Strengthening social support among the elderly in Khon Kean province, Thailand

Abstract

Objectives: The general objective of this project is to develop the plan to strengthen social support among elderly people in Khon Kean Province through evaluation. The specific objectives are 1). To assess the elderly characteristics in four areas; socio demographic characteristics, social network, social integration, and personal health characteristics, 2). To assess the level of perceived social support and factors among elgerly people, 3). To determine the data about the elderly people, their social network and community organizations, in terms of activities, needs, in addressing social support among the elderly, and 4). To develop the plan, that combines quantitative and qualitative information for the development of intervention, to strengthen social support among elderly people. Methods: This study used an expoloratory and cross-sectional descriptive design with both quantitative and qualitative methods, to elicit evidence to inform the community empowerment process. The study group was composed 756 elders who 60 years old or greater, living in eight villages in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the information and perceived social support was measured by PRQ85. In addition, the in –depth interview were used for assess the elderly and their social network in activities, needs, in addressing social support among the elderly. The data were analyzed using the independent sample t test, ANOVA and multiple linear regressions: with only p<0.05being considered as statistically significant while content analysis were applied for qualitative data analysis.