framed as both the primary problem and universal solution to statelessness. In the so-called ‘digital age’, this has translated into widespread optimism surrounding the introduction of digital identification and registration systems, which are often heralded as powerful tools in the ‘fight against statelessness’. The underlying logic of this position can be summarised as follows: first, statelessness is seen as a problem that can be resolved through comprehensive identification and civil registration processes; second, these processes are thought to be most effectively implemented through digital technologies, which are believed to generate more accurate knowledge about individuals and populations. In this paper, I probe this dual assumption by analysing the effects of Cambodia’s ongoing digitisation of identity and registration systems on its largest stateless population: the ethnic Vietnamese. Drawing on recent debates on non-knowledge and ignorance in Science and Technology Studies (STS) and the emerging field of agnotology, I show how identification and documentation simultaneously generate knowledge and non-knowledge in the form of ambiguity and uncertainty. I then interrogate the extent to which the introduction of digital identity tools reduces or eliminates these forms of non-knowledge. By situating digital identity within a broader genealogy of identification and categorisation mechanisms, I demonstrate how digital identity reproduces and reconfigures non-knowledge while foreclosing avenues for resistance.

In recent years, sustainable lifestyles (SLS) has emerged as a topic that addresses the trend of sustainable development globally. However, most developing and emerging economies have not put adequate effort to promote SLS. Vietnam is not an exception. There is not much evidence of how Vietnamese people are responding to the urgent call of actions toward sustainable development. In such a context, this paper explores how demographic factors shape the SLS in Vietnam. An online survey was implemented to gather primary data from Vietnamese people in 4 months. Finally, we received 385 valid responses. ANOVA tests were employed to check the proposed hypotheses about the differences in SLS regarding age, gender, and income. Research results revealed that age, gender, and income are not associated with the SLS of Vietnamese people. Our findings imply that the Vietnamese government should play a proactive role in promoting SLS. Some recommendations were proposed, including investment in public transportation, sustainable product design, zero-waste policies, and the like.

This descriptive study examines the various elements affecting the growth of theoretical thinking in female instructors at Vietnamese People's Police schools. Police educators' professional identities and instructional competence are greatly influenced by their theoretical thinking, which is characterized as the ability to reason abstractly, critically, and synthesize concepts. The study highlights important internal and external factors that influence the theoretical growth and intellectual engagement of female lecturers in the police school system using a combination of surveys, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. The results show that academic background, self-perception, and personal drive all have a substantial impact on theoretical thinking abilities. Although they reported having limited access to professional development programs, mentorship, and scholarly resources, many female lecturers exhibited a strong innate motivation to enhance their academic performance. Both enabling and restricting influences were found in institutional characteristics, such as company culture, curricular restrictions, and leadership styles. Additionally, it has been noted that gender-specific issues like societal expectations, work-life balance, and underrepresentation in higher academic posts impede prolonged intellectual focus and theoretical engagement. The study emphasizes how academic culture, institutional dynamics, and gender intersect to affect the professional development of female educators in security-focused schools. Policy changes that support fair learning settings, funding for programs that increase the capacity of female instructors, and the development of intellectual communities in police schools are among the recommendations. The People's Police education system can improve general teaching quality and better promote the theoretical growth of its female professors by tackling these issues.

The purpose of the research paper is to analyse the policy of the Nguyen Lords’ government towards Catholicism in the context of the increasing number of Western missionaries and merchants who arrived in Southeast Asia. The scientific novelty. The article comprehensively evaluates Nguyen Lords’ policy towards a new religion introduced into his territory, which is also a testament to the behaviour of a government in the Southeast Asian region towards Western culture in the 16th – 18th centuries. The authors analysed the reasons for the religious policy of the Nguyen Lords and assessed its consequences for both the country and Christianity. Conclusions. During more than two centuries of ruling Cochinchina, the Nguyen Lords implemented a flexible and pragmatic policy towards Catholicism: flexible in measures and methods of implementation, and pragmatic in the purpose and conditions for implementing policies. This policy would pave the way for ‘rejection’ when the influences of Catholicism proved dangerous to the rule; at the same time, the Nguyen Lords would enforce a ban on religion, even prohibiting the absorption of other cultures. The consequence of an extreme policy against religion led to the rejection of all achievements of Western civilisation. In other words, the xenophobic measures of the Nguyen Lords’ government further deprived the Vietnamese people of the opportunity to absorb new, progressive values. The Nguyen Lords proactively approached Western civilisation but did not focus on receiving its achievements, which made it impossible for Dang Trong to form a Western learning movement like Japan or Thailand, and they could not resolve the contradictions and social crises in Vietnam at that time. The tragedy of Vietnam’s history gradually took shape in that context. Especially from the end of the 18th century, Catholicism was exploited by Western countries to carry out their invasion, leading to events that changed the fate of Vietnam.

