The Effect of a Health-Promoting Program on Quality of Life of Thai Homebound Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND

Homebound older adults (HOAs) are especially susceptible to social isolation and loneliness, which can lead to poorer physical and mental health, as well as accelerated cognitive decline, which may increase dependence upon their families. Thus, support from family caregivers is crucial in maintaining the health, safety, and quality of life (QoL) of HOAs. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a health-promoting program for HOAs and family caregivers on the QoL among HOAs in rural Thai.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 114 HOAs and their family caregivers in Selaphum district, Roi Et, Thailand, from August to October 2023. The control group (N=57) received usual home visits, while the experimental group (N=57) underwent 12 weeks of an educational program based on Hulme's family empowerment framework. Data were collected for QoL using the Thai version of the brief form of the World Health Organization QoL at baseline and week 12 for both groups. Data were analyzed through SPSS software version 26 using the Chi-square test, paired t-test, and independent t-test. Statistical significance was defined as a P value ˂0.05.

RESULTS

The mean total score of QoL was not significantly different between the control group (87.12±5.06) and experimental group (87.35±5.04) before the intervention (P=0.81). Twelve weeks after the intervention, the mean total score of QoL was significantly different between the experimental (103.53±9.83) and control groups (87.44±5.26) (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The health-promoting program for HOAs and family caregivers can provide benefits to enhance QoL among HOAs. It is suggested that healthcare practitioners should collaborate with family caregivers through ongoing training, support, and shared decision-making to ensure continuity of care and enhance HOAs' well-being.