Development of Stroke Prevention model for at-risk elderly in Samut Prakan Province

Abstract

This study employed a research and development approach. The objectives were:
1) To study the factors influencing stroke prevention in at-risk elderly individuals. 2) To develop a model for stroke prevention in at-risk elderly individuals. 3) To evaluate the effectiveness of stroke prevention models in at-risk elderly individuals. This study was divided into three phases. Phase 1 studied the situation and factors influencing stroke prevention in at-risk elderly individuals. The sample consisted of 325 elderly individuals aged 60 years and older with hypertension and/or diabetes, selected using stratified random sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Phase 2 involved developing a stroke prevention model for at-risk elderly individuals as follows: 1) Brainstorming meetings were conducted to identify a stroke prevention model for at-risk elderly individuals using the AIC process; 2) Activities were conducted to develop the model; 3) The developed stroke prevention model was implemented in a group of 30 at-risk elderly individuals. Phase 3 evaluated the effectiveness of the intervention model by comparing knowledge of stroke prevention, HbA1c levels, triglyceride levels, and blood pressure before and after implementing the model, and assessed satisfaction with the model. The results reveal that predictive factors for stroke prevention behaviors are social support and individual perceptions. The developed program includes the following: 1) Providing education on stroke prevention to at-risk elderly individuals once a week for 6 weeks; 2) Conducting exercise activities once a week and sending exercise videos for home practice weekly, with follow-up through Line Official; 3) providing individual counseling once a week for 6 weeks. Following the implementation of the stroke prevention model among at-risk elderly individuals, the findings show that their knowledge of stroke prevention increases, and their HbA1c levels and blood pressure decrease significantly. The findings suggest that local health agencies adopt the developed model to promote health and prevent stroke among at-risk elderly individuals.