Family Relations and Health-Promoting Behavior among Older People in Nan Province
Kattika Thanakwang M ed*, Kusol Soonthorndhada PhD**
Affiliation : * PhD Candidate in Demography, Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Bangkok ** Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Objective : To examine the relationships by which family networks and support influence the health-promoting
behaviors among the older persons.
Material and Method: The present study was a cross-sectional survey of 469 elders aged 60 years and over
living in a community in Nan Province. Samples were selected by multi-stage random sampling. Data were
collected by interviewing from May to July 2007. A structural equation modeling (SEM) with the LISREL
program version 8.72 was used for analysis after the effects of socio-demographic factors were controlled.
Results : Family networks did not have direct influence on the elderly health-promoting behavior, but had
indirect influence through support and sense of well-being. Family support had a prominent influence on
elderly sense of well-being, then facilitating health-promoting behavior. Elderly sense of well-being had
strong association with health-promoting behavior.
Conclusion : Family support programs to facilitate the good interrelationship within the family should be
encouraged and promoted to enhance elderly psychological well-being and health-promoting behaviors
subsequently.
Keywords : Family support, Health-promoting behaviors, Older persons
