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Background: Intimate partner violence is a significant and serious public health problem. It adversely affects the health and self esteem of abused women.Objective: To investigate and compare self-esteem, coping methods and general health in women who have experienced partner violence living in the Northeast region of Thailand.Methodology: The study was carried out at two sites: a primary care unit, and a drug treatment center. Women who showed abuse indicators based on the abuse indicator screening questionnaire received counseling from a nurse who was trained on the assessment of and care for women who had experienced intimate partner violence. Evaluations of abused women’s self-esteem, coping, and general health were carried out before and after counseling.Results: Seventeen women reported having experienced partner violence and had displayed at one time or another indicator symptoms such as headaches, stomach pain, weakness, anxiety and depression. After receiving counseling, abused women showed better self-esteem (t = -4.80, p

A case-control study on the relationship between alcohol dehydrogenase-2 (ADH2), aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) and male probable alcohol use disorders (AUD) was performed in Khon Kaen, north-east Thailand. One hundred and fifty-three paired cases (probable AUD) and controls (non-probable AUD) were sampled from villagers aged 18-65 years using the modified Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test - Thai version, controls being matched for gender, age (+/- 4 years) and village. All of the cases and 86.9% of the controls were current drinkers. The percentage of ADH2*1/1 among cases was 47.1%, being significantly larger than the 29.4% among controls, and yielding a univariate odds ratio (OR) of 2.421* (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.419-4.132) for developing probable AUD. The ALDH2*1/1 proportion among cases, 92.8%, was comparable to the 92.2% among controls, yielding a univariate OR of 1.100 (95%CI = 0.757-1.599). Multivariate analysis based on a conditional logistic regression model and a hierarchically well-formulated model strategy revealed that: (i) the OR of developing probable AUD due to 1 g increment of daily ethanol drinking was 1.110* among farmers (95%CI = 1.054-1.170); (ii) OR due to 1 g increment of daily ethanol drinking was 1.329* among non-farmers (95%CI = 1.109-1.593); (iii) OR due to either ADH2*1/1 or ALDH2*1/1 was insignificant; and (iv) the daily amount of smoking is independently associated with probable AUD. The present findings suggest that one of the genetic factors that may be related to probable AUD among Thai males living in the north-east is the ADH2 gene.

The present study describes the initial phase of the Thai Twin Registry (TTR) in Khon Kaen University, a pioneer research university located in the Northeast of Thailand. The initial steps of the study included the analysis of dermatoglyphic information in Thai twins for answering the research question: Are monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins different in dermatoglyphic variables? Subjects were 212 twin pairs (81 MZ and 131 DZ), consisting of 155 males and 269 females. Four types of fingerprint pattern (FP) — that is, arch, radial loop, ulnar loop, and whorl — were classified and analyzed and compared between MZ and DZ twins. The arch radial loop and whorl frequencies differ between MZ and DZ twins. When comparing FP in each finger, only the right little finger shows a statistically different FP, while the FP similarity average from 10 homologous fingers of co-twins was greater in MZ than DZ twins. By using the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis, the MZ twins could be differentiated from DZ twins by the FP similarity. Summarizing, this valuable report about TTR was conducted by analysis of FP data, which indicated that the MZ and DZ twins exhibited FP pattern and FP similarity differences. Other dermatoglyphic studies of the existing FP database, such as finger ridge count, finger ridge density, and minutia, will be considered for ongoing research at the TTR.

The study aims at appraising gender differences in health-related practices, and health behaviour among university students of the Khon Kaen University, northeast Thailand, using a self-administered questionnaire. Of 539 university students, there were 155 males, 384 females, with mean ages 19.7 (±1.2) and 19.6 (±1.1) years, respectively. Persistent health problems were not significantly different between male and female students (12.9% vs. 15.4%). An average body mass index (BMI) was significantly different between male and female students (20.2 ± 2.1 vs. 19.8 ± 2.1). Female students reported positive health habits, in terms of drinking, smoking, sun protection, tooth brushing, fruit consumption, conscious efforts to avoid fat and cholesterol, over men, while regular exercise and safety belt use were more likely practised among male students. Using ANOVA and pairwise multiple comparisons, female students demonstrated better health eating habits than men (p=0.0001). Coronary heart disease preventive habits between the medical and non-medical faculty was greater for female students than for male students (p=0.0006 for gender; p=0.0001 for faculty). Health behaviour (combination of health eating habits, deliberate nutritional practices and coronary heart diseases preventive behaviour) was found to be better practised among women than men (p= 0.0001). These findings, therefore, should focus attention on university students as a target group for health education.

