Southern unrest hinders patients

MANY PATIENTS in the deep South say the region’s unrest is hindering their access to medical treatment since going to see doctors puts them at risk of becoming victims of violent attacks, according to a doctor at the Royal Thai Army Medical Department.
General Dr Sayan Sawassri, a research team leader from the Bangkok-based Phramongkutklao Hospitals’ Ageing Clinic, told an audience that the unrest had contributed to worsening conditions of patients suffering from four diseases.
“People are afraid to go out and see a doctor because they fear for their own safety [from a possible violent attack],” he said. 
Osteoporosis has been cited as the number one ailment among older deep South residents over the past 10 years, followed by high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Sayan was speaking during the closing ceremony for a health material development scheme for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
 The four diseases – mostly found among elderly persons – need frequent check-ups and monitoring as well as regular medication and treatment. 
In a bid to combat the four diseases, health officials have recruited former patients in helping to spread information about the diseases. 
Officials hope their personal stories will motivate others to take good care of themselves. 
Also, there are brochures published in Thai and Malay Yawi for public distribution, he said.
Sayan said that osteoporosis is found among 4 per cent of men aged 40-49, a figure that rises to 11 per cent among men aged 50-59, and 25 per cent among men aged 60-69. 
On the other hand, 5 per cent of women aged 40-49 are found with osteoporosis, 14 per cent among those aged 50-59 and 42 per cent among those aged 60-69, he said. 
About 66 per cent of women over 80 had osteoporosis, he added.
Sayan said the guideline for osteoporosis care developed under this scheme could be useful to patients of the three other diseases, as the four stemmed from a similar lifestyle involving lack of exercise and a diet high in high-fat foods.