Search Results (75)

Recognizing widespread emotional and mental health issues among students during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to investigate whether recovery and resilience have emerged in the post-pandemic era. A retrospective survey was conducted with high school students in Da Nang, a Vietnamese tourist city that endured multiple waves of COVID-19 from 2020 to 2022. The survey was conducted 18 months after Da Nang was locked down and had only recently entered the ‘new normal’ phase in early 2023. Results revealed that even though the pandemic had subsided, negative emotional experiences remained vivid in students’ memories, even when the pandemic was internationally declared to have ended. Fears of illness, death, isolation, losing social connections, and disruptions in academic paths still lingered. Nevertheless, a significant rebound from predominantly negative to positive emotions was observed among the young people. Understanding which negative emotions affected students the most will allow us to devise more targeted policies and provide more effective social services in response to similar public health crises in the future. Full article

Climate change has become a prominent global issue, demanding the attention of governments and populations due to convincing scientific evidence concerning its sources and effects. Even though a strong commitment to finding ways of reducing individual emissions is an important element of coping with climate change, initiatives to enhance public awareness and engage people in climate-friendly activities seem to be overlooked. Individuals’ reactions to climate change are shaped by their understanding of its causes, consequences, and implications, and this is heavily influenced by communications on the topic in public media. However, the discourses offered on climate change are problematic, leading to oversimplification and differing levels of comprehension. The widespread contentious debate over the causes and implications of climate change, alongside a scarcity of published research on communication about climate change in developing countries, suggests significant information gaps must be addressed. An analysis was performed on 397 articles from Vietnamese online newspapers, employing content analysis and framing to examine the communication of climate change to the public in Vietnam in the past two decades. The findings indicate an anthropocentric framing of climate change, which highlights institutional solutions, set up at a psychological distance from the public. Moreover, the pervasive propaganda advocating for eco-friendly solutions and methods may generate an optimistic perception that this issue can be resolved without altering individual habits. Full article

The fruits of Phyllanthus acidus, rich in various secondary metabolites and possessing significant antioxidant activity, have been consumed widely by many Southeast Asian people, including the Thai, Vietnamese, Burmese, Laotians, and Cambodians. An extensive investigation of the secondary metabolites of the fruits resulted in our obtaining 17 compounds, including four new compounds (1–4). The absolute configurations of 1, 3, and 4 were determined by comparing their experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra with both reference data and computed ECD profiles. At a concentration of 40μM, terpenoids (1 and 5–9) showed no cytotoxic activity against five strains of human tumor cells and one of normal cells. Notably, the known lignan 13 and phenylpropanoid 15 showed obvious ABTS⁺ radical scavenging activities with IC₅₀ values of 203.7 and 232.9 μM, which have a comparable impact to the positive control, Trolox (IC₅₀ = 176.5 ± 2.0 μM). The results indicated that P. acidus fruits could be a promising sources of antioxidant food supplement. Full article

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a topical solution used for managing dental caries. The mixed-methods study consists of a quantitative study (questionnaire survey) and a qualitative study (in-depth interview) to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards SDF among dentists in Vietnam. A descriptive approach and a thematic approach were performed to analyze data, respectively. The questionnaire survey invited 436 licensed dentists registered for the national annual dental meeting and 226 dentists participated (response rate: 52%). Among them, 174 (77%, 174/226) dentists knew SDF, and 69 (40%, 69/174) dentists used SDF for caries management. Most of them considered SDF therapy as non-invasive (84%, 146/174) and simple (80%, 140/174). However, most of them expressed concern that SDF could discolor the tooth (74%, 128/174). Their most preferred teeth for SDF therapy were primary posterior teeth (92%, 160/174). The in-depth interview consulted 16 dentists to reach data saturation. They learned about SDF from outside curriculum resources as an effective anti-caries agent. They understood the advantages (simple, non-invasive, timesaving) and disadvantages (tooth discoloring, ammonia odor) of SDF. They used SDF to arrest caries in uncooperative children in the clinic and people living in rural areas in outreach services. Most dentists in Vietnam are supportive of SDF therapy, and they know its advantages and disadvantages for caries management. The results addressed the aim of the study to investigate Vietnamese dentists’ perspectives towards SDF. Full article

