Factors Affecting the Participation of Network Partners in Caring for the Elderly in Ban Krung Samakkhi Community, Tambon Ban Kok Kung, Kaeng Khro District, Chaiyaphum Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the participation, problems and obstacles in the operation of the network partners in caring for the elderly in Ban Krung Samakkhi community, 2) study the factors affecting the participation in caring for the elderly in Ban Krung Samakkhi community, and 3) study the appropriate approach for caring for the elderly in Ban Krung Samakkhi community, Kok Kung sub-district, Kaeng Khro district, Chaiyaphum province by using mixed research methods, consisting of quantitative research through questionnaires and qualitative research through interviews. The sample population consisted of the elderly, caregivers, community leaders, public health officers of Kok Kung sub-district administrative organization, and officers of Kok Kung sub - district health promotion hospital, totaling 159 people. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. Data analysis was performed using statistics, frequency, percentage, and descriptive analysis.
The research results found that: 1) The participation of network partners in caring for the elderly in the Ban Krung Samakkhi community, Kok Kung sub-district, Kaeng Khro district, Chaiyaphum province, found that factors affecting the participation of network partners occurred in many forms, such as organizing various activities, group meetings, and going out to provide health advice. The main obstacles to participation 2) Factors affecting the participation in caring for the elderly in the Ban Krung Samakkhi community, Kok Kung sub-district, Kaeng Khro district, Chaiyaphum province were as follows: Family factors resulting from family relationships and responsibilities; Community factors resulting from community unity and support; Network factors in the community resulting from cooperation between various agencies in the community; Government policy factors resulting from support from various government agencies; Budget factors resulting from adequate budget allocation; and 3) Appropriate approaches to caring for the elderly in the Ban Krung Samakkhi community, Kok Kung sub-district, Kaeng Khro district, Chaiyaphum province, including promoting public relations for network partners’ activities through easily accessible channels; supporting additional budgets to make operations more efficient; and developing knowledge for elderly caregivers and networks in the community.