1.Knowledge and attitudes towards the elderly among nursing students at Dai Nam University
Vietnam Journal of Public Health 2026;(74):1-
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes towards the elderly, and some related factors among nursing students at Dai Nam University.
Study subjects and methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 252 nursing students from their first to fourth years. Data were collected using an online self-administered questionnaire, employing a modified FAQ (2015) knowledge scale and a KAOP attitude scale. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and a χ² test with p<0.05.
Results: 28.2% of students achieved satisfactory knowledge regarding the elderly; 71.8% did not. 96% of students had a positive attitude. The desire to work in the field of elderly care after graduation was significantly related to their knowledge and attitude.
Conclusion: Nursing students' knowledge of geriatrics is limited, despite generally positive attitudes. The curriculum needs to include more geriatrics content and practical experience in geriatric care.
2.Caregiving burden, quality of life, and related factors among primary caregivers of cancer patients at Thai Binh General Hospital in 2025.
Nguyen Van Tien ; Tran Phuong Linh ; Nguyen Thu Hien ; Vu Minh Phuong ; Le Viet Cuong ; Hoang Minh Phu ; Khamthon Sengchan ; Dao Thi Mai
Vietnam Journal of Public Health 2026;2026(75):1-
Objective: To describe caregiver burden, quality of life, and associated factors among primarycaregivers of cancer patients at Thai Binh General Hospital in 2025.Materials and methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 408 primarycaregivers of cancer patients at Thai Binh General Hospital from August 2025 to March 2026.Data were collected using a structured questionnaire including general characteristics; the ZaritBurden Interview (ZBI), the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF),the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Katz Activities of Daily Living (Katz ADL), andthe Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS).Results: The mean caregiver burden score was 36.1 ± 15.3, and 38.2% of caregivers had highcaregiver burden (ZBI 41–88, including moderate-to-severe and severe burden). The meanoverall quality-of-life score was 53.2 ± 8.7, with 35.3% classified as having low quality of life.In multivariable analysis, high caregiver burden was independently associated with higherfinancial stress and greater patient dependence in daily activities, while low quality of lifewas independently associated with caregiver age ≥40 years and greater patient dependence.Conclusion: A notable proportion of primary caregivers of cancer patients had high caregiverburden and low quality of life. Higher financial stress and greater patient dependence were associatedwith high caregiver burden, whereas caregiver age ≥40 years and greater patient dependencewere associated with low quality of life. The findings suggest that oncology services should screencaregiver burden and consider timely financial, practical, and psychosocial support for high-riskcaregivers.
(PDF) Caregiving burden, quality of life, and some related factors among primary caregivers of cancer patients at Thai Binh General Hospital in 2025. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/408219248_Ganh_nang_cham_soc_chat_luong_cuoc_song_va_mot_so_yeu_to_lien_quan_o_nguoi_cham_soc_chinh_nguoi_benh_ung_thu_tai_Benh_vien_Da_khoa_Thai_Binh_nam_2025#fullTextFileContent [accessed Aug 18 2026].
3.Status of anxiety among students at Hanoi medical university and some related factors
Tran Tho Nhi ; Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang ; Phung Xuan Chuan ; Pham Manh Hung
Vietnam Journal of Public Health 2025;11(1):1-
Background: This research’s aims are to determine the prevalence of anxiety among students at Hanoi Medical University in the academic year 2020-2021 and some related factors.
Methods: This study used a descriptive cross-sectional study on 1325 students at Hanoi Medical University, using DASS-21 scale with questionnaire of anxiety subscale and a self-designed questionnaire. Students were chosen to the study conveniently during the period of data collection.
Results: The result of this study showed that the prevalence of anxiety among students was 42.3%. In this population, the moderate subgroup accounted for the biggest prevalence, at 19.1%. The figures for other subgroups, including mild, severe and extremely severe, were 8%, 6.6% and 8.6% respectively. Relevant factors to students’ anxiety were financial difficulties, online learning difficulties and a factor related to Covid 19, which was “afraid of coming home due to the chance of infecting family members with the disease”.
Conclusion: Nearly half of students were likely to have anxiety disorders, requiring support measures. Students needed to practice physical exercises, manage schedules to improve their health. Besides, universities should provide financial and academic support to struggling students.
4.Cyberbullying among Hanoi medical university students and some associated factors in 2023
Tran Quynh Anh ; Nguyen Thi Phuong Oanh ; Ha Tuan Dung ; Tran Minh Hai ; Dang Quang Tan ; Ngo Toan Anh
Vietnam Journal of Public Health 2025;11(1):2-
Objectives: The rapid and widespread development of social networking sites has created a potential venue for an increase in cyberbullying among adolescents. While much research has been done on middle school/high school students, this issue for college/university students has yet to receive much attention. The present study described the prevalence of cyberbullying and associated factors among Hanoi Medical University students.
Methods: Data were obtained from an online survey of conveniently selected Hanoi Medical University students. A total of 736 students participated and finished a structured questionnaire based on the Cyberbullying Victimization Scale (CVS).
