Teaching Strategies to Enhance Knowledge and Understanding of Opisthorchis viverrini and Cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand: Lessons for Asian Countries.

Although Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) is a neglected tropical disease, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) listed it as a human carcinogen 30 years ago. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the ultimate pathology outcome. However, it remains a significant public health problem in the Greater Mekong Subregion and Asia. Its widespread impact on human health requires urgent action using various strategies. This study aimed to investigate and prioritize the need for developing teaching and learning management of OV and CCA among primary school students in Thailand endemic areas. The samples consisted of 36 Grade 6 students. This study was conducted by using a needs questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Mean and Standard Deviation. The needs were prioritized using the Modified Priority Needs Index (PNI modified). The findings revealed a moderate overall need for teaching and learning management development. The area with the highest need was learning activity organization (PNI = 0.410), followed by audiovisual equipment (PNI = 0.276) and buildings (PNI = 0.265). The teaching content the students needed most included CCA prevention, risk factors, and disease symptoms (58.33%). Based on the findings, it is suggested that teachers design various learning activities and emphasize hands-on activities for students. Additionally, administrators should allocate budgets to improve buildings and audiovisual equipment, and relevant organizations should establish policies to promote learning on these issues in educational institutions. Essential lessons from this study can provide a starting point for executives and public health personnel worldwide to apply to develop educational strategies for cancer education and cancer prevention and control.

Effects of Health Literacy Promotion Programs for Preventing Opisthorchiasis and Cholangiocarcinoma: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), caused mainly by Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) infection, is a public health issue. Health literacy can play a significant role in preventing OV and CCA and adopting preventive behaviors. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate, summarize, and synthesize the current evidence on health literacy programs for preventing OV and CCA.A systematic literature search, with Thai and English languages, was performed using electronic databases through PubMed, Google Scholar, ThaiJo, ThaiLis, and Embase to identify studies examining health literacy programs to prevent OV and CCA. We followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. In addition, we used the RevMan software to perform a meta-analysis to analyze effect sizes using a fixed-effects model and measures of heterogeneity using Cochran's Q and I2. This meta-analysis included seven studies that met the criteria. The results showed that the people who received a program had an increased health literacy overall and in each aspect with a statistically significant (p < 0.001). So, health literacy programs can assist people in understanding their health and gaining access to health information and services. Additionally, the effect of programs (communication abilities, self-management, media and information literacy, and decision-making in practice) can help prevent OV and CCA. As a result, multi-disciplinary healthcare teams are crucial to developing preventive programs to prevent OV and CCA. Further studies need to be done and applied to these programs to modify behavior to avoid other diseases.

Effectiveness of Village Health Volunteer Parallel Program for Proactive Action to Reduce Risk Factors for Cholangiocarcinoma in Two High-Risk Countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Thailand and Laos were classified as risk areas for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in a 2017 assessment in the Greater Mekong Subregion. In 2019, the potential of village health volunteers (VHVs) in both risk areas was developed. The VHVs trained in 2014 (VHV-A) were mentors transferring knowledge of CCA prevention to the trainees (known as VHV-B) in a parallel manner. After that, VHV-Bs in each area educated people to change their behavior. Both parties worked in the same direction to reduce risk factors. In 2020, data were collected after the program was organized in the same populations. The people were aged 30-69 years, whose names were in the civil registration, and had lived in that area for at least five years. Afterward, no less than 172 participants from each location were randomly selected. The research tools used were intervention and questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. After the experiment, all the experimental group's risk factors were significantly different from those of the control group. This study's outcome was an effective program for proactive action in reducing risk factors in the risk areas. Therefore, it should be applied to reduce risk factors for CCA in other regions.

Public health interventions for preventing re-infection of Opisthorchis viverrini: application of the self-efficacy theory and group process in high-prevalent areas of Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness of public health interventions in preventing Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) re-infection in high-prevalence areas of Thailand. METHODS: 68 people from Sisaket, the province with the second-highest prevalence in Thailand, who tested positive for OV eggs in faeces and took praziquantel before the start of the study, participated. 34 participants were allocated to the experimental group, which received a 12-week public health intervention based on the self-efficacy theory and group process between July and October 2018. The control group received the usual services. Data were collected using a questionnaire with a reliability of 0.84. Faecal examinations using the formalin-ether concentration technique were conducted before and after the experiment. The re-infection rate was analysed after the experimental 12 weeks and after one year. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired t-test and independent t-test, were employed for data analysis. RESULTS: After the experiment, the mean scores of knowledge, perceived self-efficacy, self-efficacy expectation and OV prevention behaviour of the experimental group were significantly higher than before the experiment and also higher than scores of the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The public health intervention is useful. It educated the experimental group about OV, perceived self-efficacy and self-efficacy expectation in changing behaviour to prevent OV re-infection. As a result, no re-infections were observed after the 12-week intervention nor at the one-year follow-up. Public health benefits will be evident if the results are extended to other high-prevalence areas.

