Problems, barriers, and needs on health behavior modification among the elderly with risk of diabetes at Nam Phai Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Nam Pat District, Uttaradit Province

Abstract

This study investigated problems, barriers and needs among elderly at risk of diabetes to modify health behaviors. A qualitative research approach was designed using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The 39 elderly and 31 caregivers were selected using purposive sampling. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyze data. The results showed that 53.30% of participants were in the early stage, aged 60-69, and approximately 49.44% generally in good health. Health problems in elderly include memory loss, limited mobility, and stress related to loneliness and depression, need daily support in areas such as diet, physical activity. Barriers to modifying health behaviors included entrenched habits, local cultural norms, family dynamics, economic conditions, and environmental factors. Participants needed sustainable primary healthcare system, transportation support to join activities, diet preparation, local supporters, local health promotion hospital. The study also found problems relating to policy and barriers to develop projects. There should be training programs for caregivers to improve their competencies to support behavioral change, to organize activities for the elderly to change their behaviors. Promote families to work with local community clubs, and primary healthcare systems in implementing appropriate and continuous strategies for addressing elderly health behavior challenges.