Healthcare Behaviors of the Elderly living Alone in Ban Tad, Muang, Udon Thani

Abstract

This descriptive research aim to study health care behaviors of the elderly living alone in Ban Tad, Muang District, Udonthani Province. The sample were 30 of the elderly people living alone. Collecting data by interviewing the elderly and analyzed data using mean, standard deviation, percentage and content analysis.

            The results showed most of the respondents were female, 70-year-old and over. Cause of living alone came from widow, divorce and neglect. Duration of living alone between 5- 10 years. Their income supported by government and family which less than 1,000 Baht / month and insufficient. 40% lack of conversation and communication with their own families. They had communication disease such as Hypertension and Diabetes. Ability of self-care, 66.67% can help themselves for daily living. Their health care knowledge about dietary and relaxation were at good level   but personal hygiene and exercise at medium level. Social support, 40% had lack supported from family and 60% had neighbor supported.

           Health care behavior, their personal hygiene and dietary were at good level

Exercise, sickness care and relaxation were at medium level. Overall health care behaviors were at medium level. Their health care problems due to physical weakness, diseases, movement difficulty and income insufficiency that cause lack of exercise, inappropriate dietary and unsafe. They need support from families, healthcare providers and neighbors