Health Knowledge, Health Conditions, and Quality of Life of the Elderly Who Study and Do Not Study at the Institute for Improving the Quality of Life of the Elderly, Hang Dong Subdistrict Municipality, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1. Study the level of health literacy, health status, and quality of life; 2. Compare the health literacy, health status, and quality of life of the elderly who attended and did not attend the Institute for the Development of Elderly Quality of Life, Hang Dong Subdistrict Municipality, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai Province; and 3. Develop recommendations for improving the quality of life of the elderly in Hang Dong Subdistrict Municipality, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai Province. A mixed research methodology was used, comprising both quantitative and qualitative research. The quantitative sample consisted of 180 elderly people, divided into groups of 90 attendees and non-attendees at the institute, and 13 local stakeholders. The instruments included questionnaires, interview forms, and focus group discussion guideline. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and content analysis. The research instruments included questionnaires, interview forms, and focus group discussion guideline. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and an independent t-test, and content analysis. The results found that 1) health literacy was at a high level. Most respondents, 67.20 percent, had chronic diseases. Health behaviors were at a moderate level (mean = 3.05). Mental health of the elderly was at the lowest level. Overall quality of life of the elderly was at the highest level. 2) The elderly who attended the institute had a significantly higher level of health literacy and overall quality of life than the group who did not attend (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in health status between the groups. 3) Guidelines for improving the quality of life of the elderly should focus on promoting the 4 dimensions of health literacy: Access, Understand, Appraise, and Apply.

Keywords: Health Literacy, Health Status, Quality of Life, Elderly