Results: The prevalence of cyberbullying victims among Hanoi Medical University students was 17.4%, and 9.0% of the students had engaged in cyberbullying behaviors. Research also indicated that there is an association between cyberbullying behavior and factors such as internet usage duration and frequency of monitoring violent information. Gender didn't have any relationship with cyberbullying victimization but had a significant association with cyberbullying perpetration (OR = 2.37, 95%CI = 1.42 – 3.96).
Conclusion: Cyberbullying has become an important phenomenon related to internet usage duration and violent information among students of Hanoi Medical University. Therefore, it is necessary to build healthy internet habits and manage online information to reduce cyberbullying prevalence and promote student health in the digital age.
5.Nutritional status and some digestive symptoms in the elderly treated at Hanoi medical university hospital
Bui Thi Cam Tra ; Nguyen Thuy Linh ; Pham Thi Tuyet Chinh ; Nguyen Thu Trang
Vietnam Journal of Public Health 2025;11(1):3-
Background: The elderly are a population group that is particularly vulnerable to nutritional and digestive problems due to age-related physiological changes. In the hospital setting, where the elderly are treated as inpatients, gastrointestinal symptoms can become more complicated due to the impact of many factors related to the hospital environment such as changes in diet and use of multiple medications. In Vietnam, the population is aging rapidly, with the proportion of people over 60 years old increasing. This is a major challenge for the health system, especially in nutritional management and improving the quality of life of the elderly.
Objectives: The study aims to describe the nutritional status, common gastrointestinal symptoms and the association between gastrointestinal symptoms disorders and nutritional status in elderly individuals receiving inpatient treatment.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 264 elderly patients at Hanoi Medical University Hospital from March 2023 to May 2024. Nutritional status was assessed using the BMI (WHO) and MNA, with ROME IV criteria employed to determine gastrointestinal symptoms, including functional dyspepsia, belching disorders, nausea, and vomiting disorders. Related factors considered were age, gender, and comorbidities.
Results: The average age of the participants was 69.4±7.2 years. The rate of malnutrition or risk of malnutrition in the study subjects according to MNA was quite high, 12.5% and 70.1%, respectively. The prevalence of common digestive symptoms in elderly patients includes: 60.2% of elderly patients have symptoms of functional dyspepsia; 33.7% have symptoms of belching disorder; nausea and vomiting disorders account for 16.4%. According to MNA assessment, the proportion of elderly patients at risk of malnutrition and malnutrition with symptoms of gastrointestinal disorder was higher than the non-malnutrition group, the difference was statistically significant with p<0.05. Female participants often have digestive symptoms more often than male participants (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Digestive symptoms are common in the elderly treated in a hospital. The incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms in the elderly is related to malnutrition.
6.Factors associating with nutritional status among adults with Beta-Thalassemia Major
Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh ; Dinh Thi Thu Trang ; Pham Van Thao ; Ha Tu Phuong ; Nguyen Tien Vu ; Pham Thi Ngoc Huyen ; Bui Thi Mai An
Vietnam Journal of Public Health 2025;11(1):4-
Background: Patients with beta-thalassemia major are susceptible to malnutrition, yet limited evidence exists in Vietnam. This study aims to identify factors associated with underweight status among adults with beta-thalassemia major in Vietnam.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 201 adults (≥18 years) with beta-thalassemia major. Underweight was defined as BMI < 18.5 kg/m². Logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with underweight status, including age, sex, ethnicity, place of residence, educational level, marital status, and employment status.
Results: Over half of the participants (54.2%) were underweight. Female (aOR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.12–0.73, p-value=0.008) and married patients (aOR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13–0.79, p-value=0.013) were significantly associated with lower odds of underweight status compared to male and unmarried counterparts. Underweight patients had significantly lower fat mass, muscle mass, and bone mineral content, but higher total body water percentage compared to those with normal weight.
Conclusion: Underweight status is highly prevalent among adults with beta-thalassemia major in Vietnam, particularly among males and unmarried individuals. These findings underscore the need for targeted nutritional and psychosocial support strategies to improve care and quality of life for this vulnerable population. We recommend implementing tailored nutritional interventions to improve their nutritional status.
7.Prevalence of Depression, anxiety and stress among the adolescents and associated factors: A Scoping review
Pham Phuong Mai ; Tran Thi Le Hang ; Pham Mai Oanh ; Bui Quang Tien Tien ; Pham Hoang Ha
Vietnam Journal of Public Health 2025;11(1):5-
Background: Depression, anxiety, and stress have become major public health concerns among adolescents, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding their prevalence and determinants is essential to inform prevention and intervention strategies.
Objectives: To describe the prevalence and associated factors of depression, anxiety, and stress among adolescents from 2022 to 2023.
Methods: This is a scoping review. We synthesize scientific studies on depression, anxiety, stress in adolescents aged 10-24 years published in journals from three data bases: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase.
