Development of Self Mental Health Care Model for the Elderly in Community, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province.

Abstract

     This research was a research and development (R&D) study aimed to: 1) examine the situation, problems, and needs regarding elderly mental health self-care, 2) develop an elderly mental health self-care model, 3) study the effectiveness of the model, and 4) evaluate satisfaction levels with the model. The research was conducted between December 2024 and January 2025. Research instruments included focus group discussion guidelines, a quality assessment form, an effectiveness evaluation form assessing mental health self-care behaviors, and a satisfaction assessment form. The content validity ranged from 0.67-1.00, with Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients of 0.89 and 0.95 respectively. Data analysis employed content analysis, frequency, percentage, mean (), standard deviation SD, and paired sample t-test.
   Results showed a statistically significant difference (p<.05) in elderly mental health self-care behavior scores before and after model implementation. Key findings revealed: 1) activities met objectives and expectations, were easily implemented by the elderly, showed quick results, and engaged families, 2) outcomes demonstrated improvements in social relationships, communication skills, physical mobility, health discipline, emotional control, memory, and concentration, 3) success factors included motivated Village Health Volunteers (VHV) with good relationships with the elderly, flexible and practical activities, and elderly cooperation, and 4) sustainability guidelines emphasized finding understanding leaders and maintaining regular activities. Village Health Volunteers (VHV) satisfaction with the model was high (mean () = 4.46, SD = 0.54).