Drawing from Southern Vietnamese folk poetry, this article analyzes and elucidates the manifestations of the concept of “constant obligations of morality”, including “three fundamental bonds”, “filial piety”, “loyalty and filial devotion”, “righteousness”, and “benevolence and righteousness”. These notions are interpreted through the lens of an “entity” characterized by attributes such as “completeness”, “roundness”, “squareness and roundness”, “heaviness”, and “immobility”-all associated with positive values. Conversely, an entity marked by “incompleteness”, “deficiency”, “lightness”, or “mobility” is linked to negative values. The concept of “constant obligations of morality” is dynamically adapted and expressed through metaphorical language, rooted in the material and cultural experiences of the Vietnamese people, particularly those in Southern Vietnam. This concept holds significant importance, not only shaping behavioral standards, ethics, and culture but also informing the actions of Southern Vietnamese specifically and Vietnamese society as a whole.

Buddha relics are sacred symbols, showing respect for Buddha. Quan The Am Pagoda is an important spiritual destination in Central Vietnam, attracting a large number of followers and tourists every year. The display of relics is not only a religious event but also a spiritual journey, helping people connect deeply with Buddhist teachings. The article evaluates the significance of Buddha relics in spiritual life. Analyzes the preparation and organization of the display event at Quan The Am Pagoda. At the same time, collects feelings from followers, local residents, volunteers, etc. through interviews. Thereby presenting the impact of the event on Buddhism and spiritual culture of the Central region.

Tobacco taxation is the most effective strategy for reducing tobacco consumption, yet it remains underused globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the price that would lead Vietnamese people who smoke to quit smoking and examine the impact of non-tax tobacco control policies on this price. Cross-sectional data from Waves 2 and 3 of the International Tobacco Control Project in Vietnam were analysed. The price to quit was assessed by a question 'What price for a pack of cigarettes would make you try to quit smoking?'. Tobit models were used to examine the association between non-tax policies (ie, noticing health warnings, anti-smoking advertising, use of cessation services and workplace smoke-free policies) and the price to quit. The weighted median of the price to quit for a cigarette pack was Vietnam dong (VND)20 000 (US$0.86), which doubled the weighted median of the purchased price of VND10 000 (US$0.43). If cigarette prices increased by VND2000 or VND5000, 27.4% and 42.8% of people who smoke would intend to quit smoking, respectively. Price increases that doubled or tripled current prices would lead 70.7% and 82.9% of people who smoke to consider quitting smoking, respectively. Smoke-free policies at workplace were associated with a lower price to quit. Given that the current cigarette prices are very low and affordable, substantial price increases are needed to motivate quitting. Adding specific taxes in addition to the existing ad valorem system could enhance the effectiveness of tobacco taxation.

This article presents a cross-national comparative study of the cultural symbols of the Khmer people in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos—framing them as a transborder semiotic network that operates beyond the confines of nationality and territory. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of cultural semiotics (Barthes, Lotman), ritual theory (Turner), and collective memory (Assmann), the study proposes a three-tiered model of symbolic analysis encompassing the visual, functional, and mnemonic dimensions. Data were collected through fieldwork, in-depth interviews, and participant observation in Sóc Trăng and Trà Vinh (Vietnam), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Surin (Thailand), and Champasak (Laos), and were analyzed using multi-level semiotic and structural comparison methods. The findings reveal that in Cambodia, the Khmer symbolic system has been nationalized as a cornerstone of national identity. In contrast, in Vietnam, the Khmer community serves as a soft agent of indigenization, reviving and maintaining symbolic forms through rituals, temples, language, and performative practices. Meanwhile, in Thailand and Laos, Khmer symbols have been largely assimilated, simplified, or excluded from public representation. The article proposes a new approach to minority identity studies in regional contexts and highlights the unique intermediary role of the Vietnamese Khmer within the cultural architecture of Southeast Asia.