Inequality and Exploitation in the Accessibility of Social Welfare Services through Digital Technology among Older Adults: A Descriptive Qualitative Study
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
The objective of this descriptive qualitative study is to explore inequality and exploitation in the accessibility of social welfare services through digital technology among older adults. The study was conducted in Phayao Province from March to May 2023. The study included a sample of 15 older people. The data collection process encompassed in-depth interviews, observations, and the documentation of field notes. The utilization of triangulation was employed in order to ensure the trustworthiness of the samples and the expertise of the qualitative researchers involved. The data underwent investigation through the method of content analysis.
The investigation produced four distinct themes pertaining to inequality and exploitation. These themes include - 1) lack of education and limited awareness of social welfare and its significance, 2) difficulties in accessing digital technology, 3) Inequality in status, rights, and opportunities regarding the employment of digital technology in accessing social welfare, and 4) Non-exploitation targeting the elderly.
The study suggests that stakeholders should actively promote education and raise knowledge about the significance of social welfare. Additionally, they should work towards facilitating accessibility to social welfare services for elderly individuals.
Downloads
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Content and information published in the Journal of Prachomklao College of Nursing, Phetchaburi Province are the comment and responsibility of the authors. Articles, information, images, etc. published in this journal are the copyright of the Journal of Prachomklao College of Nursing, Phetchaburi Province. If any person or entity wants to take all or part of it for publication for any purposes, please reference the Journal of Prachomklao College of Nursing, Phetchaburi Province.
References
Bisonyabut, N. (2016). Education inequality in Thailand: Conclusions from the results of the PISA Test. https://Thaipublica.org/2016/05/pier-4/ (in Thai)
Chaiua, P. (2020). Developmental approach welfare for the elderly in Noen Sala Sub-District Krok Phra District, Nakhon Sawan Province. Journal of Graduate Review Nakhon Sawan Buddhist College, 8(3), 39-54. (in Thai)
Chaoayachai, W., Prompahakul, R., & Prasertsang, A. (2021). Health literacy and new normal in older adults. The Journal of The Royal Thai Army Nurses, 22(2), 41-48. (in Thai)
Equitable Education Fund Changing. (2021). 'inequality' to 'equality': Looking at the problem of Thai education with Dr. Kraiyas Phatrawat. https://www.eef.or.th/equitable-education-fund-interview (in Thai)
Foundation of Thai Gerontology Research and Development institute. (2021). Situation of the Thai older person. Institute for population and social research, Mahidol University. https://thaitgri.org/?p=40108 (in Thai)
Haluza, D., & Jungwirth, D. (2015). ICT and the future of health care: Aspects of health promotion. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 84(1), 48–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2014.09.005
Kasemsub, W. (2021). Thailand ready? with stepping into a completely aging society. General Administration Division, Mahidol University. https://op.mahidol.ac.th/ga/posttoday-22-2/ (in Thai)
Kleechaya, P. (2021). Digital technology utilization of elderly and framework for promoting Thai active and productive aging. Journal of Communication Arts, 39(2), 6-78. (in Thai)
Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Sage.
Martins Van Jaarsveld, G. (2020). The effects of COVID-19 among the elderly population: A case for closing the digital divide. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11(12), Article 577427. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.577427
National Statistical Office. (2012). The 2012 information and communication technology survey in household. Economic and Social Statistics Bureau. http://service.nso.go.th/nso/nsopublish/themes/theme_5-1-3.html (in Thai)
Phanmool, J., & Propunprom, P. (2021). Situation of media access, fake news recognition and the impacts of media use of the elderly in urban communities in a new normal. Journal of Legal Entity Management and Local Innovation, 7(8), 172-180. (in Thai)
Ponwasin, A. (2020). The development of the Thai Internet in the perspective of "Prof. Dr. Kanchana Kanjanasu”. Thai network information center foundation. https://www.thnic.or.th/internet-thailand-thestory/ (in Thai)
Pukhamchanod, P. (2017). The concept of community and urban lifestyle. https://elfhs.ssru.ac.th/phusit_ph/pluginfile.php/37/block_html/content/001%.pdf (in Thai)
Saewun, T. (2023). Problems and Obstacles in the Implementation of Social Welfare Provision for the Elderly in Khuan Lang Municipality, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province [Unpublished Master Thesis]. Songkhla University. (in Thai)
Sandelowski, M. (2000). Focus on research methods whatever happened to qualitative description?. Research in Nursing & Health, 23(4), 257-341.
Simawara, K. (2014). Opportunity in education and social equity. Journal of Information, 13(2), 54-61. (in Thai)
Social Development and Human Security Law. (2016). Social welfare promotion ACT, B.E.2546 Bangkok: Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. http://law.m-society.go.th/law2016/law/view/652 (in Thai)
Tipmalai, W. (2019). Behavior and perception of the elderly rights through social networks. [Unpublished Master Thesis]. Silpakorn University. (in Thai)
Thinsandee, T. & Khunaprom, T. (2021). Educational disparities in epidemic situations of infectious diseases, COVID-19. Ratanabuth Journal, 3(2), 63-68. (in Thai)
World Health Organization. (2016). Policy brief 4: Health literacy. In World Health Organization, The 9th Global Conference on Health Promotion. https://www.dors.it/documentazione/testo/201609/policy-brief4-health-literacy.pdf
