Design and Development of a Community Health Bank Model to Enhance Body Composition and Quality of Life among Older Adults in Hat Yai Municipality, Songkhla Province
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Abstract
Thailand's transition to a super-aged society presents urban older adults with heightened risks of non-communicable diseases, inactivity, and reduced quality of life from environmental and social constraints. To develop and evaluate a Community Health Bank model’s effect on body composition and quality of life among older adults in Hat Yai Municipality, Songkhla Province, this six-month participatory action research was conducted in the Na Rongrian Hat Yai Wittayalai Community. Forty participants (mean age 67.5 ± 3.18 years) completed baseline and follow-up assessments. The Community Health Bank comprised a seven-member committee, health point-based digital platform, monthly activities, environmental modifications, and 14 business partnerships. Outcomes (which were measured at the end of the research) included body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis, InBody 970s) and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF-THAI). Data were analyzed through Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and descriptive statistics. Data analysis revealed that platform usage reached 82.7% and regular exercise participation increased from 18% to 62%. Body weight decreased significantly (0.71 kg, p < 0.05); skeletal muscle mass and body fat showed favorable non-significant trends. Additionally, quality of life improved across all domains (p < 0.001): overall (+27.60 points), physical health (+7.96), psychological (+6.97), social relationships (+4.35), and environment (+7.83). The Community Health Bank effectively connected individual, community, and environmental health determinants. Its integration into municipal policy demonstrates scalability potential for health promotion in aging urban populations. These findings demonstrate that the Community Health Bank model offers a viable, community-driven approach to addressing health challenges in aging urban populations, with potential for adaptation and scaling in similar contexts.
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