Development of health model for Elderly Promotion System for Fall Prevention in Suriyakan Community.

Abstract

     This research was action research aimed to study develop and implement a health promotion system for the elderly to prevent falls in the Suriyakarn Community, Surin Hospital. Study was conducted for 12 months from October  2022 to Sepember 2023. Quantitative sample included 30 elderly people aged 60 and over with a history of fall risk. Qualitative sample included 10 members of the community network that cares for the elderly. The research instruments included 1) open-ended group discussion questions 2) general data collection form 3) falls assessment form (TUGT) 4) standing assessment form (FTSST). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and before-and-after comparisons using paired t-test.

     The results of the study found that The elderly sample group was mostly female (80.00%). The majority of the sample was 60-64 years old (73.33%) (Mean ± SD = 64.44 ± 4.19). The majority of the marital status was married (60.00%). The majority of the education level was not in school (53.33%). The majority of the occupation was housework (50.00%). The system development consisted of 5 approaches as follows: 1) Fall prevention knowledge station via video 2. Self-training in fall prevention via teaching and monitoring system via LINE 3. Promoting channels for health Q&A activities 4. Promoting community health station services (fitness center) by providing treadmill training services with walking support devices in community health centers 5. Evaluation of results and close monitoring of balance by physical therapists From the Paired t-test, it was found that the average duration decreased from 13.48 seconds to 8.67 seconds. The balance time (FTSST) average duration decreased from 12.85 seconds to 8.65 seconds. The statistical test found a statistically significant decrease at the .05 level (P<0.01).