Effectiveness of Leader Village Health Volunteers Training Program on Preventing Cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand: Advantages for High-Risk Area with Limited Public Health Personnel.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) still affects the health of rural people in northeast Thailand. Most people had a high level of overall risk according to CCA risk assessment in 2014. The question is how to make prevention of CCA as cost-effective as possible. The most appropriate answer is that someone should become a health leader to transfer knowledge to the public. This is the reason for developing the training program for village health volunteers (VHVs)-who play the role of change agents-to transfer knowledge to villagers. As for the evaluation of success, it is not evaluated if VHVs have increased knowledge or not, but it is assessed if people have better knowledge/attitudes, which lead to the correct behavior modification or not. After the program had been implemented for 2 years, people were evaluated on knowledge, attitudes, perception, and satisfaction with the operation of VHVs in providing people with the knowledge and ability to prevent CCA. It was found that people had a higher level of knowledge and attitudes in preventing CCA than before implementing the program. Also, they perceived that VHVs transferred knowledge to villagers so that they had the ability to prevent CCA. Nowadays, VHVs in the digital era (VHVs 4.0) is very useful in solving CCA problems in Thailand because they are the main drivers of success. Potential development of VHVs together with use of digital technology is an advantage for high-risk area with limited public health personnel.

Opisthorchiasis with proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and TNF-α) polymorphisms influence risk of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand: a nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation and repeated infection with Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini) induces intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are substances in the immune system that promote inflammation and causes disease to progress. Genes that help express proinflammatory cytokines can affect an individual's susceptibility to disease, especially in cancer-related chronic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate risk factors for ICC with a focus on opisthorchiasis and polymorphisms of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and TNF-α). METHODS: This study was a nested case-control study within a cohort study. 219 subjects who developed a primary ICC were identified and matched with two non-cancer controls from the same cohort based on sex and age at recruitment (±3 years). An O. viverrini-IgG antibody was assessed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. IL-1ß and TNF-α polymorphisms were analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction with high resolution melting analysis. Associations between variables and ICC were assessed using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: Subjects with a high infection intensity had higher risk of ICC than those who had a low level (OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.2-3.9). Subjects with all genotypes of TNF-α (GG, GA, AA) and high infection intensity were significantly related to an increased risk of ICC (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Polymorphisms of IL-1ß and TNF-α are not a risk of ICC, but an individual with O. viverrini infection has an effect on all genotypes of the TNF-α gene that might promote ICC. Primary prevention of ICC in high-risk areas is based on efforts to reduce O. viverrini infection.

Fruit and Vegetables Consumption: A Pointer for Cholangiocarcinoma Prevention in Northeast Thailand, the Highest Incidence Area in the World.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) caused by opisthorchiasis is a specific public health problem in the Greater Mekong subregional countries. The Northeast Thailand is considered a world's prime area of CCA. Many epidemiological studies found the association between fruit and vegetables consumption and CCA, but their results were inconclusive. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to investigate the relationship between fruit and vegetables consumption and CCA prevention in the Northeast Thailand. The authors conducted a comprehensive search of scholarships on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS published during 1990 and 2015. Selected studies about fruit and vegetables consumption and CCA were analyzed. The fixed-effect model was used to estimate pool odds ratios for the consumption vs. nonconsumption. Based on a meta-analysis, consumption of mixed fruit [odds ratio (OR) = 0.79; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65-0.96], mixed vegetables (OR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.50-0.75), and combined fruit and vegetables (OR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.57-0.80) was associated with the reduction of CCA risk statistically. These findings support that fruit and vegetables consumption is associated with CCA risk reduction. If implemented in a larger geographical area, the study will shed light on possibilities to future reduction of CCA. Educators can replicate the study to solve CCA or other types of cancer and discover the best practice.

