The Effect of a Health-Promoting Program on Quality of Life of Thai Homebound Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study.
Boonyada Wongpimoln, Ladda Pholputta, Nitchapanrawee Phengphol and 1 others
PMID 40755866WHAT IT FOUND
Homebound older adults whose family caregivers completed a 12-week empowerment program reported significantly better quality of life than those receiving usual care.
The caregivers learned practical skills like fall prevention and hygiene, directly improving the patients' physical, psychological, and social well-being.
Key findings
01The experimental group had a significantly higher mean total quality of life score after the intervention compared to the control group.
02The intervention group's total quality of life score increased significantly from baseline, while the control group's score did not change significantly.
03Improvements were seen across all four domains of quality of life: physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environmental satisfaction.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPsWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study was conducted in a specific rural community in Thailand, which may limit how well the results apply to other cultural or geographic settings. The quasi-experimental design means participants were not randomly assigned, so selection bias cannot be ruled out. The study did not assess whether the improvements in quality of life were sustained after the 12-week intervention ended. The control group received usual care from community health volunteers, which may differ from standard care in other healthcare systems.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was supported by non-U.S. government research funding.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume this program is effective for all homebound older adults. The study excluded people with cognitive impairments like dementia and those who were bedridden, focusing only on those with moderate functional limitations. Additionally, the lack of long-term follow-up means it is unknown if the quality of life gains persist after the intensive caregiver training ends.