ABSTRACT
This study is aimed to develop appropriate models for situation assessment and trend monitoring of cancers in Thailand. This study used system approach and was carried out during 1991-1993. It is composed of two parts : Part I was a review of cancer surveillance systems of Thailand and other countries. Results of the first part were used as direct inputs for Part-II study. Pats II was solicitation of experts’ opinions. Experts included public health specialists, cancer specialists, and to solicit their ideas on how the cancer surveillance system should look like. The questionnaire survey was followed by a brain-storming session where the results of the survey were presented and shaped to reach a consensus of opinion that past experiences of cancer surveillance systems faced several difficulties including duplicate reporting, inaccurate/insufficient diagnoses, unknown or unfamiliar abbreviations used in writing the surveillance report cards, and clinical diagnoses inconsistent with and/or lacking supports of pathological findings. Experts’ conclusion was that cancer registry. In particular, cancer registry should start as hospital-based to be later expanded to population-based registry. In addition, development and research activities are needed to obtain supplementary information on risk factors and risk groups for cancers and to develop appropriate indicators for evaluation.
ABSTRACT
A cross sectional study was undertaken in order to determine the crash helmet use behaviors and factors related to such behaviors among motorcyclists and their passengers in Thailand. 3,275 subjects were selected by a multi-stage sampling technique, consisting of 2,403 motorcyclists and 872 passengers. Data were obtained through the well-developed questionnaire. Analysis of data included descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics Chi-square test. Most subjects were male (62.7%), aged between 15-30 years (58.4%), married (50.1%), finished high school to undergraduate degree (43.6%), employee (37.3%), and had income of 2,001-5,000 baht (37.3%). The knowledge and attitude scores on helmet use and law were in the low level and middle level. The behavioral score was also low. Statistically significant factors attributable to such behavior included age, marital status, education, occupation, motorcycle driver for public passengers, distance of driving, knowledge and attitude towards crash helmet use and law, information on crash helmet law and the experience on motorcycle accident. Although most motorcyclists and their passengers had positive attitude towards the helmet they used them improperly. The law enforcement should be used together with all kids of health education and campaign on awareness of safety drive and properly use of the crash helmet.