Results of the Program to Promote Health Literacy in Preventing Kidney Deterioration of Elderly People with High Blood Pressure, Mueang Suea Subdistrict Phayakkhaphumphisai District, Mahasarakham Province

Abstract

Background and Aims: Promoting health literacy among elderly people with high blood pressure is critical for preventing kidney deterioration because it provides them with the knowledge they need to make informed health decisions and practice preventive behaviors. This can improve disease management and reduce the risk of kidney-related complications. Thus, the objective is to study the results of the health literacy promotion program in preventing kidney deterioration in elderly people with high blood pressure.

Methodology:  Quasi-experimental research, Pretest-posttest two-group design conducted between October 2023 and July 2024. The sample group was elderly people with high blood pressure in Mueang Suea Subdistrict. Phayakkhaphumphisai District, Mahasarakham Province. Simple randomization was done by drawing lots. Divided into an experimental group of 32 people and a comparison group of 32 people. The experimental group received a health literacy promotion program to prevent kidney deterioration for 12 weeks, while the comparison group received usual care. Data were collected using a health literacy assessment in 6 areas: skills, knowledge, and understanding. Skills for accessing health information and health services, communication skills, Decision-making skills, self-management skills, Media literacy skills, and health behavior assessment. Cronbach's alpha coefficient analysis was over 0.70 in all aspects. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. In the case of normal distribution, use the Independent t-test.

Results: The results of the research found that after joining the program, the experimental group had a higher mean score on health literacy and kidney deterioration prevention behaviors than before joining the program and was significantly higher than the comparison group at the .05 level, thus showing that the results of the program affect the level of health literacy and health behavior in preventing kidney deterioration in elderly people with high blood pressure in a better way Therefore, the results of this operation should be expanded to other groups of chronically ill patients as well.

Conclusion: The study found that the program significantly improved health literacy and kidney deterioration prevention behaviors in elderly patients with high blood pressure when compared to before the program and a control group. This suggests that the program is effective and should be expanded to include other groups of chronically ill patients for broader health benefits.