Development of Health Literacy among Older Adults to Enhance Their Quality of Life in Phayakkhaphumphisai District, Mahasarakham Province

Abstract

ABSTRACT

            This mixed methods research, employing an Explanatory Sequential Design, aimed to: 1) develop a health literacy program for elderly individuals to enhance quality of life, and 2) evaluate the program's effectiveness in Phayakkhaphumphisai District, Mahasarakham Province. The study comprised two phases. Phase 1 assessed health literacy and quality of life among 400 elderly participants selected by simple random sampling, using a 6-domain health literacy questionnaire and the WHOQOL-BREF-THAI. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Phase 2 developed a health literacy enhancement model through the PAOR action research cycle. Sixty-six participants were divided equally into experimental and control groups (n = 33 each) and analyzed using Paired sample t-test and Independent t-test.

            Phase 1 findings revealed that elderly participants had a moderate overall health literacy level (Mean = 53.59, SD = 12.18), with media literacy skills scoring lowest at a low level. Overall quality of life was moderate (Mean = 88.83, SD = 14.63), with social relationships scoring lowest. Health literacy showed a strong positive correlation with quality of life (r = 0.62, p < 0.001). Phase 2 results demonstrated that after program participation, the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in health literacy by an average of 16.91 points and quality of life by 15.11 points (p < 0.001), both significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.001). The PAOR-based health literacy enhancement program effectively improved elderly participants' health literacy and quality of life. Healthcare units should adopt and expand this program to areas with similar contexts.

Keywords : Health Literacy, Quality of Life, Elderly, Health Enhancement Program, Action Research