Promoting Self care in Elderly with Diabetes and Hypertension: Tambon Nong Khon, Ubonratchathani Province

Main Article Content

Phaksachiphon Khanthong
Tipavan Saichuer
Arkom Thongbor
Jeeranun Limkongkawong

Abstract

Nong Khon subdistrict is a semi-urban area in Ubon Ratchathani province that confronts health problems especially in elderly persons who have diabetes or hypertension due to changes in lifestyle and consumption behavior. This research aimed to (1) develop a learning process and enhance participation from many sectors in using local wisdom for solving health problems, (2) change health behaviors, and (3) improve well-being conditions, all for the elderly with diabetes and hypertension in the community in Nong Khon subdistrict. The participatory action research (PAR) was conducted in 21 research volunteers, from whom quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire about participation (with multiple choice and open-ended questions) and in 96 older persons with diabetes and hypertension, from whom quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire and a measurement form, while qualitative data were collected using an observation form, an interview guide and a lessons-learned synthesis framework. Data were then analyzed with descriptive statistics and paired samples t-test. The results revealed that: (1) local wisdom was a good driver for self-care in the elderly and PAR was a significant mechanism for all stakeholders’ participation in enhancing their learning process, making behavior changes al the individual and macro levels; (2) the elderly group showed some changes in their health behaviors with an increase in fruit and vegetable consumptions and a decrease in salty diet intake; their BMI and waist circumferences significantly dropped; while their mental health scores rose significantly; and (3) their social quality of life also changed from moderate to high levels. It is thus suggested that, for future research, additional data should be collected to look thoroughly into which behavioral changes really contribute to the better health condition of elderly persons.

Article Details

Section
Original Articles
Author Biographies

Phaksachiphon Khanthong, Faculty of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Ubon Ratchathani 34000

Prasrimahabhodi Psychiatric Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani34000

Ban Chueak Elderly Club, Tambon Nong Khon, Ubon Ratchathani 34000

Nong Khon Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Tambon Nong Khon, Ubon Ratchathani34000

Tipavan Saichuer, Faculty of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Ubon Ratchathani 34000

Prasrimahabhodi Psychiatric Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani34000

Ban Chueak Elderly Club, Tambon Nong Khon, Ubon Ratchathani 34000

Nong Khon Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Tambon Nong Khon, Ubon Ratchathani34000

Arkom Thongbor, Faculty of Natural Resources, Rajamangala University of Technology ISAN Sakon Nakhon Campus, Sakon Nakhon 47160, Thailand

Prasrimahabhodi Psychiatric Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani34000

Ban Chueak Elderly Club, Tambon Nong Khon, Ubon Ratchathani 34000

Nong Khon Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Tambon Nong Khon, Ubon Ratchathani34000

Jeeranun Limkongkawong, Faculty of Natural Resources, Rajamangala University of Technology ISAN Sakon Nakhon Campus, Sakon Nakhon 47160, Thailand

Prasrimahabhodi Psychiatric Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani34000

 Ban Chueak Elderly Club, Tambon Nong Khon, Ubon Ratchathani 34000

Nong Khon Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Tambon Nong Khon, Ubon Ratchathani34000

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