Relationship among Self-Care Behaviors of the Elderly in Urban Areas Regarding their Mental Health

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study relationship among self-care behaviors of the elderly in urban areas regarding their mental health. The sample group consisted of 276 elderly participants who live in the area of Suthep Sub-District, Muang Chiangmai District, Chiangmai Province. Data were collected by using questionnaires, group discussions, and in-depth interview. Quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, and multiple linear regression ,while qualitative data were analyzed by using content analysis

The results indicate that the self-care behaviors of the elderly regarding their mental health was on the modulate level (= 2.16). The relationship between these self-care behaviors of the elderly regarding their mental health, House income and Supporting Buddhist Activities were both related to self-care behaviors regarding mental health at the 0.05 significant   levels (p – value 0.04, 0.002, respectively). In addition, the conventional Lanna wisdom regarding health, elderly clubs  and Village Health Volunteer activities play an important role in promoting the elderly’s mental  health. 

Key word: Self-Care, Mental Health, Elderly in Urban Areas