Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education
Open Access

Abstract

Older adults exhibit a learning style that is different to other age groups. Facilitating supportive learning experiences for older adults with chronic illness is a key element of health education. Health care providers play a crucial role in health education of older adults with chronic illness.This study explored HCPs� perceptions about their practices, and policies regarding health education for Thai older adults with hypertension. Five medical practitioners and 8 registered nurses from 5 community primary care units, within Thailand were interviewed. The interviews were conducted using semi-structured questions based on World Health Organisation�s health promotion framework (2012) and best practice recommendations for the education of older adults. The data were analysed using the 5 steps of the Morse and Field�s (1995) process of content analysis. Currently data analysis is underway to reveal the factors that influence health education of Thai older adults with hypertension. Preliminary analysis suggests that the medical practitioners and nurses conduct health education differently. Nurses are more likely to adapt their practices to suit the older adult�s capabilities while the medical practitioners follow recommended general guidelines for education of adults with hypertension. Understanding the factors that influence the health education of Thai older adults with hypertension will lead to better provision of health promotion for older adults.

Biography

Thitaporn Keinwong has completed her Master’s degree in Health Promotion from Srinakarintharawirot University, Thailand and curently pursuing her PhD in Nursing at the University of Newcastle, Australia. She is working as a nursing Lecturer at Suandusit Univrsity, Thailand.

Email: Thitaporn.Keinwong@uon.edu.au