Development of a health and nutrition curriculum management model based on health literacy principles as a model for elderly schools in Phayao Province

Abstract

Thailand is transitioning into a fully aged society, accompanied by a rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This trend is particularly evident in Phayao Province, where the proportion of older adults exceeds the national average. These demographic and health challenges underscore the need to strengthen health literacy and nutritional education to enhance the self-management capacity of older adults and support sustainable health outcomes.

This study aimed to develop a health and nutrition curriculum integrating the concept of Health Literacy for older adults enrolled in an elderly school in Phayao Province, and to evaluate its effects on knowledge, health behaviors, clinical health indicators, and participant satisfaction. A one-group pretest–posttest experimental design was employed within an action research framework. The sample consisted of 51 older adults attending the Maega Tokwak Elderly School, selected through purposive sampling. Research instruments included the developed curriculum, a knowledge test, a health behavior assessment, a satisfaction questionnaire, and clinical health measurements. Data were collected before and after participation in a 12‑session curriculum delivered over a 3‑month period. Descriptive statistics and paired t‑tests were used for data analysis.

The results showed significant improvements in participants’ knowledge and health behaviors (p < 0.001). Although no significant changes were observed in blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, or estimated glomerular filtration rate (p > 0.05), total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Participant satisfaction was high, with an overall mean score of 9.86 (SD = 0.34).

In conclusion, the Health Literacy–based curriculum effectively enhanced knowledge, promoted healthier behaviors, and reduced selected health risks among older adults, demonstrating strong potential for broader community application.