Participatory Action Research to Development a Mental Health Prevention and Promotion in Elderly of Home Bound at Regional Health 8

Abstract

            The purpose of participatory action research is to study the situation of caring for the mental health of the elderly, develop a model for promoting mental health and preventing mental health problems for the elderly in the homebound group, Nong Wua So District, Udon Thani Province. And evaluate models for promoting mental health and preventing mental health problems among homebound elderly people on the happiness index of homebound elderly and the satisfaction of the sample group. The quantitative sample consisted of 222 homebound elderly people selected purposively. The qualitative sample consisted of 204 health network associates. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. And qualitative data through a participatory planning process.

            The result of the study found that in Phase 1: most of the homebound elderly were physically unstable that cause a risk of mental health problems. Activities to promote and prevent mental health problems that are consistent with the community should be increased. Phase 2: Develop a model for promoting and preventing mental health of homebound elderly with the participation of the community that driving for continuity and sustainability. A pattern called “Bright mind of 4 hearts” Phase 3: after using the model to promote and prevent mental health of elderly people in the homebound group. In Health District 8, it was found that the mental health of the elderly increased after participating in the project with statistical significance (p-value <0.05) and the participants were satisfied after participating in the project at a good and very good level.