DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_2_26 ISSN: 2277-9531

Development of a care model for dependents among the elderly in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand: Action research

Wacharee Amornrojanavaravutti, Patchareepon Chompoowisate, Wilaiwan Wattananon, Jiratchaya Laokhompruttajarn, Thitirat Laokhompruttajarn
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BACKGROUND:

Thailand has become a complete aged society, leading to an increased number of dependent elderly who require effective long-term care. However, community-based care models that integrate participatory processes remain limited. The purposes of this research were to study the factors predicting and development of a care model for dependent among the elderly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This mixed-methods study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 utilized a cross-sectional explanatory design to identify predictors of QoL among 892 elderly residents in Khon Kaen, Thailand, using multistage sampling. Instruments included the WHOQOL-OLD and BAI (α = 0.90, 0.87). Phase 2 employed Action Research (AR) based on the PAOR cycle and the Topical Health Assembly process with 70 stakeholders. Data were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression and paired t -test. Data were analyzed using Chi-square ( Z 2 ), Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression.

RESULT:

The factors revealed that QoL for dependent in elderly was significantly related to age ( P < 0.001), education ( P = 0.001), family relationships ( P < 0.001), and community participation ( P = 0.002). The model explained that the overall prediction success rate was 52.6%. The predictive model was statistically significant (F = 14.28, P < 0.001), with age, education, and community participation as key predictors. After the intervention, the mean QoL score significantly increased from 2.89 to 4.56 ( t = −7.43, P < 0.001). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient equal to 0.86, 0.85, and 0.90, respectively. The care model consists of six components: preliminary screening, health promotion and disease prevention, health care, health recovery, family relationships, and community participation. Satisfaction with the care model and its implementation was reported at the highest level.

CONCLUSION:

The strengthening community-based resources and social support networks to ensure sustainable care. These community factors are crucial for advancing early prevention, timely intervention, and meeting the health care needs of an increasingly aging society. The model’s success lies in the integration of health assemblies and participatory action, providing a scalable framework for rural elderly care policy.

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