Tập 10 Số 01 (2026): Tập 10, Số 01-2026

Introduction: While there are numerous studies on hypertension prevention, there is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of school-based interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of interventions designed to improve knowledge about hypertension among high school students in a mountainous area. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with students at Dong Hy High School in Thai Nguyen Province, involving 368 students across 10 th , 11 th , and 12 th grades. For each grade, three classes were randomly selected for the study, in which one class from each grade was randomly assigned to the intervention group and the remaining two classes were assigned to the control group. The main variables included knowledge on the definition, risk factors, and prevention of hypertension. Health education sessions were conducted in the intervention group by the Youth Union and class leaders. Difference-indifferences analysis was applied to estimate the effectiveness. Results: The total score at the baseline survey was 15.07 out of 29 points. The intervention by the health education sections revealed that the effectiveness of the health education intervention improved the knowledge by 0.12 points. However, this change was not statistically significant, except for the improved knowledge about daily salt intake among 24% of the students (p<0.001). Conclusion: The intervention had an impact on changing the knowledge about daily salt intake among 24% of the high school students. To be able to enhance knowledge of hypertension among high school students, future research should consider factors such as enhancing students’ need, using better visual media, engaging intervention activities while designing interventions.

Objective: To determine the current status of intention to quit smoking and influencing factors among current smokers aged 15 and over in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province in 2024. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design, utilizing mixed quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative study used secondary data from the Vung Tau Provincial Global Adult Tobacco Survey (PGATS 2024), which included 2,400 individuals aged 15 and above. The qualitative study conducted 16 in-depth interviews with health workers and current smokers who had participated in the original PGATS 2024 study. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 software. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine factors associated with intention to quit smoking (with statistical significance level p < 0.05). Results: 52.4% of current smokers intended to quit smoking. In multivariate analysis, those who had attempted to quit in the past 12 months had an intention to quit 8.8 times (95% CI: 4.6–16.5). Factors such as indoor smoking bans, exposure to ≥3 media channels, and exposure to health warnings on cigarette packs remained statistically significant after adjustment (p<0.05). Support from family had a positive influence, while cigarette price and tax policies have not created enough financial pressure to motivate smokers to quit. Conclusions: It is necessary to increase support for smoking cessation measures and promote the use of diverse media channels (including social networks and the internet). At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen the implementation of smoke-free environments and maintain and promote the effectiveness of health warning images on cigarette packs to increase the intention to quit smoking in the smoking community. Adjusting tobacco prices and taxes to a high enough level to create financial pressure is also a measure to promote the intention to quit smoking.

Objectives: To describe the global and national trends in the development of diagnostic methods for detecting Burkholderia pseudomallei (B. pseudomallei) and to analyze the diagnostic performance of these detection methods during the period 2010-2025. Subjects: Published studies and reports on diagnostic methods for B. pseudomallei conducted worldwide and in Vietnam from 2010 to 2025. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. A total of 34 eligible studies were included. Data was synthesized and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets and reference management was conducted with Zotero 7.0. Results: Between 2010 and 2025, diagnostic approaches for B. pseudomallei were classified into four main categories: Culture-based methods, molecular biology techniques, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization - Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and immunological assays. Immunoassays were the most widely applied due to their speed and low cost, though sensitivity and specificity varied. Culture-based methods remained indispensable as the diagnostic gold standard, despite moderate sensitivity and longer turnaround time. Molecular biology techniques, particularly Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) achieved high sensitivity and specificity, capable of detecting B. pseudomallei at very low DNA concentrations. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry demonstrated nearly perfect accuracy in species identification from cultured colonies. Conclusions: Diagnostic methods for B. pseudomallei have progressively evolved toward more rapid and precise technologies. Immunoassays are appropriate for preliminary screening, while culture remains essential for confirmation. Molecular biology- and MALDI-TOF-based techniques provide high accuracy and reliability, representing the future direction for diagnostic standardization and clinical application.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding thalassemia prevention among women aged 15–49 in Cao Bang Province. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design was conducted from August 2023 to December 2024 with 531 women (265 in study group and 266 in control group). The intervention consisted of training for health staff, health education for women, individual counseling, workshops, and provision of educational materials. Results: Before the intervention, the proportions of women with adequate knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the study group were 55.1%, 49.8%, and 19.2%, respectively. After the intervention, mean knowledge and attitude scores increased from 10.2 ± 4.8 to 12.9 ± 5.2 and from 3.5 ± 1.8 to 5.3 ± 1.6, with corresponding increases in adequate knowledge (70.6%) and correct attitudes (88.3%). Preventive practice scores improved among both women planning and not planning pregnancy, and the proportion with adequate practices increased to 37.4%. The highest intervention effectiveness index was observed for practices (94.8), followed by attitudes (77.31) and knowledge (21.13) (p < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the control group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The intervention was effective in improving knowledge, attitude, and practice, and thus, primary healthcare services may refer to this approach for Thalassemia prevention among women of reproductive age