Autographics illustrating refugee and migrant experiences are frequently published, proof of the power of comics to engage with representations of trauma and vulnerability. Thi Bui’s graphic memoir The Best We Could Do tells the story of the author and her family as “boat people”, before and after migrating from Việt Nam to the US in the so-called second “wave” of refugees (1978–1980). If, as Judith Butler argues, vulnerable lives are more grievable when exposed and acknowledged, then self-representation of vulnerable lives might offer a site of resistance against precarity. Thi Bui’s graphic memoir is no exception, since she deals with common themes in Vietnamese American literature such as PTSD, inherited family trauma or everyday bordering, inscribing herself and her family in the counterhistory of the US regarding the Vietnam War, while also addressing themes and motifs recurrent in Asian American comics. The author follows a thematic concern present in Vietnamese American narratives, which tends to present the refugee experience from a heroic perspective, but this is limited and antagonised by Bui’s personal story, who feels estranged from her parents, their past in Việt Nam and the war. As this article shows, the recording and commemoration of her parents’ memories help her to identify with the family legacy of heroic vulnerability in her role as a mother. Full article

Coffee is not merely a refreshing beverage but also invigorates people, provides relaxation, contributes to human health, and fosters closer social connections. Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide and the most traded commercial commodity. Moreover, the rapid development of the Vietnamese coffee industry caused some concerns due to its insufficient performance and the fierce competition within the industry. It is significant to establish an efficient supply network; notwithstanding, supplier selection has always been a challenge for companies. Therefore, this paper employs a hybrid model to determine the supplier selection criteria, a vital factor for a manufacturer under practical operating conditions. Firstly, a combined model of Grey forecasting and the Grey Fourier series is applied to forecast future rainfall and temperature data for six consecutive years. Secondly, based on the criteria, strategies, and buyer requirements, the single-objective linear programming model helps identify the outperformed suppliers. The results found that prices and location change are determinants of supplier selection, and supplier shortage is an enormous barrier for the industry. In this study, these price forecasts allow supply chain management to make informed decisions about inventory levels, transportation routes, and resource allocation to ensure smooth operation and optimize coffee supply chain management. Full article

The evolution of delta and riverbank erosion within the river basin can significantly impact the environment, ecosystems, and lives of those residing along rivers. The Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), counted among the world’s largest deltas, has undergone significant morphological alterations via natural processes and human activities. This research aims to examine these morphological alterations and their impacts on local economic and social conditions in the VMD. This study utilized satellite data from 1988 to 2020, coupled with population density and land use/land cover (LULC) maps from 2002, 2008, and 2015. The findings reveal that the VMD experienced widespread erosion over the past three decades, covering an area of 66.8 km² and affecting 48% of the riverbank length (682 km). In contrast to riverbanks, islets showed an accretion trend with an additional area of 13.3 km², resulting in a decrease in river width over the years. Riverbank and islet erosion has had a profound impact on the LULC, population, and economy of the provinces along the VMD. From 2002 to 2020, eight different land use types were affected, with agricultural land being the most severely eroded, constituting over 86% of the total lost land area (3235.47 ha). The consequences of land loss due to erosion affected 31,273 people and resulted in substantial economic damages estimated at VND 19,409.90 billion (USD 799.50 million) across nine provinces along the VMD. Notably, even though built-up land represented a relatively small portion of the affected area (6.58%), it accounted for the majority of the economic damage at 70.6% (USD 564.45 million). This study underscores the crucial role of satellite imagery and GIS in monitoring long-term morphological changes and assessing their primary impacts. Such analysis is essential for formulating effective plans and strategies for the sustainable management of river environments. Full article

This article presents a comprehensive exploration of Vietnamese surnames, with a specific focus on those attributed to the Kinh people, from an onomastic perspective. Beginning with a broad overview of general studies on Vietnamese names, the paper introduces the prevailing name structure, which follows the format [Surname + (Middle name) + Given name]. The study then delves into a careful examination of Vietnamese surnames, addressing key facets such as their origin, distinctive characteristics, quantity, and distribution. Notably, the article emphasizes the widespread usage of the Nguyễn surname, offering arguments and insights into its prevalence. Furthermore, the paper discusses the intricate nature of the meanings associated with Vietnamese surnames and highlights the legal considerations surrounding them. By combining historical context with cultural significance, the article aims to provide valuable insights into the complexities inherent in Vietnamese surnames. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the historical roots and cultural significance of Kinh group surnames within the broader context of Vietnamese onomastics. Full article