Effect of Weight Control Intervention on Body Mass Index among Adolescents with Overweight: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Due to the dramatic rise in overweight and obesity, adolescent weight management interventions are required. Therefore, this study aimed to study the components and the effect size of weight control programs for adolescents with overweight and obese. Materials and Methods: Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we systematically searched electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, ThaiJo, ThaiLis, and Embase) through December 2021 published in English and Thai, samples aged 15-22 years, and presenting the mean, SD a sample size of both experimental and control groups. However, we excluded articles other than full-text articles. In addition, a risk of bias assessment was performed according to the Cochrane Collaboration's quality assessment tool. Finally, this meta-analysis included six studies that met the criteria. The meta-analysis used a fixed-effects model with a forest plot to compute effect sizes and Cochran's Q and I2 statistics as measures of heterogeneity. Results: We found six primary studies which included 721 overweight adolescents. The analysis of the effectiveness of weight control programs for overweight adolescents revealed that 360 adolescents with overweight and obese (49.93%) who underwent the weight control programs changed body weight and body mass index values with the effect size of -0.80 (-1.03, -0.56) and I2 was 56.00%. Conclusions: The results indicate further studies should focus on constructing programs that consider adolescents' changes in technology and lifestyles. Additionally, social and mobile tools should motivate and educate adolescents about body weight control to help them adapt to a healthy lifestyle and maintain weight control over time.

Investigation of Social Innovations for Handling Opisthorchis viverrini and Cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand's Highest-Risk Areas for Further Development of Successful Solution.

BACKGROUND: Despite the national campaigns in 1997 to control Opisthorchis viverrini (OV), a significant risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) was accounted for in the northeast of Thailand, which is also considered the highest-risk area for CCA as per the latest national-wide survey in 2019. Social innovations were employed to address OV and CCA issues in this area, but they have yet to be thoroughly investigated. Investigating social innovations in areas where issues can already be solved is a particular approach for expanding on a broad basis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to search for social innovations used to handle OV and CCA in northeast of Thailand. METHODS: Researchers coordinated with the Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region-10 (1 of 12 regional offices under the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health) to specify the model areas for taking OV and CCA. In addition, researchers cooperated with local coordination units for data collection. The data were coded and classified for content analysis, and triangulation was performed for comparative analysis. Finally, a meeting was conducted to summarize the social innovations discovered in each study site area. RESULTS: Our findings have been presented according to the epidemiologic triad: agent (risk factors), host (individuals/communities), and environment. The researchers and experts addressed and proposed social innovations for dealing with OV and CCA, such as the "3 Health" (Health Behaviours, Health Hygiene, and Environmental Health), in order to achieve a CCA-free society. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to highlight the significance of social innovations in managing OV and CCA. The findings will be utilized to further create strategies for addressing these public health issues in this and other regions in a sustainable and successful manner.

Development of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Promotion Model in a High-Risk Population for Cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand: An Action Research.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a model for promoting fruit and vegetable consumption  in Thailand's high-risk population for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). METHODS: Action research was used as a guiding framework for model development. Participants were divided into groups for process development and evaluation. Group discussions and practice notes were utilized as tools for process development. Data were collected through questionnaires. Qualitative data were categorized and analyzed using content analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze quantitative data. RESULTS: The model development process, following the PAOR framework (Planning, Action, Observation, Reflection), involved fruit and vegetable consumption promotion.  The model, named the "NONGBO NO-CCA Model" included various components: active involvement of villagers in planning, objective sharing of experiences and brainstorming to identify CCA prevention strategies, establishment of networks to support community healthcare, enhancement of community self-reliance through utilization of local resources, and encouragement of chemical-free and environmentally friendly fruit and vegetable cultivation. Following model development, at-risk individuals demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in knowledge, attitude, and practice (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that at-risk individuals exhibited improvements in knowledge, attitude, and practice. Knowledge gains may be attributed to educational training activities, improved attitudes may result from networking processes, and modifications in practice behaviors may be influenced by community participation. Therefore, active involvement in community development can serve as a guiding principle for effective proactive CCA prevention.

Capacity Building of a Self-Reliant Model Community for Cholangiocarcinoma Prevention by Producing Fruit and Vegetable Juice Products in a High-Risk Area of Thailand.

