Self-care practices and health-seeking behavior among older persons in a developing country:Theories-based research

Purpose:The aim of this study was to examine the self-care practices and health-seeking behaviours of older adults in urban Indonesia.Methods:The cross-sectional study was performed from January to March 2014 in the Tammua sub-district of Indonesia.At the time of the study,273 older adults resided in Tammua,and half of them(51.2%)participated in this study.Data collection was carried out including self-care practices,health literacy,self-efficacy and basic conditioning factors.Results:It was found that most respondents(124;88.6%)always ate various protein sources daily.However,many participants never limited consumption of sugar(55;39.3%)or salt(40;28.6%),and more than half of respondents(96;68.6%)did not regularly visit MHCs.Health status(p<0.05),health maintenance(p<0.01)and salt limitation(p<0.05)were all significantly associated with salt limitation.It was found that respondents with higher selfefficacy,those who did not want to get information,and those of younger ages are less likely to visit MHCs regularly.Conclusion:An understanding of self-care practices and self-efficacy is needed to improve health care in developing countries.High self-efficacy should be promoted along with adequate health literacy.Older persons should learn the importance of regular health examinations to promote health,prevent diseases,and slow the progress of chronic diseases.The number of respondents who never limit their sugar and salt intake was especially surprising.An intervention program should be developed to limit salt and sugar intake of Indonesian elderly and to motivate older persons to use primary health services.

Dehydration risk factors and outcomes in older people in rural areas

Objective:To determine the risk factors for dehydration in elderly people in one of Elbehira Governorate’s villages.Methods:A descriptive correlational design was utilized in this study.The study was conducted at Elnemaria village,Markaz Abo Elmatamir,Elbehira Governorate,Egypt.Data were collected using 3 tools:a structured interviewing questionnaire,a dehydration knowledge questionnaire,and a dehydration risk appraisal checklist.Results:The study found that 29.5%of the par ticipants were aged between 65 and 70.Males constituted 51%of the study par ticipants.The majority of the study participants regularly took anti-acids,anti-inflammatory drugs,and diuretics.Among the elderlies comprising the respondents,40%had a low level of knowledge regarding dehydration.More than half of the study subjects were at moderate risk for dehydration.Conclusions:The study showed that half of the par ticipants had diabetes and a medium level of information about dehydration.The study also showed in general that the elderly in the village are exposed to a moderate dehydration rate,and there is also a strong relationship between taking different types of medication and the occurrence of dehydration.