Better understanding of the quality of life among nursing home residents with dementia is important for developing interventions. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to examine factors associated with poor health-related quality of life in older people with dementia living in nursing homes in Hanoi, Vietnam. In-person interviews were conducted with 140 adults who were 60 years and older with dementia, and information about their quality of life was obtained using the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease (QOL-AD) scale. The sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with poor health-related quality of life (lowest quartile) were assessed through the results of physical tests, interviews with nursing home staff, and review of medical records. The average age of the study sample was 78.3 years, 65% were women, and their average QOL-AD total score was 27.3 (SD = 4.4). Malnutrition, total dependence in activities of daily living, and urinary incontinence were associated with poor quality of life after controlling for multiple potentially confounding factors. Our findings show that Vietnamese nursing home residents with dementia have a moderate total quality of life score, and interventions based on comprehensive geriatric assessment remain needed to modify risk factors related to poor health-related quality of life. Full article

There are increasing numbers of studies involving Generation Y and Generation Z, as these generations represent the present and future generations and drive the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development of the natural environment. Environmentally responsible behavior is the key feature for diagnosing how people think and react to the environment where they are situated. This study investigates and analyzes the relevant influencing factors of nature tourists from Generation Y and Generation Z in Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam regarding their performance of environmentally responsible behaviors and compares the differences of these factors among the three groups. The study analysis methods were regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Based on the research results, we verified three factors related to environmentally responsible behavior, pro-ecological worldview, environmental attitude and situational factors. A pro-ecological worldview will indirectly affect environmentally responsible behavior within the three groups. Situational factors directly and indirectly significantly affect environmental attitudes and environmentally responsible behavior in the three groups. In addition, these three groups have significant differences in the average recognition of pro-ecological worldview, environmental attitude, and situational factors and thus environmentally responsible behavior. The overall result reveals that the Thai group tended to have better recognition than that of the Taiwanese and Vietnamese groups. However, all the participants among the groups agreed on the importance of nature preservation and would like to support environmental protection. Full article

Goats are produced in Laos on a small scale and most of them are exported to Vietnam, where they receive a price approximately 30% higher than Vietnamese crossbred goats. In 2021, Laos exported 2.2 million dollars in sheep and goats, mostly to Vietnam (2.19 million dollars). Vietnam was also the fastest-growing export market for sheep and goats of Laos between 2020 and 2021, comprising 66.7% of the total exports. This study aims to analyze the goat value chain from Laos to Vietnam and, based on its characteristics, to suggest policy interventions for the socio-economic sustainable development of the chain. This research analyzes a sample of 400 survey interviews of goat chain actors collected during the second and third quarters of 2022, with the support of CommCare software version 2.53.1. The results show that the Lao goat chain has four main functions implemented by four prominent actors: goat-rearing farmers, traders, abattoir owners, and restaurant owners. However, the role of input suppliers is unclear in this chain. Support to the stakeholders has been provided by local authorities and the government, projects and NGOs, technical supporters, and license supporters. There was not any clear evidence of the goat processing industry. Vertical and horizontal linkages between stakeholders exist, but agreements are primarily oral. There is no declaration of leading actors, and a traceability system has yet to be implemented. The increase in Lao goat exports to the Vietnamese market is driven by the high demand from Vietnamese consumers. The commercialization of goats’ yields provides a positive net income in Lao, where all actors benefit, especially traders and restaurant owners. The chain also creates job opportunities and income that improve living standards, especially for disadvantaged groups, such as women, middle-aged people, people with low literacy, and those living in rural areas. For the sustainable development of the chain, this research recommends that the Lao and Vietnamese governments work together to develop more favorable conditions for goat trading, to improve the traceability across the goat chain, to promote goat husbandry and feeding practices, and to foster goat farmer collaboration by sharing goat-rearing experiences. Full article

Bats are a major reservoir of zoonotic viruses, including coronaviruses. Since the emergence of SARS-CoV in 2002/2003 in Asia, important efforts have been made to describe the diversity of Coronaviridae circulating in bats worldwide, leading to the discovery of the precursors of epidemic and pandemic sarbecoviruses in horseshoe bats. We investigated the viral communities infecting horseshoe bats living in Northern Vietnam, and report here the first identification of sarbecoviruses in Rhinolophus thomasi and Rhinolophus siamensis bats. Phylogenetic characterization of seven strains of Vietnamese sarbecoviruses identified at least three clusters of viruses. Recombination and cross-species transmission between bats seemed to constitute major drivers of virus evolution. Vietnamese sarbecoviruses were mainly enteric, therefore constituting a risk of spillover for guano collectors or people visiting caves. To evaluate the zoonotic potential of these viruses, we analyzed in silico and in vitro the ability of their RBDs to bind to mammalian ACE2s and concluded that these viruses are likely restricted to their bat hosts. The workflow applied here to characterize the spillover potential of novel sarbecoviruses is of major interest for each time a new virus is discovered, in order to concentrate surveillance efforts on high-risk interfaces. Full article