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the implementation of the National Criteria for Commune Health Stations (CHSs) in Can Tho City during 2023–2024, and to analyze advantages, disadvantages, opportunities and challenges for the implementation from 2025 onward. Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted from March to November 2025. Quantitative data on the 47 indicators stipulated in Decision No. 1300/QD-BYT were obtained first from official reports of 80 CHSs in the former Can Tho City. After that, nine in-depth interviews (IDI) were conducted with leaders of the Department of Health, professional divisions, commune-level People’s Committees, and heads of CHSs to collect data for the second objective. Results: All CHSs met 7/10 of the National Criteria, regarding accessibility, water and sanitation, and waste management. Doctor coverage was high (96.3%); however, only 62.5–63.8% of CHSs met staffing quantity and professional structure. Infrastructure standards were largely achieved, with 93.8% of CHSs meeting land area and construction criteria. Information technology application was limited, with 61.3– 68.8% of CHSs fully applying health management software. Persistent challenges related to human resource shortages and imbalances, post–COVID-19 equipment degradation, complex procurement procedures, fragmented information systems, and limited digital capacity. The two-tier local government model presents opportunities and challenges for improved coordination and system integration. Conclusion: CHSs in Can Tho City generally meet the National Criteria. However, human resource optimization, workforce structure reform, digital transformation, and information system integration should be prioritized to achieve the national criteria of CHS quality.

Objective: This review aims to (1) synthesize and evaluate the available scientific evidence on the efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of HPV vaccines in both clinical trials and real-world settings; (2) compare the differences in outcomes between vaccines, age groups, and deployment contexts; and (3) discuss public health implications and applicability in the Vietnamese context. Methods: This narrative review was conducted through a comprehensive search and analysis of published literature in major medical databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and official reports from the WHO and CDC. Evidence from clinical trials, long-term follow-up studies, and real-world data was compiled thematically using the SANRA scale. Results: HPV vaccines have shown high efficacy and effectiveness in preventing HPV infection and precancerous cervical lesions. Bivalent HPV vaccines are 93–98% effective against moderate to severe cervical lesions caused by HPV-16/18. The quadrivalent HPV vaccine showed 100% protection against grade 2 or higher cervical lesions during 24,099 person-years of follow-up, reducing HPV-6, 11, 16, and 18 infections by approximately 90% and maintaining a sustained immune response for at least 12 years. The nine-valent HPV vaccine offered protection against five additional high-risk HPV types, achieving ≥90% efficacy for 10–12 years with seropositivity rates of ≥81–90% for the covered types. Real-world data also confirms high preventive effectiveness among children and adolescents. The safety profile of HPV vaccines has been well established in both clinical trials and post-licensure surveillance, with most post-vaccination reactions being mild and transient (pain, swelling, fatigue, headache), while serious adverse events were rare and comparable to placebo.   Conclusion: HPV vaccines are safe and highly effective in preventing HPV infection and precancerous cervical lesions, offering superior preventative benefits compared to minimal risks. Early vaccination, a single-dose regimen, expanded coverage, and increased public awareness are key strategies to optimize the effectiveness and coverage of HPV vaccination programs

Objective: To describe the inpatient patients’ needs of social support and the hospiatal’s ressponsiveness to these needs at Hanoi Heart Hospital in 2025. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2024 to October 2025 among inpatients at the clinical departments of Hanoi Heart Hospital. A total of 193 patients were interviewed face-to-face using a structured questionnaire, which included items assessing patients’ needs for social work support and the hospital’s responsiveness, measured on a Likert scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine patients’ needs and the hospital’s level of reponse for each specific social work activity. Main findings: Patients’ needs for information–counseling and communication–awareness enhancement were high, exceeding 83%, and the hospital’s responsiveness in this domain generally met patient expectations, with rates above 96%. For psychological–social support, both the proportion of patients reporting needs and their assessment of the hospital’s responsiveness were at moderate levels. Notably, psychological therapy support and opportunities to participate in cultural or sports activities had the lowest ratings, with patient needs below 51% and responsiveness below 80%. Regarding resource mobilization and financial assistance, patients expressed limited needs for support related to personal living expenses, donated items, or free meals. However, the need for the hospital to provide temporary resting areas for family caregivers was relatively high (71.5%). Despite this, the hospital’s responsiveness in this area remained low and did not adequately meet patient needs. Conclusions: Patients demonstrated diverse needs for social work support; however, the hospital’s level of responsiveness varied across different categories of support. These findings reflect constraints related to insufficient dedicated personnel, limitations in infrastructure, and unstable operational funding.  

