The Effects of a Village Health Volunteer–Led Health Promotion Program on Health Behaviors among Older Adults Living in Island Communities
Keywords:
Health-Promoting Behaviors, Older Adults, Village Health Volunteers, Island CommunitiesAbstract
This one-group pretest–posttest design quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the effects of a Village Health Volunteer–led health promotion program on the health behaviors of older adults residing in Koh Chang Village, in the Koh Phayam subdistrict of Ranong Province. A total of
35 older adults participated in a two-day health promotion training program conducted by Village Health Volunteers, which focused on knowledge provision and skills training for healthy aging. Data were collected at baseline and at Weeks 1 and 4 post-intervention, using the Health-Promoting Behavior Questionnaire for Older Adults, which demonstrated a reliability coefficient of 0.86. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests.
The results showed that after participating in the health promotion program, the overall mean score of health-promoting behaviors among older adults was significantly higher than before the intervention (p-value < .05). When analyzed by domain, the mean scores for health responsibility, interpersonal relationships, and nutrition were significantly higher than pre-intervention levels (p-value < .001). Stress management scores were also significantly higher after the program (p-value < .01). However, no significant differences were found in physical activity or spiritual growth between pre- and post-intervention assessments.
These findings indicate that Village Health Volunteers who receive appropriate knowledge and skills training in elderly health promotion can effectively enhance health-promoting behaviors among older adults. Therefore, healthcare agencies may consider implementing this program as part of community-based health promotion initiatives.
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