OJECTIVE: This participatory action research aims to develop healthy fruit and vegetable juice products (FVPs) to enhance people's income and quality of life (QOL) in a community with the highest prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in Thailand. METHODS: We randomly sampled study areas from 25 homes in a Thai community to solve poverty and improve QOL. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. Moreover, qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis. RESULTS: The community management system relies on local resources under religious inspiration. Academics also keep developing FVPs from local raw materials planted by organic farming under "Nong Lak Rak Sukapab." The product's nutritional value was measured by In-House and Nutrition Labeling Methods from National Food Institute Laboratory (IEC/ISO17025). According to the Bureau of Nutrition, a 230 ml bottle of each wheatgrass and corn juice contains nutrients beneficial to health and necessary for the body. In addition, the community has participated in production planning, marketing, distribution, and household accounting. As a result, average monthly household income and QOL increased with statistical significance after the project implementation.  Conclusions: These findings demonstrated that improving communities' capacity to be health leaders by producing FVPs to prevent CCA in high-risk areas is critical to early disease prevention and community health care. These issues can also be applied to public policy implications for other regions and diseases in order to emphasize community health care and long-term community development.

A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Dance Programs on Physical Performance: Appropriate Health Promotion for Healthy Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Dancing is a type of physical activity that has been associated with physical benefits in older adults. Regular dancing can help maintain physical function and improve the quality of life in this population. This review evaluated randomized control trials (RCTs) of the effectiveness of dance programs on the physical function of healthy older adults. METHODS: We systematically searched four databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and ThaiLis) through December 2021 for primary studies evaluating dance programs in healthy older adults aged 60 years and over. The meta-analysis used a random-effects model to compute the effect sizes using a forest plot and Cochran's Q and I2 statistics as heterogeneity measures. RESULTS: Eight types of dance programs showed significantly improved physical function. Muscle strength was assessed using the five times sit-to-stand test (I2=89%; p=0.003), chair-sit-to-stand-30S test (I2=75%; p=0.006), and 30-s arm curl test (I2=22%; p=0.260). Static balance was evaluated using the Berg-balance scales test (I2=0%; p=0.620) and the one-leg-stand test (I2=32%; p=0.220). Dynamic balance was tested based on the time up-and-go and eight-foot up-and-go tests (I2=51%; p=0.110). Flexibility was assessed based on the back-scratch (I2=56%; p=0.130) and sit-and-reach test (I2=0%; p=0.930). CONCLUSION: Dance exercise programs improved muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. Such programs are effective and safe for healthy older adults for use as daily exercise to promote health. Therefore, researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers should establish properly organized dance interventions to improve physical function in healthy older adults.

Effects of Integration of Social Marketing and Health Belief Model for Preventing Cholangiocarcinoma in High-Risk Areas of Thailand: A Community Intervention Study.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of applying social marketing and Health Belief Model (HBM) in preventing cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in high-risk areas of Thailand. METHODS: About 2 randomized high-risk areas of CCA from multiple-stage sampling were assigned as study areas. The 150 participants were allocated to the experimental group, which received a 12-week health education program that applied social marketing and HBM. The comparison group received the usual services. Data were collected by a questionnaire created by the researchers. We employed descriptive, inferential statistics (paired t-test and independent t-test) for normal distribution, while Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used for mean scores differing before the experiment. RESULTS: After the experiment, the mean scores of the perceived risk of CCA, perceived severity of CCA, perceived benefits of CCA prevention, perceived barriers to CCA prevention, and correct behaviors of CCA prevention in the experimental group were significantly higher than those before the experiment the .05 level. They were also considerably higher than those of the comparison group at the .05 level. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to integrate social marketing and HBM for CCA prevention. Therefore, formulating policies or measures to prevent disease through public communication will form a model to avoid CCA and create a channel for distributing useful information to the general public.

Cholangiocarcinoma protective factors in Greater Mekong Subregion: Critical issues for joint planning to sustainably solve regional public health problems.

