Guidelines for self-management to prevent falls among members of the Elderly Club of Tha Chi Subdistrict Bannasan District Suratthani Province

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study the situation and factors related to falls, as well as self-management strategies to prevent falls among members of the elderly club in Tha Chi sub-district, Bannasan district, Surat Thani province. It is a descriptive research study. The sample group consists of 192 elderly members of the club, calculated using a formula considering a known population with a confidence level of 95% following the guidelines of Tarlow Yamaña. Data is collected using questionnaires. Statistical analysis includes descriptive statistics, such as counts and percentages, and inferential statistics, such as logistic regression to test relationships.

Research findings from the analysis of general data, internal factors, and environmental factors related to falls among the elderly reveal significant statistical relationships (p < .05) with gender, marital status, comorbidities, balance problems, alcohol consumption, and housing characteristics. Therefore, it is crucial to consider factors associated with falls to promote awareness and self-protection among the elderly regarding their living conditions, environment, and other related factors. This aims to prevent disabilities and fatalities resulting from falls and to enhance elderly awareness and self-protection against fall-related risk factors. Recommendations from this research include: 1) Policy aspect: The proposed guidelines can be applied to elderly communities to meet the needs of the local population and facilitate community nursing practices effectively to prevent falls among the elderly. 2) Health service network aspect: Collaboration should be fostered to prevent falls among the elderly, including communication and referral mechanisms for at-risk elderly care, and 3) Elderly individuals, families, and community members should be educated about falls, various risk factors, and how to utilize the information for proper practices and guidance for the elderly.