DEVELOPMENT OF A LIFESTYLE MEDICINE LITERACY PROMOTION MODEL FOR HEALTHY AGING AND LONGEVITY AMONG RETIRED OFFICIALS OF THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN CHONBURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This study employed participatory action research to develop a lifestyle medicine literacy promotion model for healthy aging and longevity among retired Ministry of Public Health officials in Chonburi Province and evaluate behavioral health changes following the literacy promotion intervention. The study was conducted in three phases: Phase 1 analyzed health conditions and situations, Phase 2 developed the lifestyle medicine health literacy promotion model, and Phase 3 evaluated the effectiveness of the literacy promotion model. The sample consisted of 130 retired Ministry of Public Health officials in Chonburi Province. Data collection was conducted between February and June 2025 using focus group discussions, behavioral assessment tools, behavioral change goal-setting plans, health record forms, individual tracking forms, and satisfaction questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including percentages, means, and paired t-tests, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis.

The study findings revealed that participants had the highest risk behaviors in exercise (76.92%) followed by sleep quality (73.85%). The most common behavioral change goals were dietary modification (93.1%) followed by exercise (87.9%). Participants expressed needs for strong group networking, network participation, and easily accessible healthcare service channels. 1. The developed lifestyle medicine literacy promotion model comprised 1) establishing clear policies and directions 2) strengthening retired personnel networks 3) promoting health literacy communication and health-supportive environments 4) developing individual and group literacy enhancement processes 5) enhancing participation in health promotion activities 2. Model evaluation results showed that most individuals demonstrated improved health behaviors consistent with their behavioral modification goals. Comparing pre- and post-intervention mean health behavior scores revealed that exercise, sleep, mental health, and relationship domains showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Satisfaction with the model ranged from moderate to high levels at 81.03%.

Recommendations (1) strengthen natural leaders and health mentors through a "peer-to-peer support" approach (2) create sustainable momentum for continuous behavioral change (3) expand successful role models.