Mental factors, social factors and self-care behaviour of the muslim elderly in suburban area based on family characteristics in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional research aimed to study and compare difference of mental factors, social factors, and self-care behaviors based on family characteristics of Muslim elderly in suburban areas of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The sample group were the elderly Muslims in the suburbs of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The subjects consisted of 185 Muslim elderly people who were chosen through multi-stage sampling. Researchers developed the research instrument based on a conceptual framework and a literature review, and it has a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.889. Descriptive statistics and independent t-tests were used to examine the data. 

According to the findings the Muslims elderly living in single and extended families had overall social factors and self-care behaviors that were at a good level in each aspect, except for internal-external beliefs, which were at a moderate level. When analyzing the differences, it was found that the self-efficacy factors, family support, and from single family medical personnel, there was less perception than in extended family, with statistical significance at 0.01 internal-external beliefs. The perception was statistically significantly lower, at 0.05. The single-family attitude was perceived more than the extended family. There was no statistically significant difference at 0.05, and self-care behaviors were not significantly different.

Therefore, older Muslims living with extended family have better self-care behaviors. Good relationships should be fostered within families and communities by enhancing their own abilities. internal and external beliefs and good attitude to be able to take care of themselves and resulting in a focus on self-health care behaviors even being alone with regard to the provisions of Islam.