Factor Affecting Levels Participation in Health Promotion for the Elderly: A Case Study of Manik Community, Thalang District, Phuket Province

Abstract

Background: The change in population structure in Phuket Province has led to an increase in the proportion of elderly people, making the area a complete aging society. This factor has resulted in an increase in the demand for health care, especially in Thalang District, Phuket Province, where the rate of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease has increased. Therefore, promoting the health of the elderly is an important approach to promote quality of life and reduce the burden on the public health system. Community participation is the key to promoting the health of the elderly because it helps to provide continuous and sustainable care. However, the level of community participation is still moderate and lacks support from many sectors, which may be an obstacle to developing effective strategies.

Objectives: (1) To study the level of community participation in promoting the health of the elderly in Ban Ma Nik Community, Thalang District, Phuket Province. (2) To compare the level of community participation in promoting the health of the elderly classified by personal factors, social support, and attitudes of health personnel. (3) To study the problems and obstacles affecting community participation in promoting the health of the elderly.

Methodology: This study was descriptive research. The sample consisted of 233 people aged 20 years and over in Ban Ma Nik community, Thalang District, Phuket Province, selected by multiple random sampling. Data were collected through a questionnaire covering 6 sections: general information, social support, attitudes toward health personnel, community participation, obstacles, and suggestions. Data were analyzed using the independent sample t-test, One-way ANOVA, and pairwise comparisons (LSD test).

Results: The results of the study found that people in Ban Ma Nik community participated in health promotion for the elderly at a moderate level (mean = 2.82), with the highest participation in planning (mean = 2.88), followed by problem identification (mean = 2.87), and implementation (mean = 2.86). The lowest participation in evaluation (mean = 2.68) was found. The analysis also found that people with different occupations, marital status, and social support There were statistically significant differences in participation levels at p < 0.05. In addition, the main obstacles to community participation were occupational burden, family care, and lack of work distribution from community leaders.

Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that community participation in promoting the health of the elderly in Ban Ma Nik community was still at a moderate level, with the highest participation in planning, while evaluation was still a weakness that needed to be developed. Factors promoting participation included social support and attitudes of health personnel, while the main obstacles were economic burden and family burden. Promoting community participation in the long term should take into account supporting health infrastructure, increasing understanding of the role of the community, and encouraging ownership in promoting the health of the elderly.