Factors Associated with Self-Care Behaviors among Older Adults in Disaster-Prone Areas of Eight Upper Northern Provinces

Abstract

 This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to examine self-care behaviors and factors associated with the self-care behaviors among older adults in disaster-prone areas across eight provinces in upper northern Thailand. A total of 600 participants were sampled from the list of individuals aged 60 years and older residing in sprawling villages with a history of public health emergencies related to diseases and health hazards, including floods, earthquakes, haze, and acute respiratory infectious diseases. The study created a structured questionnaire to elicit information comprising general characteristics and self-care behaviors by an interview. The questionnaire had been assessed for content validity and attained the index of item-objective congruence (IOC) value between 0.67-1.00, and thereafter, a test of reliability by Cronbach’s alpha yielded a coefficient value of 0.68. The analyses were carried out using descriptive statistics, which include
percentages, means, and standard deviations. Inferential statistics, including chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression analysis identified association of the factors. Statistical significance set out at a p-value level less than 0.05. The results revealed that 91.33% (95% CI=88.70-93.50) of older adults exhibited a good level of self-care behavior. Factors significantly associated with self-care behaviors included gender; family caregiving support, advocacy of government officials, and information received from the media (p <0.05). After controlling for these four factors, the multiple logistic regression analysis showed that female gender (AOR=2.47, 95% CI=1.35-4.51), family caregiving support (AOR=2.63, 95% CI=1.17-5.90), and advocacy of government officials (AOR=5.30, 95% CI=2.48-11.33) were significantly associated with self-care behaviors. Therefore, to ensure that older adults are fully prepared to cope with disasters, it is essential to promote self-care behaviors, particularly among older males. Additionally, fostering support from both family members and government officials can strengthen these self-care practices. Effective self-care behaviors contribute to reducing loss of life and property damage, as well as facilitating a quicker recovery to normalcy. This approach is a critical component of efficient public health emergency management.