Finger ridge density (RD) is the number of finger ridges that touch the diagonal line drawn between a square of 25 mm2 which is placed on the core of the fingerprint image. It has been useful as a sex determination aid in forensic practice as its values are significantly higher in females than males. The present study was aimed at investigating the RD of Thai adolescents aged between 10 and 12 years old. Subjects were 130 schoolboys and 130 schoolgirls were randomly selected and signed informed consent forms prior to printing each individual’s ten fingers by using the adhesive transparent tape technique. The Microsoft Word program was applied for precise counting of RD. The mean RD differences between left and right hands, boys and girls, radial and ulnar areas were statistically tested. The likelihood ratio was computed to obtain the probability inferences of sex, and posterior probabilities were estimated using Bayes’ theorem. Results revealed as follows: (1) The mean RDs (ridges per 25 mm2) of boys and girls were not significantly different across the radial (15.89 vs. 16.19, respectively) and ulnar areas (15.84 vs. 16.00, respectively). For each sex, mean RDs in the radial and the ulnar were not statistically different. (2) The mean RDs in both sexes were greater in the left hand fingers compared to the right hand, and were statistically significant only in girls. (3) For the ulnar area, the RD of 13 or less is most likely to be of from male origin and that of 17 or more has a low probability of being of female origin. Comparing the radial area, an RD of 14 or less has a low probability of being of male origin while a weak probability of the RD of 17 or more is most likely being of female origin.

To compare fingerprint patterns, means of dermatoglyphic variables i.e., total finger ridge count, total a-b ridge count, pattern complexity index, and fingerprint pattern asymmetry between patients with schizophrenia and normal controls.A cross-sectional, matching case-control was conducted. Thirty-four males and 34 females with schizophrenia and an equal number of age and sex matched normal controls were selected. Fingerprints and partial palm prints of all of the subjects were obtained using the Automated Inkless Fingerprint Imaging Software and the transparent-adhesive tape technique, respectively. Using paired t-tests (p0.05), the cases and controls, males and females separately, were compared for fingerprint pattern asymmetry, total finger ridge counts (TFRC), a-b ridge counts of the right (RABRC), left (LABRC), and both hands (TABRC), and pattern complexity index (PCI).Between cases and controls, neither sex had any significant differences in the mean scores for the pattern asymmetries, TFRC, right-left-ABRC and TABRC. However, the mean scores for PCI were significantly different between the male cases and controls (2.82 vs. 4.94, p = 0 009).Only male patients exhibited average scores for complex patterns (whorls minus arches less than 2), which might be a biomarker for screening of schizophrenia in males.

Fingerprint collection using ink-and-paper image is a conventional method i.e. an ink-print, transparent-adhesive tape techniques which are slower and cumbersome. This is a pilot research for software development aimed at imaging an automated, inkless fingerprint using a fingerprint sensor, a development kit of the IT WORKS Company Limited, PC camera, and printer The development of software was performed to connect with the fingerprint sensor for collection of fingerprint images and recorded into a hard disk. It was also developed to connect with the PC camera for recording a face image of persons' fingerprints or identification card images. These images had been appropriately arranged in a PDF file prior to printing. This software is able to scan ten fingerprints and store high-quality electronics fingertip images with rapid, large, and clear images without dirt of ink or carbon. This fingerprint technology is helpful in a potential application in public health and clinical medicine research.

1) To investigate the amount of citrate and tartrate in aloe gel, and in the urine of healthy normal children, before and after consuming fresh aloe gel. 2) To evaluate the changes in the chemical composition of urine among subjects after taking aloe gel. 3) To determine the value of consuming aloe gel for prevention of renal stone formation.Experimental study.Thirteen healthy boys between 9 and 13 years of age were enrolled (with informed permission) in the clinical trial. Subjects ingested 100 g of fresh prepared aloe gel twice a day for seven consecutive days. The 24-hour urine was collected one day prior to taking the gel (Day 0), Days 2 and 5 of consumption, and Day 8 (one day after completion). The authors determined the urine volume, osmolality, potassium, sodium, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, uric acid, citrate, tartrate, oxalate, Permissible Increment in Calcium (PI Ca), Permissible Increment in Oxalate (PI Ox), Concentration Product Ratio of Calcium Phosphate (CPR CaPO4) and the citrate per creatinine ratio.The citrate and tartrate concentration in 100 g of fresh aloe gel was 96.3 and 158.9 mg, respectively. The 24-hr urine volume and urinary citrate excretion were significantly increased (p0.05). The PI Ca and the PI Ox were also significantly increased (p0.05). The other measurements were unremarkable.One hundred grams of fresh Aloe vera gel contains 96.3 milligrams of citrate and 158.9 milligrams of tartrate and were in the mid-range among Thai fruits. Changes in chemical compositions of urine after aloe gel consumption shows potential for preventing kidney stone formation among children.

