Suicide in the north of Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the characteristics of complete suicide in the North of Thailand from 1998-2002. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Data of suicide in the North of Thailand were obtained from the Bureau of Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Public Health and analyzed mortality from suicides during 1998-2002 classified by gender and methods. RESULTS: The suicide rate in the North for both genders was the highest among all regions of Thailand (average rate of 13.9 per 100,000 population during 1998-2002). The ratio of male to female was 3.6:1. There was a peak age group for male suicides (aged 25-34 years) while female suicides showed less variation with age. Hanging was the most common suicide method followed by the use of agricultural toxic substances. Suicides were most prevalent in the upper northern region and high suicide rates occurred in Chiangmai, Lampoon, Phayao, Chiangrai, and Phrae provinces. CONCLUSION: The suicide rate in the upper northern Thailand was found to be considerably high. Therefore, suicide prevention programs should be given priority in this region, particularly in Chiangmai and Lampoon provinces.

Factors associated with obesity among workers in a metropolitan waterworks authority.

To examine the relationship of socio-demographic characteristics, psychological factors, knowledge, attitude and behavior towards obesity among Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWWA) officers, a cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September, 2004. Two hundred and eighty-eight obese [body mass index (BMI) > or = 25 kg/m2] and 106 non-obese persons, aged 20-60 years, were recruited as study subjects. Data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire, comprised of three parts: socio-demographic; psychological factors (depression and stress); and knowledge, attitude, behavior related to obesity. Univariate analyses and Logistic regression models were used to study the association between obesity and possible risk factors. The results demonstrate significant associations between older age and obesity. Volunteers in the age groups of 40-49 and 50-59 years had a significantly higher risk of being obese than the age group of less than 40 years (adjusted OR = 3.4, 95% Cl = 1.1-11.1 and adjusted OR = 10.4, 95% CI = 3.3-32.7, respectively). Volunteers with unhealthy behaviors were at significantly higher risk than those with healthy behaviors (adjusted OR = 10.3, 95% CI = 2.0-52.4) while persons with moderately healthy behaviors also had increased risk, but to a lesser extent (adjusted OR = 4.5, 95% CI = 1.7-11.4). There were no associations between psychological factors and obesity in this group of volunteers. When we focused on whether they consumed more food when they were stressed, it was found that the obese consumed significantly more food during stress (p-value = 0.003). Watching television, videos, or playing computer continuously for more than 3 hours, were significantly associated with obesity. We conclude that although the obese have a good knowledge and attitude towards obesity, they still practise unhealthy behavior, have a sedentary lifestyle, and over eat when they are stressed. Future research regarding behavioral modification should be implemented at both community and country levels.

Amineptine dependence: Three-case report and review of the literature.

Amineptine is an antidepressant acting on dopamine system instead of norepinephrine/serotonin system as other antidepressants. The author presents three cases of amineptine abuse and dependence. All had addictive potential and amineptine was taken at 1.5, 4 and 10 gm./day respectively. Information regarding pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the drug were discussed comparing with amphetamine, the substance that acting on the same mesolimbic dopaminergic system. Recent international reports of amineptine dependence were also compared.

Atypical features in some asian anorexia nervosa: Report of 2 cases.

Anorexia nervosa is the disorder characterized by marked weight loss, food refusal, and amenorrhea. It is common disorder among young women in Western societies and is believed to be relatively rare outside Western culture. The author report two cases of female adolescents who presented with atypical features, i.e., the patients acknowledged their thinness and did not demonstrate fear of obesity. Reports from several Oriental countries support the notion that these atypical features are not uncommon among Eastern subjects.