Active case finding (ACF) is a strategy that aims to identify people with tuberculosis (TB) earlier in their disease. This outreach approach may lead to a reduction in catastrophic cost incurrence (costs exceeding 20% of annual household income), a main target of WHO’s End TB Strategy. Our study assessed the socio-economic impact of ACF by comparing patient costs in actively and passively detected people with TB. Longitudinal patient cost surveys were prospectively fielded for people with drug-sensitive pulmonary TB, with 105 detected through ACF and 107 passively detected. Data were collected in four Vietnamese cities between October 2020 and March 2022. ACF reduced pre-treatment (USD 10 vs. 101, p < 0.001) and treatment costs (USD 888 vs. 1213, p < 0.001) in TB-affected individuals. Furthermore, it reduced the occurrence of job loss (15.2% vs. 35.5%, p = 0.001) and use of coping strategies (28.6% vs. 45.7%, p = 0.004). However, catastrophic cost incurrence was high at 52.8% and did not differ between cohorts. ACF did not significantly decrease indirect costs, the largest contributor to catastrophic costs. ACF reduces costs but cannot sufficiently reduce the risk of catastrophic costs. As income loss is the largest driver of costs during TB treatment, social protection schemes need to be expanded. Full article

This study focuses on smoking-cessation strategies for United States (US) Vietnamese individuals, a group with high smoking rates, particularly those with limited English proficiency (LEP). The researchers conducted 16 in-depth interviews with a diverse group of participants, including healthcare professionals, community leaders, and former tobacco users. Data were analyzed using the Phase-Based Model of smoking cessation, resulting in several helpful strategies across the four phases: Motivation, Preparation, Cessation, and Maintenance. Prominent advice for the Motivation Phase included having a strong determination to quit and a reason why, such as protecting loved ones. For the Preparation and Cessation Phases, participants recommended healthy coping mechanisms, avoiding triggers, changing habits, and gradually reducing the number of cigarettes smoked. In the Maintenance Phase, strategies included regular exercise and setting boundaries with other people who smoke. Participants also stressed the importance of social support throughout all four phases. These findings have implications for healthcare providers working with US Vietnamese who smoke, especially those with LEP. By understanding the unique challenges this group faces in accessing smoking-cessation resources, providers can offer tailored support and guidance. Ultimately, this study provides useful strategies for helping US Vietnamese quit smoking, improving their health outcomes and quality of life. Full article

Ensuring a healthy lifestyle for the increasing number of Vietnamese migrants living in Japan is a key public health issue, including infectious disease responses such as tuberculosis (TB). To develop risk communication in relation to the TB response, this study aimed to explore the health issues and health-related behaviors of Vietnamese migrants living in Japan using a mixed method. A survey was conducted on Vietnam-born migrants, aged 18 years and over, in Tokyo. The survey consisted of questions on the following components: (1) demographics; (2) health-related issues and behavior; and (3) health-seeking behavior, information, and communication. A total 165 participants participated in the survey. The majority of the participants were young adults. 13% of the participants responded that they were concerned about their health. Moreover, 22% and 7% of the participants reported weight loss and respiratory symptoms, respectively. 44% of the participants answered they had no one to consult about their health in Japan when they needed it, and 58% answered they had no awareness of any Vietnamese-language health consultation services. Logistic regression analysis revealed that people who contact family members living in Vietnam or overseas using social networking services (SNSs) when they needed to consult someone about their health (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 6.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.52–24.43) were more likely to present with one or more of the typical TB symptoms, compared to those who did not consult someone in this manner. Current smokers (OR = 3.08, 95% CI 1.15–8.23) were more likely to have health problems compared to non-smokers. The key informant interviews revealed that individual factors, the health system, and socio-environmental factors may hinder Vietnamese migrants’ health-seeking and health-information-seeking behaviors in Japan. TB risk communication approaches for migrants need to be developed considering their health-related behaviors while addressing their health needs. Full article