Correlation between knowledge, attitude, and behavior to the prevention and control of hypertension and diabetes with health status among elderly 60-69 years old in Thawi Watthana district, Bangkok

Abstract

The purpose of this survey research was to measure the level of knowledge, attitude, and behavior in preventing high blood pressure and diabetes and find correlation between factors and health status among elderly 60-69 years old in Thawi Watthana district, Bangkok. The samples consisted of 300 elderly people. Used the questionnaire to collect data between August 1 and September 30, 2023. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to analyze the data. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the participants was 64.1 ± 2.6 years. The majority were females (58.3%), educational level: Bachelor's degree and high school. The most common underlying diseases were hypertension (21.7%), hyperlipidemia (15.3%), and diabetes (10.3%). The participants had a good level of knowledge (91.0%) and attitudes (75.3%) towards the prevention of hypertension and diabetes. However, their behaviors were only at a moderate level (52%). The knowledge and attitude scores were positively correlated (r = 0.26, p < 0.05). However, they were negatively correlated with the behavior scores (r = -0.02, -0.03, p > 0.05). For health status, the knowledge score was positively correlated with HDL cholesterol and negatively correlated with triglyceride levels (r = 0.12, r = -0.14, respectively, p < 0.05). The behavior score was positively correlated with HDL cholesterol level (r = 0.16, p < 0.05). The participants with a good knowledge score had lower fasting blood sugar and triglyceride levels and higher HDL cholesterol levels than those with a moderate or low knowledge score (p < 0.05). The participants with a good attitude score had lower body mass index and fasting blood sugar levels than those with a moderate or low attitude score (p < 0.05). The participants with a good behavior score had lower triglyceride levels and higher HDL cholesterol levels than those with a moderate or low behavior score (p < 0.05). The healthcare system should be developed to promote the interpretation of health status, knowledge of disease progression, symptoms, and complications. It is important to improve the attitude of the elderly towards self-care and provide caregivers with an understanding of how to provide appropriate food. The local government should have public policies in place to manage health factors, such as easy access to healthy food sources and places to increase physical activity.