Although Opisthorchis viverrini (OV), lifestyle, and diet co-factors have a relatively high prevalence in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) population, cumulative (0-74) incidence rates of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) do not reach 5% in this region. Other co-factors must influence, but in this study, we only highlighted positive factors for guiding joint planning to address public health problems at the regional level. Therefore, we aimed to study prevalence and factors associated with CCA incidence focusing only on protective factors. A cross-sectional analytic study was carried out from June to October 2017. Participants with informed consent completed the questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze general information. Primary variables were classified into high and low levels by mean. Logistic regression was employed to investigate the correlation between interesting variables and the overall risk level of CCA. The overall prevalence of CCA protective factors of the whole region was knowledge (61.39%), health beliefs (42.32%), prevention behavior (31.93%), and community participation (14.53%). When considering the proportions at a high level, they were 49.53%, 53.72%, 35.37%, and 49.67%, respectively. Significant factors associated with CCA prevention were females with secondary or vocational education, a high level of perceived seriousness and benefits, and community participation. These findings are likely to be helpful for both the public and administrators. First, it can be information for people to be aware of CCA risk. Second, policy-driven authorities at the local or regional level should apply the critical issues from this study for joint planning to sustainably solve regional public health problems.

Risk Communication Through Health Beliefs for Preventing Opisthorchiasis-Linked Cholangiocarcinoma: A Community- Based Intervention in Multicultural Areas of Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to study the effects of the risk communication program through the Cambodian folk song to prevent Opisthorchiasis-linked cholangiocarcinoma (OV-CCA). METHODS: We conducted the quasi-experimental research between August and December 2017 in the Cambodian communities, one-fourth of ethnic minorities residing in multicultural areas of Sisaket Province, Thailand. The samples consisted of 94 equally people divided into experimental group and control group. The experimental group included 47 people at-risk of OV-CCA who received the program for 12 weeks, while the control group received regular services. We collected data by using a questionnaire with a reliability of 0.93. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The study indicated that the socioeconomic information of both groups was not different. The mean scores of all issues (health beliefs, social support, and prevention behavior in the experimental group were higher than those of the control group with statistical significance. Closer inspection showed that the mean difference of the health beliefs was 55.61 points (95%CI: 52.39-57.42, p<0.001), social support was 9.09 points (95%CI: 8.12-10.05, p<0.001), and prevention behavior was 6.38 points (95%CI: 5.43-7.33, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Through the Cambodian folk song, the risk communication program by applying the health beliefs and social support to prevent OV-CCA is beneficial for behavior modification in areas with similar cultures.

Risk factors for colon cancer in Northeastern Thailand: interaction of MTHFR codon 677 and 1298 genotypes with environmental factors.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), such as MTHFR C677T and A1298C, are associated with several cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of MTHFR polymorphisms on colon cancer risk and possible interactions with environmental factors in a population from northeastern Thailand. METHODS: This hospital-based case-control study was conducted during 2002-2006; 130 colon cancer cases and 130 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled. Information was collected and blood samples were obtained for assay of MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques. Associations between variables of interest and colon cancer were assessed using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: Increased risk of colon cancer was associated with alcohol consumption and bowel habits. Alcohol drinkers who consumed < or = 0.50 or >0.50 units of alcohol per day had elevated risks (OR(adj) = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.19-10.25 and OR(adj) = 1.71; 95% CI: 0.74-3.96, respectively). The risk was also higher in subjects with frequent constipation (11.69; 2.18-62.79) and occasional constipation (3.43; 1.72-6.82). An interaction was observed between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and freshwater fish consumption on colon cancer risk (P value for interaction = 0.031). Interactions were observed between the MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and bowel habits, family history of cancer, alcohol consumption, and beef consumption on colon cancer risk (P-value for interaction = 0.0005, 0.007, 0.067, 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In a Thai population, colon cancer risk was associated with alcohol and beef consumption, bowel habits, and family history of cancer. Interactions between MTHFR polymorphisms and environmental factors were also observed.

Sustainable Prevention of Cholangiocarcinoma Through Community Participation in a High-incidence Area in Thailand.

Opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are major public health problems in Northeast Thailand, especially in Ubon Ratchathani, which are the alluvial plains. Those with poor food habits are mostly at risk of having diseases. This study was a participatory action research (PAR) aimed to define the models/plans for CCA prevention. The samples consisted of 40 community representatives. The data were collected by the PAR method. Qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis. The samples coordinately analyzed and prioritized the problems and presented information to the community. The plans consisted of (1) cultivating the right values and behaviors of eating food safe from CCA in children, (2) supervising the shops not to sell foods that are the main risk factors for CCA, (3) supporting the community leaders to act as good role models to the people, (4) assigning every housewife to cook clean and safe food from CCA, and (5) encouraging the villagers to have knowledge and awareness, which can protect them from CCA. After the community designed these plans, responsible persons were assigned to implement them. Two years later, researchers evaluated the outcome. The average scores on knowledge and attitude toward CCA were significantly higher than before implementation. For the impact of projects, prevalence of opisthorchiasis in 2016 was significantly lower than that in 2014. CCA prevention by community participation employed a combination of quantitative and qualitative studies. This study has been successful and sustainable since the community has human resources, budget, and appropriate management of the project.

