Potential development among hypertensive elderly for self-care with four principles in Dan Kwian Sub-district, Chokchai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

This action research aimed to develop the potential of the elderly with hypertension to take care of their own health through four principles in Dan Kwian sub-district, Chokchai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. The research methodology was divided into 3 phases: (1) study of information on the elderly, (2) study of the elderly’s potential development process, and (3) study of outcomes. The target group was 23 hypertensive elderly people who participated in activities in the elderly schools. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The data were analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and the mean scores of knowledge and behaviors before and after were compared by paired t-test. Phase 1 results found that 60.90% of the target group had knowledge of self-care with four principles at a moderate level (Mean±S.D. = 8.60±2.74), and 100.00% had self-care behavior with four principles at a moderate level (Mean±S.D. = 29.17±2.60). Phase 2 included the process of developing with four stages: (1) planning, (2) action, (3) observation, and (4) reflection. There was three activity plans: (1) workshop, (2) home visit, and (3) learning exchange. Phase 3 development outcomes indicated an average score in knowledge, self-efficacy, expectations of health care outcomes, and behaviors in self-care, with four principles being significantly higher than before potential development (p< 0.05). Finally, after development, marked systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were significantly lower than before development (p< 0.05).