Guidelines to Self-Management of the Elderly in Highland for Health Literacy Development

Abstract

This research was an action research aimed to study guidelines for self -management of the elderly in highland of Maemon village, Huichompu, Mueang Chiang Rai province. This research study utilized self -management concepts based on a six-step approach: Setting goals, collecting data, processing data, making decisions, Implementing, and Self-evaluation. The study was divided into two steps, steps1: The qualitative research was conducted using guideline questionnaires for in-depth interviews. The samples consists of 10 persons: 2 community leaders, 2 public health officers, 2 village health volunteers, 2 elderly caregivers and 2 elderly people. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Steps2: An elderly group was organized based on the problem criteria identified in step 1, divided into 3 problems 1) nutrition 2) exercise 3) media. They participated in a self-workshop and participatory and non- participatory observations were conducted 5 times over 6 weeks. The sample group was selected using random sampling method of seniors aged 60 years and over. Data was gathered from 60 persons from the hospital medical record at sub-district health promoting hospital. A quantitative research method on health literacy was used. The instrument’s content and reliability by 3 healthy specialists. Quantitative analyses utilized frequency, percentage, and descriptive analysis for qualitative data.

The results of the study showed that most elderly had middle level of health literacy  (x̄ = 3.30) and middle level of self -evaluation. (x̄ = 3.30) The study suggests guidelines for self-management as a learning process for elderly people in highland areas. This process involves organizing group activities for elderly people with the same health problems, The findings indicate that these guidelines promote proper self-management for elderly people in high-altitude areas, even with communication limitations. The process enhances their perception of diverse health information, supports self-management practices, and fosters health literacy at each step of self-management which consists of 1) participatory learning and group process change each other 2) Checking for understanding after the supporting health information with ask and answer questions from sub-district health promoting hospital officers, then Practicing health behavior and evaluating themselves.