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the status of medical solid waste (MSW) management at Phu Yen General Hospital in 2025 and to identify key influencing factors to propose solutions for MSW management improvement. Methods: A mixed-method study incorporating quantitative and qualitative components was conducted from December 2024 to October 2025. MSW management practices were directly observed across clinical departments, wards, and storage areas. In addition, nine in-depth interviews (IDIs) and two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with healthcare workers and environmental management staff. Results: MSW management at the hospital demonstrated high overall performance, with compliance rates ranging from 91.2% to 100%. Compliance rates were over 96.2% for collection, 90.4% for transportation, 94.4% for storage, and 91.2% for handover. Key influencing factors included the availability of comprehensive regulations and guidelines, reliance on manual supervision, uneven and limited training modalities, insufficient human resources and weak interdepartmental coordination, constrained funding, aging equipment, and suboptimal recycling practices which limited opportunities for cost reduction. Conclusion: MSW management at the hospital complies with current regulations and demonstrates high effectiveness; however, gaps in infrastructure, supervision, staff capacity, and financial resources remain, particularly affecting hazardous waste segregation, transportation, and recycling. Strengthening human resources, applying information technology to monitoring and reporting, and enhancing regular inspections and targeted training are needed to improve efficiency, safety, and compliance.  

Objective: This study aimed to assess nutrition education and communication (NEC) activities using inpatient feedback and to explore factors influencing the implementation of NEC at a class I hospital in Da Nang, Vietnam, in 2025. Methods: A mixed-methods study integrating a cross sectional quantitative component and a phenomenological qualitative approach was conducted from November 2024 to November 2025. Quantitative data were collected from 112 inpatients. Qualitative data were obtained through five in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions involving hospital administrators, physicians, nurses and inpatients. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically to identify enabling and constraining factors affecting NEC activities. Results: Individual nutrition counseling was the most commonly implemented NEC activity, reported by 87.5% of inpatients. However, level of inpatient satisfaction were modest, with the overall satisfaction rates for individual counseling and indirect communication were 30.6% and 45.9%, respectively. Key enabling factors included strong leadership commitment and the development of annual implementation plans for NEC activities. Major barriers included the lack of mandatory integration of NEC into standard clinical treatment protocols and limited coordination between the Nutrition Department and clinical departments. Conclusion: Despite high coverage of NEC activities particularly individual counseling (87.5%), patient satisfaction remained low. The gap between coverage and perceived effectiveness appears to be driven primarily by systemic barriers, particularly the absence of formal integration of NEC into clinical protocols and suboptimal interdepartmental coordination. 

Background: Evidence on parent–adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) communication is limited for ethnic minority boarding school settings in Vietnam. This study described SRH communication and assessed differences by gender and ethnicity. Methods: In 2024, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among all 814 students at an ethnic minority boarding high school in Ba Vi district, northern Vietnam. Students self-reported SRH communication frequency with parents (never/rarely/sometimes/often). Group differences were examined using Chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests. Results: Among 814 students (52.8% female), “never” predominated for topics related to prevention of unplanned pregnancy, as well as for premarital sex and STIs. Puberty communication differed by gender: 32.8% of males vs 23.7% of females reported never discussing puberty changes (p=0.01). For gender-specific topics, 66.9% of males never discussed wet dreams, while 30.5% of females reported often discussing menstrual issues (p<0.001). Females more often reported never discussing multiple sexual partners than males (76.5% vs 69.8%; p=0.048). Communication patterns were broadly similar between Kinh and non-Kinh students. The most common reasons for no SRH communication were “Other” (46.4% males; 49.3% females), difficulty speaking (12.2%; 17.0), shame (10.4%; 12.1), and lack of time (15.9%; 8.1). Conclusions: In this ethnic minority boarding high school in Ba Vi (northern Vietnam), parent–student SRH communication was limited, particularly for topics relevant to prevention of unplanned pregnancy (e.g., contraception and condom use). Students should receive sufficient, age-appropriate SRH information through strengthened school-based sexuality education and coordinated school–family strategies that support access to accurate pregnancy-prevention guidance for both boys and girls.