Results: A total of 34 studies on depression, anxiety, and stress in adolescents were included in the review. This scoping review indicates that prevalence of depression ranged from 12.5% to 90.9%, that of anxiety was between 15.2% and 74.7%, and that of stress ranged from 3.2% to 75.3%. The mean age of participants across studies ranged from 14.5 to 21.9 years. Several factors have been identified in different studies as exacerbating these symptoms among adolescents, including age, gender, education related factors, family background, and risk behaviors.
Conclusion: The findings of this review provide valuable insights for parents and health professionals to design effective strategies that mitigate mental health symptoms and foster adolescents’ healthy development.
8.Nutritional status and some related factors in elderly treated type 2 diabetes at national hospital of endocrinology
Bui Thi Cam Tra ; Nguyen Trong Hung ; Nguyen Hai Duong
Vietnam Journal of Public Health 2025;11(1):6-
Objectives: Type 2 diabetes is a growing public health concern, especially among the elderly. Understanding the nutritional status of this population is essential for effective disease management. This study describes the nutritional status and some related factors in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes at the National Hospital Of Endocrinology in 2023-2024.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 209 elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes receiving treatment at the Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics Department, National Hospital Of Endocrinology.
Results: The average age was 70.63 (±6.64) years, with 54.07% being female. According to WHO classification, 19.62% were overweight, and 2.39% were obese. Based on the World Health Organization's Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) classification, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 24.88% and 22.01%, respectively. High waist circumference (WC) was found in 71.29% of participants. Overweight and obesity were significantly associated with comorbidities: patients with lipid metabolism disorders had a 2.07-fold higher risk (95% CI: 1.06–6.88, p<0.05), and those with cardiovascular disease/hypertension had a 2.21-fold higher risk (95% CI: 1.01–4.81, p<0.05). A slower eating pace was linked to a 0.34-fold lower risk of overweight/obesity (95% CI: 0.29–0.84, p<0.05).
Conclusion: Elderly diabetic patients had a high prevalence of overweight, obesity, and central adiposity, which were influenced by comorbidities and dietary habits. Targeted nutritional interventions were crucial for improving their health outcomes.
9.Accessibility and utilization of sexual reproductive health services in a Vietnamese mountainous area: A mixed-method empirical study
Nguyen Thi Hoa Huyen ; Nguyen Chau Anh ; Hac Huyen My ; Tran Ngoc Tran ; Tran Le Minh Anh
Vietnam Journal of Public Health 2025;11(1):7-
Objectives: This study examined the accessibility and utilization of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services among ethnic minority populations in Vietnam’s mountainous regions, with a focus on their perceptions and challenges.
Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, combining a structured survey of 630 adults with semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to capture both utilization patterns and contextual experiences.
Results: Most participants were of Thai ethnicity (77%). Commune health stations and district hospitals were the most frequently used facilities, primarily for genital tract diseases, pregnancy, and contraceptive services. Over 80% reported satisfaction with services; however, major barriers included long waiting times, limited transportation, and geographical isolation. Respondents expressed a preference for district-level and private facilities due to perceived higher quality, while residents in remote areas often relied on village midwives for maternal care. Additional challenges included the absence of school health staff and the financial burden on teachers providing basic medical support.
Conclusion: Findings highlight both service availability and persistent inequities. Addressing logistical, cultural, and systemic barriers through culturally sensitive policies and programs is essential to improving SRH equity for ethnic minority communities in Vietnam.
10.Malaria prevention practices among forest goers in four highland provinces of Vietnam and some related factors in 2023
Le Minh Dat ; Nguyen Dang Tuan ; Hoang Hai Phuc ; Nguyen Tuan Anh ; Huynh Van Hanh ; Nguyen Van Thao ; Ho Ngoc Gia ; Bui Huy Chien ; Nguyen Hung Quang ; Nguyen Thi Ngoc Long ; Dinh Thi Phuong Nga
Vietnam Journal of Public Health 2024;10(1):1-10
Objectives: Malaria prevention still faces many difficulties in the mountainous and highland areas, especially the provinces in the Central region and the Central Highlands, Vietnam. This study aims to describe the practice of malaria prevention of forest goers in four high-risk provinces of Vietnam in 2023 and some related factors.
Methods: Cross-sectional in 696 foresters in 4 provinces: Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Binh Phuoc, Vietnam from January 2023 to December 2023. The study used a validated questionnaire and convenience sampling method to select research subjects. Health station staff were trained as data collectors and supervised during data collection.
Results: The study subjects with good malaria prevention practices accounted for 54.6%. In addition to sleeping under mosquito nets, subjects also applied other preventive measures such as wearing long-sleeved clothes and mosquito repellant cream, 83.1% and 67.8%, respectively. Gender, ethnicity, religion, education, health insurance, occupation, frequency of work in the forest, and good knowledge about malaria control as it relates to malaria prevention practices.
Conclusion: The current status of malaria prevention practices among forest goers in four high-risk provinces is still limited. It is necessary to promote communication measures to improve people's knowledge, attitudes, and practices on malaria prevention


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail