Family relations and health-promoting behavior among older people in nan province

Abstract

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.