Siriraj Medical Journal

111-114

Authors: Supannee Suwanrattanadech, M.D., Tripop Lertbunnaphong, M.D., Dittakarn Boriboonhirunsarn, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and explore the knowledge, attitude and practice of using feminine hygiene products in Thai women. Methods: A survey was conducted between May and August 2009 in 400 Thai women between the ages of 20-35 who attended at Siriraj Gynecological clinic. Questionnaires dealing with knowledge, attitudes and practice were completed and data were collected and analyzed. Results: The mean age of participants was 28.5 ± 4.2 years. The prevalence of participants who have ever used feminine wash and vaginal douche were 70.5% and 14.25%, respectively. To get rid of an unpleasant odor, and feeling clean and fresh were the most common reasons for using both products. The most common timing of using feminine wash was after period, after bath and when having unpleasant odor, whereas having leucorrhea and unpleasant odor were noted in vaginal douche group. Significant association between use of vaginal douche and an experience of sexual intercourse was observed (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Use of feminine hygiene products, especially feminine wash, was quite popular in Thai women. To get rid of unpleasant odor as well as to feel clean and fresh were common reasons for using this product. Recommendations by gynecologists about appropriate use of feminine hygiene products should be carefully considered in daily practice.

119-122

Authors: Wilawan Thirapatarapong, M.D., Rungrudda Sribun, B.NS., Umaporn Atichadmanee, B.Sc. (PT)

Objective: The primary purpose of the study was to determine the incidence of abnormal electrocardiograms (ECGs) which affected the changes of exercise programs. The secondary purpose was to study types of ECG abnormality and the time of detecting the abnormality. Methods: The study was retrospective design. The studied population was selected from the followed up patients at our outpatient cardiac rehabilitation clinic from October 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009. The inclusion criteria were patients who had to follow up at our outpatient cardiac rehabilitation clinic and were monitored for ECG telemetry. The medical and ECG telemetry records of the patients were reviewed. The incidence of abnormal ECGs was reported as the percentage of patients with abnormal ECGs. The patients with abnormal ECGs were classified as the ECG changing group and those without abnormal ECGs were classified as the non-ECG changing group. The comparison of both groups was performed by Chi-square test for categorical data and the independent samples t-test for the quantitative data. The median survival time was carefully estimated by KaplanMeier method of Survival Analysis. The factors associated with time of detecting abnormal ECGs were analyzed by using Cox proportional hazards model. The data analysis was performed with statistical significant difference of the p-value < 0.05. Results: Five hundred and forty patients, 378 males and 162 females, were enrolled. There were 151 from 540 patients (28%) in the ECG changing group and 389 patients (72%) in the non-ECG changing group. The comparison between two groups indicated that there were no significant differences regarding gender, age, body mass index, diseases and co-morbidities (such as coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia and chronic obstructive lung disease), left ventricular ejection fraction and status of cardiac surgery. The two most common types of ECG abnormality in the ECG changing group were tachyarrhythmia and bradyarrhythmia, respectively. The Cox proportional hazards model revealed that there was no factor associated with time of detecting abnormal ECGs. From the Kaplan-Meier method of Survival Analysis, the median survival time of detecting abnormal ECGs was 61 months (95% CI: 47.6, 74.9). Conclusion: The incidence of abnormal ECGs which affected the changes of exercise programs in our outpatient cardiac rehabilitation clinic was 28%. The most common type of abnormality was tachyarrhythmia. The median survival time for detecting abnormal ECGs was 61 months after cardiac hospital discharge. There was no associated factor with the time of detecting abnormal ECGs.

128-131

Authors: Rungnapha Khiewchaum, M.N.S., A.P.N.*, Orapan Thosingha, D.N.S.**, Prangtip Chayaput, Ph.D. (Nursing)**,

Background: After sustaining severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), most patients suffer both physical and mental disabilities. Caregivers of those critically ill patients have to deal with crises not only from unexpected injury, but also from difficult situations in giving care to them. The preparation program (PP) which assists caregivers to cope by enhancing the participation in care during intensive episode is needed. Objective: To examine differences between mean coping scores of TBI patientsั caregivers who received the PP and those receiving the usual nursing care. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was conducted. The sample included 40 caregivers of ICU patients with severe TBI, 20 for a control group and 20 for an experimental group, was recruited. The Preparation Program (PP) implemented in the experimental group was developed based on an extensive review of related literature. The Thai version of the Coping and Adaptation Processing ScaleShort Form (TCAP-SF) was administered before and after the training of caregivers with PP to determine their coping abiility. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and t-test. Results: Caregivers who received the PP had a higher mean of coping score (x= 98.50, SD = 8.32) than those receiving the usual care did (x = 79.55, SD = 12.20) at p <.001. Conclusion: Caregivers were able to cope better after receiving the PP. The PP facilitated them to deal with a crisis episode of a family member with TBI in the ICU by getting more participation in their care. However, the coping of caregivers after patient discharge from the ICU to ward and after returning home should be evaluated.

139-142

Authors: Kosit Sribhen, M.D., Choosri Sribhen, Dr.sci.agr.

No abstract available.