Abstract:
Thailand is degenerating into an aging society. The proportion of elderly people was growing faster than other age groups. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of home-based lifestyle change intervention on improving the quality of life, reducing the depression, and improving the physical function.
The quasi-experimental study with control was conducted at Sam Sung District and Num Phong District, Khon Kean Province. Target population of this study is person aged 60 to 75 years. One-hundred and ten of participants were evaluated at baseline survey (55 persons from Sam Sung District and 55 persons from Num Phong District). Sam Sung District was assigned to be an intervention area. Num Phong District was assigned to be a control area. The intervention group was separated into 5 groups. The members of each group were chosen by their friends or neighbors. Home-Based Lifestyle Change (HBLC) intervention composed of 4 stages; 1) researcher and team trained a triple-E (Exercise, Eating healthy food, and Emotional management) training for intervention group, 2) Technique of the empowerment and monitoring was trained to team leaders of each group by researcher and team, 3) team leaders visited their group members to monitor and reinforce on exercise, eating, and emotional management, 4) all participants from the intervention group attended group meeting monthly. The meetings among the intervention group were conducted 6 times. The meeting activities were included demonstration, discussion, and sharing experience of the intervention program. The outcomes of study were evaluated at 6th month, and 9th month. Measurement tools used 1) WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire to assess the quality of life, 2) Thai Geriatric Depression questionnaire to assess depression, 3) Berge Balance test (BBT) and Time-Up & Go test (TUGT) to assess the physical function. Statistical analysis used Mixed Model Analysis to analysis the effects of the intervention.
Mixed Model Analysis showed that the overall quality of life after implemented HBLC intervention was no statistically difference. While devised the quality of life into 6 facets, the Autonomy (AUT), Social Participation (SOP), Past, Present, and Further activity (PPF) and Death & Dying (DAD) facet of the quality of life were statistically difference (p-value < 0.05) at 6 and 9 months. Depression score was reduced both 6 and 9 months. The statistical analysis showed depression score was statistical difference at 6 months after intervention (p-value < 0.05). In part of the physical function, mean score of TUGT was statistical difference at 9 months (p-value < 0.05) and BBT mean score was no statistical significant.
