Promoting Self care in Elderly with Diabetes and Hypertension: Tambon Nong Khon, Ubonratchathani Province
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
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
References
2. Aekplakorn W, Abbott-Klafter J, Khonputsa P, Tatsanavivat P, Chongsuvivatwong V, Chariyalertsak S, et al. Prevalence and management of prehypertension and hypertension by geographic region of Thailand: the Third National Health Examination Survey, 2004. Journal of Hypertension. 2008;26(2):191-8.
3. IDF clinical guidelines task force. Global guideline for type 2 diabetes. Brussels: International Diabetes Federation, 2012. 123 p.
4. Kosachunhanun N, Mongkolsomlit S, Plengvidhya N, Bunnag P, Krittiyawong S, Deerochanawong C, et al. Thailand diabetes registry project: glycemic control in Thai type 2 diabetes and its relation to hypoglycemic agent usage. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand. 2006;89(Suppl 1):S66-71.
5. Baral-Grant Haque MS, Nouwen A, Greenfield SM, McManus RJ. Self-monitoring of blood pressure in hypertension: A UK primary care survey. Int J Hypertens 2012, 2012. doi:10.1155/2012/582068. Hindawi ID 582068.
6. Dunning T, Sinclair A, Colagiuri S. New IDF guideline for managing type 2 diabetes in older people. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2014;103(3):538-40.
7. Nong Lai Subdistrict (Tambon) Health Promoting Hospital (2012). Statistical data on population and the elderly, 2012. (in Thai)
8. Nong Khon Subdistrict (Tambon) Health Promoting Hospital (2012). Statistical data on population and the elderly, 2012. (in Thai)
9. Choowa C, Srigernyuang L, Meemon N, Marohabutr T. Globalization and AEC in the context of local traditional healers: a qualitative study of realities in Surin Province. Journal of Thai Traditional & Alternative Medicine. 2015;13(1):23-34.
10. Mahatnirunkul S, Tuntipivatanaskul W, Pumpisanchai W, Wongsuwan K, Pornmanajirungkul R. Comparison of the WHOQOL-100 and the WHOQOL-BREF (26 items). Journal of Mental Health of Thailand. 1998;5(3):4-15. (in Thai)
11. Mongkol A, Wongpiromsan Y, Tungsaree T, Hathapanum W, Romsai P, Jutha W. Research report on development and testing of Thai mental health indicators (Version 2007). Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health. Bangkok: Printing Press of the Agricultural Cooperative Federation of Thailand, Limited, 2009. (in Thai)
12. Adthasit R, et al. Guidelines of health care for diabetes patients with traditional medical wisdom for health services. 2nd ed. Nonthaburi: WVO Office of Printing Mill, War Veterans Organization of Thailand; 2011. 164 p. (in Thai)
13. Adthasit R, Punyawattananukul A, Direk O, Srichai P, Panthong B. My family is aware of diabetes: Guidelines for learning and applying folk wisdom in self-care for diabetes patients and high-risk groups. 2nd ed. Nonthaburi: WVO Office of Printing Mill, War Veterans Organization of Thailand; 2011. 36 p.(in Thai)
14. Fuangchan A, Seubnukarn T, Jungpattanawadee D, Sonthisombat P, Ingkaninan K, Plianbangchang P, et al. Retrospective study on the use of bitter melon for type 2 diabetes at Dansai Crown Prince Hospital, Thailand. Srinagarind Medical Journal. 2007;24(4):332-8.(in Thai)
15. Nganlasom J, Suttitum T, Jirakulsomchok D, Puapairoj A. Effects of Centella Asiatica Linn. leaves and Garcinia Mangostana Linn. hull on the healing of dermal wounds in diabetic rats. 2008;23(4):402-7. (in Thai)
16. Petchdee S. Cardioprotective effects of garlic. KKU Veterinary Journal (Thailand). 2012;22(2),242-54. (in Thai)
17. Gloria YY, Ted JK, David ME, Russell SP. Systematic review of herbs and dietary supplements for glycemic control in diabetes. Diabetes care. 2003;26(4):1277-94.
18. Suksampan P, Limprasutr P, Othaganont P. The effect of supportive educative nursing system on self-care behaviors of hypertensive risk group. Journal of Nursing Science Naresuan University. 2008;2(Supplement): 52-64. (in Thai)
19. Suvitawat J. Elderly health promotion with food consumption according to body elements (tard jao ruean). Journal of Thai Traditional & Alternative Medicine. 2013;11(2):162-169. (in Thai)
20. Pithaksa P, Salitool P. The association between Thai traditional medicine dhammanamai health promotion program and quality of life in diabetes patients in Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket province. Journal of Thai Traditional & Alternative Medicine. 2012;10(1):43-51.(in Thai)
21. Jaitia S, Sanwong S. Evaluation of a folk science lesson on Lanna local rituals for health promotion in HIV/AIDS patients. Journal of Thai Traditional & Alternative Medicine.2015;13(1):14-22.(in Thai)
22. Norris SL, Schmid CH, Lau J, Engelgau MM, Smith SJ. Self-management education for adults with type 2 diabetes: A mata-analysis of the effect on glycemic control. Diabetes Care. 2002;25(7):1159-71.