Evaluation of the Implementation of the Health Promotion Plan for Elders and Disables, Year 2013 - การประเมินผลการดำเนินงานตามแผนงาน ส่งเสริมสุขภาพผู้สูงอายุและผู้พิการ ปี พ.ศ. 2556

Abstract

         This study aims to evaluate the implementation of health promotion programs for elderly and disabled population in Thailand (2013). Assessment indicators of the plan consists of three strategies include strategies: (1) promoting the healthy elderly, (2) developing the quality services for the elderly in communities and (3) strengthening community participation in health promotion for the elderly. This study is survey in 28 provinces, consisting of Chiang Mai, Phayao, Lamphun, Sukhothai, Phetchabun, Uthai
Thani, Kamphaeng Phet, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Pathum Thani, Chon Buri, Sa Kaeo, Kanchanaburi, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Chumphon, Krabi, Narathiwat, and Songkhla. The strategies 1 and 2 were conducted as two studies. Firstly, a face to face cross-sectional survey in elders aged 60 years or above. Altogether 13,642 individuals were interviewed with a structured questionnaire. Secondly, a postal survey was conducted among 605 eligible health care providers. One hundred and eighty one agreed to participate in the survey leading to 30% response rate. The strategies 3, a postal survey among 605 eligible health care providers,
Data were analyzed according to important indicators using descriptive statistics. It was found that some program activity indicators achieved the targets, including the proportion of depressed patients had access to health services (84%), the proportion of hospitals with standard toilet for elderly people (90%), the proportion of elders who have teeth for chewing food (63%) and the number of community volunteers who have been trained and were able to take care of elders (2,522 people). However, some program
activities need to be improved to reach the targets, including the proportion of elders who received physical and mental support (53%), the proportion of elders who have healthy behaviors (26%), the proportion of elders who received screenings for diabetes (73%), hypertension (80%), depression (33%), osteoarthritis (10%), the proportion of elders who received assessment for daily functioning (32%) and the proportion of districts with standard plan for taking care of elderly people (15%). It was recommended that health promotion activities outside the hospital settings should be emphasized. Community and family should be encouraged to support effective interventions and promote elderly healthy behaviors. Related
agencies should also pay attention to improve the coverage and quality of necessary screenings and provide education for elders.
Key words: elderly, health, health behavior, evaluation