Developing an elderly care model by analyzing and classifying health status and health literacy of the target group in the service area of Lhub Kha Health Promotion Hospital, Kaeng Khro, Chaiyaphum.

Abstract

            The elderly population continues to face challenges with chronic diseases, physical impairments, and a lack of health literacy. These issues can be addressed through cluster analysis and the provision of tailored care models for each group. This research and development study aims to develop a care model for the elderly by clustering based on health status and health literacy, and to evaluate the developed model. The study involved 199 elderly participants in eight villages of Lhubka Subdistrict, Kaeng Khro District, Chaiyaphum Province, during the year 2024. Data were collected using questionnaires and evaluation forms, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Cluster analysis & paired t-test).

            Cluster analysis based on health status and health literacy identified three distinct elderly groups: the Health Knowledge-Practice Imbalance Group, for whom a health program was implemented involving home visits and monthly community chronic disease clinics; the Knowledge Without Action Group, for whom a health program was implemented involving weekly community physiotherapy combined with home environment modifications; and the Behavioral Health Risk Group, for whom a behavior modification program was implemented through elderly school activities and peer support groups. Evaluation over a seven-month period showed a trend towards increased quality of life scores, though not statistically significant (Mean diff. = 1.43; 95% CI: -0.67, 3.53). Community participation scores increased by 0.75 points (95% CI: 0.34, 1.16). Satisfaction levels, measured post-intervention, were high, with a mean score of 4.10 (sd. = 0.36).

            While the study did not confirm a significant impact on quality of life, the satisfactory levels of community participation and overall satisfaction demonstrate the potential and importance of community-wide involvement. Further development is needed to achieve better outcomes in the future.