The Effects of an Elderly Heath promoting Behaviors Program for Early Dementia Prevention Sai Mun District Health Network, SaKon Nakhon

Abstract

Purposes : To compare mean scores of perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived self-efficacy and health promoting behaviors to prevent dementia in early stages.

Study design :  Quasi-experimental research.

 Materials and Methods : A total of 64 subjects were elderly without dementia aged 60 years and over, divided into an experimental group and a control group, 32 subjects per group. Data were collected using a questionnaires. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Assumption was analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk test statistics, and differences in mean scores were compared using Independent t-test. Statistical significance was set at 95% confidence Interval.

Main findings : After the experiment, the elderly in the experimental group had a higher average score of perceived benefits than those in control group. With mean score of more than 2.05; mean score of perceived obstacles was higher than control group;  mean score of more than 2.02; mean self-efficacy score was higher than that of control group. with an average score of more than 2.04 and mean score of health promoting behaviors to prevent dementia in early stages than control group with an mean score of more than 1.32, respectively.

Conclusion and recommendations : The results of this research resulted in sample having increased awareness and behavior to prevent dementia in early stages. Relevant agencies should use it to promote the health of elderly.