Perception of tourists regarding the smoke-free policy at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand.

This study was conducted during February-March 2012 to determine the perception and support regarding smoke-free policy among tourists at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand. In this cross-sectional study, 200 tourists (n = 200) were enrolled by convenience sampling and interviewed by structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and multinomial logistic regression were adopted in the study. Results revealed that half (50%) of the tourists were current smokers and 55% had visited Thailand twice or more. Three quarter (76%) of tourists indicated that they would visit Thailand again even if it had a 100% smoke-free regulation. Almost all (99%) of the tourists had supported for the smoke-free policy (partial ban and total ban), and current smokers had higher percentage of support than non-smokers. Two factors, current smoking status and knowledge level, were significantly associated with perception level. After analysis with Multinomial Logistic Regression, it was found that perception, country group, and presence of designated smoking room (DSR) were associated with smoke-free policy. Recommendation is that, at institution level effective monitoring system is needed at the airport. At policy level, the recommendation is that effective comprehensive policy needed to be emphasized to ensure smoke-free airport environment.

Perception and knowledge on health risks by waterpipe tobacco-smoking tourists in a night spot of Bangkok, Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the perception level, and knowledge level of health risks due to waterpipe tobacco smoking, and knowledge about prohibition of waterpipe tobacco smoking, of foreign tourists in Thailand. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out among foreign tourists in nightspots on Khao San Road area of Bangkok. Structured interview questionnaire was the data collection instrument for 176 convenience-sampling. RESULTS: More than half (52.3%) of the foreign tourists had a poor level of perception about waterpipe smoking. Majority of foreign tourists (75.5%) had low level of knowledge on the health risks. More than 50% didn't know about the illegal status of waterpipe smoking in Thailand. Chi-square analysis showed that the region where tourists reside was statistically associated with the perception level regarding waterpipe smoking. Age of waterpipe smoking initiation was associated with the region and gender Age of tourists was associated with the knowledge on prohibition of waterpipe smoking. CONCLUSION: Raising awareness among foreign tourists through media advocacy about the rules and regulations regarding waterpipe smoking is necessary to support tobacco control policy. Strict enforcement of the existing law on prohibiting waterpipe smoking should be implemented, Authorities should inform owners/managers of waterpipe, tobacco-smoking prohibition, and require them to put up prohibition signs in their establishments, in both Thai and English languages.

Self-care behaviours of chemotherapy patients.

OBJECTIVE: To present study self-care behaviours and variables associated with self-care behaviors of cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in out-patient department of the National Regional Cancer Center in Chonburi City. Interview questionnaire was the data collection instrument for 133 purposive sampling. RESULTS: Survey result indicated that patients were highly aware of the support provided by staff on service supports, emotional supports and informational support. The present study results also found that the top 3 patient self-care knowledge are, avoiding those who have cold when the patients have low white blood cells, eating hot (cooked well with heat) food and knowing the effects of chemotherapy on causing low red blood cells, lowplatelets and low white blood cells. The top 3 self-care behaviours of the patients were, always eat cooked food, inquire and understand the instructions from health personnel for self-care and always check herself/himself to maintain good health. However patients did not usually exercise at least 15 minutes every day, select the recreational activities adequately, and not finding ways to improve their own health. Results from hypothesis testing, indicated that only knowledge variable was associated with self-care behaviours of patients treated with chemotherapy. The demographic variables such as age, marital status, education level, income were not associated with self-care behaviours of patients treated with chemotherapy CONCLUSION: Knowledge is associated with self-care behaviours of cancer patients who received chemotherapy. Providing health promotion for patients is necessary for them to have better self-care behaviours.

Drug policy and administration affecting quality of life of the poor in Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze drug policy and administration affecting quality of life of the poor in Thailand. METHOD: Review of official reports and related documents, for the past 10 years (from 2000-2010). RESULTS: By imposing compulsory licensing, the Thai government maintains negotiating power over the price of pharmaceutical products with the patent holders of the original drugs. This gives an opportunity for relevant government agencies to produce or import patented drugs. At present, there are many problems and obstacles. The findings show that developing countries need to strengthen their negotiating power so that the pharmaceutical manufacturers cannot take advantage through mechanisms provided for such as compulsory licensing and provisions for flexibility in Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement. Furthermore, these countries must support and empower the local pharmaceutical manufacturers to produce generic drugs. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Developing countries should ensure that their populations have confidence in universal coverage service and medical systems regarding the quality of generic drugs.