A quality of life promoting model for the elders Apllying social laboratory concept in health region 5, ministry of public health

This research and development project aimed to promote and evaluate the effectiveness of a quality of life of the elders applying social laboratory concept. The study was conducted in three phases, Phase 1: Situational analysis to identify quality of life issues among 270 elders’ participants. Phase 2: Development of the model and piloting with a sample of 30 participants. Phase 3: A pilot implementation and evaluation of the model with 30 experimental and 30 control participants. The study was conducted from June to September 2024. The tools used included, A WHOQOL–BREF–THAI questionnaire for assessing the quality of life of elders, A questionnaire on lifestyle behaviors, and A quality-of-life enhancement model for elders applying social laboratory concept. Data were analyzed using t-tests. Findings, Phase 1: The quality of life of elders in Health Region 5 of the Ministry of Public Health was found to be at a moderate level. Phase 2: A prototype model was developed, emphasizing participatory planning based on social action concepts. The PRIME Model was introduced, comprising, P: Purpose, Plan, and Partnerships, R: Research, Response, and Reflection, I: Insight, Interest, and Influence, M: Materials, Monitoring, and Maintenance, E: Experience, Empowerment, and Environment. This model was aligned with six key lifestyle behaviors for elders. Phase 3: The prototype model was applied to the experimental and control groups, each consisting of 30 participants, over a six-week period. The results revealed, A significant improvement in the quality of life among the experimental group compared to pre-intervention levels (p-value < .001). A significant enhancement in lifestyle behaviors in the experimental group compared to pre-intervention levels (p-value < .001). A significant improvement in overall health status among the experimental group compared to pre-intervention levels (p-value < .001). To sustain and improve the quality of life and health behaviors of elders, continuous application of the quality-of-life enhancement model based on the social laboratory concept is essential.