The Development of Health Promotion Model for Transitioning from Home-Bound to Social-bound Elders in Songkhla Province

Abstract

This developmental research aimed to determine health problems, healthcare need, social activity participation among home-bound elders in Songkhla province, build and develop an activity model, and examine the effect of model application. The implementation consisted of 3 phases. Phase 1 was the study of problems, needs, and social activity participation in 400 elders. The instruments were a need and social activity participation questionnaires with Cronbach Alpha Coefficient of .926 and .953 respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Phase 2 was building and developing an activity model using the study results of phase 1 and literature reviews to draft a model which was validated by experts. Phase 3 was the study of the effects of model application using one group pre-test post-test quasi-experiment. The samples were 60 home-bound elders participating in a model-based program for 4 times. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Research results were found as follows;

1. Health problems of home-bound elders in Songkhla province were underlying diseases (77.25%) including diabetes and hypertension, good health status (46.00%), hearing problem (60.25%), needs for care givers (89.25%). Healthcare need of homebound elders was at a high level ( = 4.21, SD=0.47). Social activity participation of home-bound elders was at a moderate level ( = 3.65, SD=1.20).

2. Model of health promotion activities for home-bound to social bound elders in Songkhla province composed of 5 activities: 1) education, 2) elderly meeting and model presentation, 3) demonstration and practice of self-care, 4) sharing, 5) home visit and reinforcement.

3. After applying a model, 23.3%. of the elders were changed from home-bound to social bound. Home-bound elders were reduced to 76.7%. The satisfaction of elders towards the activity model was at a moderate level ( = 3.49, SD=0.29).

The findings can be used as guidelines of health promotion for home-bound elders, which is a channel of both healthcare and communication among the elders. It is suggested that activity implementations and evaluations of satisfaction should be continued for further effective development.