An Application of Thai Traditional Medicine Program for Promote Healthy Behaviors among Elderly Group with Diabetes in Phetchaburi Province

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes is the most common in elderly and can make multi-complications. Objective: To study the change of Eating with body elements knowledge, self-care with Thai traditional medicine knowledge, and health behaviors of diabetic elderly. Methods: This Action research was conducted to explore the result of a health education program applying Thai traditional medicine on 25 diabetes elderly. The research was divided into 3 stages; 1) Preparation: such as the session 3-6 aimed to stimulate participants for having suitable behaviors of diabetic elderly, and including reflection on obstacles together with finding proper solutions. 2) Research: The participants attended 6 sessions of the health education program and each session took 120 minutes. The first two sessions covered the introduction of knowledge about Eating with body elements knowledge, Self-care with Thai traditional medicine knowledge and health behaviors of diabetic elderly. The methods used were lecture, group activities, group discussion, and campaign sign, analyze problem, Program design, and planning. 3) Evaluation: the participants were evaluated at the end of program at 3 months after. The data were collected before and after the program by using a set of questionnaires. Data analysis was done by computing statistics including percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, Paired samples t-test, and Wilcoxon signed rank test.