1. To investigate the amount of citrate and tartrate in aloe gel, and in the urine of healthy normal volunteers, before and after consuming fresh aloe gel. 2. To evaluate the changes in the chemical composition of urine among subjects after taking aloe gel. 3. To determine the value of consuming aloe gel for prevention of renal stone formation.Experimental study; before and after experiment with no control groupThirty one healthy male medical students between 18 and 23 years of age were enrolled (with informed consent) in the clinical trial. Subjects ingested 100 g of fresh aloe gel twice a day for seven consecutive days. The 24-hr urine was collected one day prior to taking the gel (Day 0), Days 2 and 5 of consumption, and Day 8 (one day after completion). The authors determined the urine volume, osmolality, potassium, sodium, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, uric acid, citrate, tartrate, oxalate, Permissible Increment in calcium (PI in calcium), Permissible Increment in oxalate (PI in oxalate), Concentration product ratio of calcium phosphate (CPR of CaPO4) and the citrate per creatinine ratio.The citrate and tartrate concentration in 100 g of fresh aloe gel was 96.3 and 158.9 mg, respectively. The urinary excretion of oxalate was significantly decreased (p0.05). The PI in calcium was significantly increased (p0.05), while the citrate excretion and PI in oxalate were consistently, albeit non-significantly, increased. The mean CPR values of CaPO4 were decreased non-significantly. The other measurements were unremarkable.Fresh Aloe vera gel (100 g) contains 96.3 mg of citrate and 158.9 mg of tartrate. This is mid-range for Thai fruits. Changes in chemical compositions of urine after aloe consumption shows its potential for preventing kidney stone formation among adults.

A genetic epidemiological case-control study on aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) genotype and male probable alcohol use disorders (AUD) was performed in Khon Kaen province, north-east Thailand. One hundred and twenty-four of cases (probable AUD) were obtained from male villagers aged 18–65 years using the modified Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test-Thai version. The same number of controls were selected, being matched with the cases in terms of age (±4 years) within the same village. Marital status, education history and past or present histories of physical illnesses were essentially the same for the cases and the controls. All of the cases and 85.5% of the controls were current drinkers, and the cases tended to drink significantly more often than the controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from fingernails and ALDH2 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction technique and digested by Ksp 632I. The ALDH2 genotypes of the cases and the controls were not significantly different: 90.3% versus 91.1% normal homozygote; 8.1% versus 8.9% heterozygote; and 1.6% versus 0.0% mutant homozygote, respectively. Among the normal homozygote, the daily amount of alcohol intakes of the cases were significantly larger than that of the controls (56.2 ± 40.6 g vs 8.1 ± 14.1 g), the same was found among the ALDH2 deficient (55.9 ± 43.4 vs 2.2 ± 5.8 g). Multivariate analysis based on the conditional logistic regression model showed no significant association of AUD with ALDH2 genotype, marital status, education history, or past history of injury, however, occupation and daily amount of alcohol intake were found to be significantly associated with AUD (OR = 10.72, 95% CI = 1.15 − 99.99, p = 0.037, and OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.06 − 1.18, p = 0.000, respectively). Non-farmers showed 10.7 times larger risk of developing AUD compared to farmers, and the subjects had three times more chance of developing AUD for each increase of 10 g of the daily amount of alcohol intake.

This study was aimed to validate the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test-Thai version (MAST-T) which was compared to the psychiatric diagnosis based on DSM-III-R criteria, as a gold standard, among the northeast population of Thailand. Sixty-one pairs of male cases with alcohol use disorders (AUD) and controls were collected through routine examination of psychiatric outpatients, 18-65 years old, who visited the Khon Kaen Psychiatric Hospital or the Northeast Drug Dependence Treatment Center which is located in Khon Kaen province, northeast Thailand between November, 1996 and February, 1997. Controls were matched for each case by sex-age (+/- 5 years)--province--urbanization. They were interviewed using the MAST-T and a structured questionnaire. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the optimum cutoff pointor = 11 on the MAST-T yields the best sensitivity and specificity (98.4% for each), along with an area under the curve of 0.998, indicating that it was sensitive and specific in discriminating AUD from non-AUD patients. This validation study of the MAST-Thai version underlines its applicability as a screening test for AUD among the northeast male Thai population.

