DEVELOPMENT OF THAI LOCAL-WISDOM FOOD CONSUMPTION BEHAVIOR STANDARDS FOR ELDERLY HEALTH CARE

This study aimed to examine Thai local-wisdom food consumption behavior standards for elderly health care and to assess nutritional status in Phra Samut Chedi District, Samutpakan province. Data were collected from 145 participants aged 60 years and older. In addition, 15 participants were observed and interviewed for qualitative component. Research instruments included questionnaire and observation forms. Qualitative were analyzed using descriptive statistics. (frequency, percentage, and standard deviations). The chi-square test was used to examine the relationship between food consumption behavior and nutritional status. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Most participants were female had primary education, and reported a monthly income of 1,001-5,000 baht. Overall, 34.5% had normal nutritional status, while 63.5% were overweight/over-nourished. The most common chronic conditions were hypertensive (59.3%), hyperlipidemia (41.4%), diabetes (24.8%). The developed Standards Criteria for Health Care of Elderly, it is recommend consuming food from the 5 major food groups, eating 3 meals per day, and reducing sugar, fat and salt intake well-being among older adults.