Behavior-related risk factors for opisthorchiasis-associated cholangiocarcinoma among rural people living along the mekong river in five greater mekong subregion countries.

Opisthorchiasis-associated cholangiocarcinoma (OV-CCA) is a major public health problem in Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Countries, the poorest region in Asia. People in this region have similar traditions or respect the same religion. There is no difference in lifestyle and food culture. Excluding Thailand, publications on risk factors for OV-CCA from the GMS Countries are few, especially data on behavioral risk factors for OV-CCA. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the behavior-related risk factors and to compare the risk of OV-CCA among rural people living along the Mekong River in five GMS countries. It was a cross-sectional analytic study during June and October 2017. All participants with informed consent completed the questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the prevalence of risk factors. Odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals were used to compare the risk of OV-CCA. It was found that there were more drinkers than non-drinkers in all areas, except in Vietnam. The highest history of liver fluke infection was found in Cambodia. Praziquantel use and consumption of raw freshwater fish dishes were mostly found in Lao PDR. The highest consumption of nitrosamine-contaminated foodstuffs was found in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. The spatial comparison of OV-CCA risk showed that Lao PDR and Ubon Ratchathani were two risk areas when compared to Tachileik, Myanmar (a reference area). This study provided the behavior-related risk factors for OV-CCA among people in five GMS Countries which would be a major jigsaw puzzle leading to proactive surveillance for OV-CCA prevention in the future.

Effects of Application of Social Marketing Theory and the Health Belief Model in Promoting Cervical Cancer Screening among Targeted Women in Sisaket Province, Thailand.

Cervical cancer is a major public health problem in Thailand, being ranked second only to breast cancer. Thai women have been reported to have a low rate of cervical cancer screening (27.7% of the 80% goal of WHO). We therefore aimed to apply the social marketing theory and health belief model in promoting cervical cancer screening in Kanthararom District, Sisaket Province. A total of 92 from 974 targeted women aged 3060 years were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group underwent application of social marketing theory and a health belief model program promoting cervical cancer screening while the control group received normal services. Two research tools were used: (1) application of social marketing theory and health belief model program and (2) questionnaire used to evaluate perceptions of cervical cancer. Descriptive and inferential statistics including paired sample ttest and independent ttest were used to analyze the data. After the program had been used, the mean score of perception of cervical cancer of experimental group was at a higher level (x=4.09; S.D. =0.30), than in the control group (x=3.82; S.D. =0.20) with statistical significance (p<0.001). This research demonstrated an appropriate communication process in behavioral modification to prevent cervical cancer. It can be recommended that this program featuring social marketing and the health belief model be used to promote cervical cancer screening in targeted women and it can be promoted as a guideline for other health services, especially in health promotion and disease prevention.

Evaluation of Cholangiocarcinoma Risk and its Related Factors in Wetland Geographical Communities of Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.

Wetland geographical areas have a higher incidence of Opisthorchis viverrini-associated cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), confirmed by data from geographic information systems, than other areas. Behavioral data also indicate that people in these areas traditionally eat uncooked freshwater fish dishes, a vehicle for O. viverrini infection. The best approach to reducing CCA incidence is decreasing risk factors together with behavior alteration. Evaluation of CCA risk and its related factors are first needed for planning the prevention and control programs in the future. We therefore aimed to evaluate the CCA risk and explore its related factors among people in wetland communities of Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and August 2014. In total 906 participants, with informed consent, completed questionnaires. Overall risk of CCA was determined by multiplying odds ratios (ORs) of the risk factors for CCA from literature reviews. A mean score of 5.95 was applied as the cut-off point. Assessment of factors related to overall risk of CCA was accomplished using conditional logistic regression. Of all participants, 60.15% had a high level of the overall risk of CCA. Factors related to the overall risk of CCA were gender (<0.001), marital status (<0.001), perceived susceptibility (p=0.043) and prevention behavior for CCA (<0.001). In conclusion, most participants in this community had a high level of overall risk of CCA. Therefore, integrated prevention and control programs continue to be urgently required.