RESUMO
Objectives: Being healthy and active is a goal to achieve a better quality of life as individuals age. This study aimed to explore and validate the Active Ageing (AA) model, and examine geographic variations, and demographic and socioeconomic disparities. Study design: Utilising a cross-sectional secondary data analysis, the analytic unit is older adults aged 60-80 across all provinces in Thailand. Methods: Exploratory Factor Analysis explored the AA structures, and the second-order Confirmatory Factor Analysis validated the model fit. Factor scores were used to identify geographic variation and sociodemographic disparities in AA. The association between geographic, and sociodemographic characteristics, and AA was examined through hierarchical regression analysis. Results: The AA model, comprised of 14 indicators representing three latent factors-physical health, participation, and security-exhibited an optimal fit. Geographic inequality in AA emerged across the country, with specific areas linked to lower AA. An inverse relation between participation and security was observed. Rural residence, younger age, male, being married, and adequate income were associated with better AA. The association between AA and geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic emphasised the positive role of marital and economic status. Conclusions: This study contributes to understanding the social determinants of health by constructing a comprehensive AA model. The findings highlight the geographic variations and demographic and socioeconomic disparities in AA across Thailand. While AA generally declines with age, a better economy may help alleviate these disparities. These findings underscore the need for tailored social and public health policies, avoiding a "one-size-fits-all" approach.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Since the 1970s, microplastic contamination has been discovered in various environments. These emerging pollutants threaten water quality and freshwater ecosystems. We aimed to assess microplastic contamination in the Nan River by quantifying their presence, characterising their morphology, and identifying their polymer composition. METHODS: The survey was conducted along the Nan River in northern Thailand, which is divided into three distinct zones based on land use (ie, community areas, agricultural areas, and natural areas). A wide array of samples, including surface water, sediment, and specimens from five aquatic species-Barbonymus altus, Laides hexanema, Kryptopterus cryptopterus, Pomacea canaliculata, and Pseudodon cambodjensis cambodjensis-were collected. The presence of microplastics was analysed via the wet peroxide oxidation process for sample digestion, morphological characteristics were assessed through microscopic examination, and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry was used to identify the polymer composition of the microplastics. FINDINGS: Natural areas had the highest mean concentration of microplastics in surface water (23·67 pcs/L, SD 14·22), whereas community areas had the highest mean concentration in soil sediment (24·67 pcs/g, 15·04). No statistically significant differences in the amounts of microplastics were observed among the various land-use zones. Microplastics were predominantly found in the gastrointestinal tracts of fish specimens, with varying quantities observed among different aquatic species; B altus had the highest concentration (11·80 pcs/g, 8·98). The primary microplastic shapes identified were filaments (53·99%), fragments (35·58%), and cylindrical forms (10·43%). We identified ten different polymer types, with polypropylene, nylons, and polymethyl methacrylate being the most prevalent among them. INTERPRETATION: Analysing microplastic pollution in this area brings attention to the issues affecting the rivers of Thailand and emphasises ecological risks, particularly microplastic presence in aquatic species. Because of the Nan River's ecological importance, we call for increased research and collaboration to address the increasing threat of microplastic pollution. FUNDING: Naresuan University.
Assuntos
Microplásticos , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Humanos , Animais , Microplásticos/análise , Plásticos/análise , Rios , Ecossistema , Tailândia , Monitoramento Ambiental , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análiseRESUMO
Trees with larvicidal activity may be found in Thailand. We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy and length of efficacy of Thai neem (Azadirachta siamensis) oil emulsion and an alginate bead of Thai neem oil formulation against early fourth stage Aedes aegypti larvae using a dipping test. The Thai neem oil emulsion had significantly greater larvicidal activity than the alginate bead formulation at 12 to 60 hours post-exposure (p < 0.01). The Thai neem oil formulation resulted in 100% mortality among the early fourth stage Aedes aegypti larvae at 48 hours, while the alginate bead formulation resulted in 98% larval mortality at 84 hours and 100% mortality at 96 hours. The mean larval mortality using the Thai neem oil emulsion dropped to < 25% by 12 days and with the alginate beads dropped to < 25% by 15 days of exposure.