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.

Obesity in Thailand.

Obesity is emerging as a morbid disease in developing and Westernized countries. Because of its comorbidity diseases, it is cost-effective to prevent and manage this disease earlier. In Thailand, this alarming disease has long been studied, but the prevalence is still higher than that in the past. Physicians should recognize it well and have a definite direction to face and combat this dangerous disease. The present paper demonstrates its definition, prevalence, health hazard, economic cost and strategies to deal with it in the present and future.

Hypertension in public health.

Re-emerging epidemic of cardiovascular diseases activates each country to develop its strategies in primary prevention. Hypertension, as a leading cause, is a challenging public health problem. Awareness, treatment and control of hypertension are still inadequate. Socioeconomic factors may be the obstacles. Educating and motivating both the physicians and patients could provide some solutions. Therefore, national projects of screening, setting targets and community participation have to be launched throughout each area. With active public health prevention and lifestyle modifications, one can hope to decrease both hypertensive prevalence and its complication risks in the near future.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever in Thai society.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is one of the most important infectious diseases in Thailand for many decades. Knowledge of DHF is vital to its control. Like other tropical countries, Thailand is facing this resurgent disease. The Thai National Dengue Prevention and Control Plan has been recently implemented to prevent and reduce the problems resulting from the spread of DHF. In this paper, a three-pronged strategy is offered that will create social mobilization at family, community, and national level and that will, therefore, reduce the socioeconomic and health impacts of DHF.