Allele frequency distributions at five VNTR loci namely; D1S80, D17S5, ApoB, COL2A1 and Ig-JH were examined in Northeastern Thais. The number of alleles at each locus were 19, 13, 14, 6 and 8 with the heterozygous frequencies of 0.814, 0.818, 0.676, 0.579 and 0.288, respectively. No significant deviations were found by statistical tests for Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The combined power of discrimination for all five loci was 0.99998.

This report describes physical, psychological and overall health complaints of 513 female Thai nursing students obtained by using the Cornell Medical Index questionnaire (C.M.I.) Thai version. The subjects were 17 to 24 years old in their 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year-class of nursing school in the northeast region of Thailand. The Pearson correlation coefficient shows an adequate internal consistency of the C.M.I. The observed C.M.I. scores ranged from 1 to 110 with a mean of 36.6. The highest percentages of yes-response, among physical and psychological complaints, were observed in the questions concerning the genitourinary system, and sensitivity respectively. A statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between year of nursing school and C.M.I. scores in physical, psychological and overall health complaints: the mean C.M.I. score on physical and overall health complaints of the 1st and the 3rd year-class students were significantly higher than those of the 2nd and the 4th year-class.

A one-month health diary was used as a research instrument for measuring health care in the northeastern rural area of Thailand during the month of November, 1992. Three hundred forty-five respondents, which represents 22.2% of the total households in 12 villages from 2 districts in the Khon Kaen province of northeast Thailand, completed the health diaries. Self-medication was most practiced for health care (37.5% of ill persons) followed by health service utilization at local health center (19.4%), at community hospital (11.4%), at private clinic (11.4%), and by "wait and see" (9.0%). Analgesics were the most frequently used drugs for relief of fever, headache, common cold and abdominal pain. The use of a combination of drug (eg. a cocktail) was common as self-medication for relief of back and leg pain. Traditional or herbal drugs were a frequently chosen alternative for self-medication, both in adult and children. The authors suggest that the villagers should be educated concerning drug hazards in order to increase their background knowledge on drug use.

A health diary was used for measurement of illnesses in the northeast rural area of Thailand during the month of November, 1992. Target population were villagers residing in 12 villages which were randomly selected from 2 districts in Khon Kaen province. Three hundred forty-five households (1690 subjects) were selected for the study from all households in those 12 villages. The sample represented 22.2% of all households. Each respondent was instructed how to record illness which may occur among family members during the observation period. Demonstration of recording was performed as well to ensure uniform reporting. Frequency of ill persons among the 1690 members of the selected 345 households was 299 persons (17.7%) in 333 episodes. The ratio of males to females for the reported illnesses was 1:1.18. The most common illnesses were common cold, fever, and abdominal pain, which occurred in 78, 59, and 47 episodes, respectively, followed by headache, and cough. According to the WHO international classification of diseases, diseases of the respiratory system were prevalent (26.1% of total episodes). Types of illness among age groups 0-1 years and 2-5 years were common cold followed by fever. The others two age groups; 16-45, 46-65 years were ill with abdominal pain as the first rank followed by common cold. Fever and common cold were the most frequent illness in age group 6-15 years and the elderly respectively.

Although, there has already been much research on the differences between sexes in fingerprint ridge density and its variability in the Thai population, such studies have not included native northeastern Thais aged between 14 and 24 who are descended from northeastern Thai ancestry. This study intends to determine the topological, age-grouping and sexual differences in fingerprint ridge density (RD) in such populations. Fingerprints were collected from 353 unrelated volunteers (191 males and 162 females) and classified into three groups, that is, group A (total subjects), group B (14–18 years old) and group C (18–24 years old). RD was assessed for two topological areas, radial and ulnar. Significant differences between genders and age groups were obtained in both counting areas. Females exhibit higher RD i.e. narrower ridges, than males. A decrease in RD values with increasing age was also detected. The RD threshold for discrimination of sexes, computed based on Bayes’ theorem, was achieved in all groups and counting areas, enabling its use in forensic investigation.