Model Development for Promoting Environmental Health Behaviors that Affect the Health of Older Adults in Chachoengsao Province

Abstract

Introduction:The environmental health behavior studies focus on basic public health management needs, including waste and excreta management, water supply and drinking water management, insect and animal vector management, wastewater management, and chemical management. The study also examines problem situations and needs, creating good practice guidelines through the participatory processes of older adults.Objectives: Study the environmental healthbehaviors of older adults and develop a model for promoting environmental health behaviors that affect the health of older adults.Methods: Mixed methods consisting of quantitative methodology using questionnaires and qualitative methodology using small group discussions.Results: The results found that older adults have a high level of knowledge about environmental health for 46.70 percent, a high level of awareness of environmental health for 36.70 percent, and a moderate level of behavior regarding environmental health (practice often) for 50 percent. The correlation coefficient analysis between the variables found a relationship between knowledge about environmental health and level of awareness about environmental health, with a relationship to environmental health behavior of the sample group that was statistically significant at the 0.05 level. A model for promoting environmental health behavior that affects the health of older adults in Chachoengsao Province applies theconcept of active aging and concepts of health beliefs. The older adults were involved in decision-making, operations, utilization, and evaluation, proposing guidelines to promote environmental health behavior to raise awareness among older adults about the benefits of a healthy and hygienic environment in waste management, management of tap water and drinking water, wastewater management, insects and animal disease management, air quality management, chemical management and management of facilities for the older adults. Conclusion:This study creates a model for promoting environmental health behavior that affects health in a manner appropriate to the community context to enable older adults to have a good quality of life and a good environment, reduce inequality, and build strength in the community.