The Effects of Integrating Active Learning and Health Belief Model to Reduce Indirect Pesticide Exposure among the Elderly in Farming Families in Thasila Subdistrict, Songdao District, Sakon Nakhon Province
Abstract:
This research aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated active learning and Health Belief Model program to reduce indirect pesticide exposure among older adults in farming households in Thasila Subdistrict, Song Dao District, Sakon Nakhon Province. The study employed a quasi-experimental two-group pretestposttest design with an experimental group and a comparison group. The participants were farmers living with older adults in household, with 38 participants in each group. The program was implemented over a period of 4 weeks and consisted of six activities designed to enhance perceptions based on the components of the Health Belief Model through active learning techniques. Data were collected using questionnaires and blood cholinesterase enzyme level testing. Data analysis was performed using the MannWhitney U Test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, and Chi-square Test.
The results revealed that:
1.Within the experimental group, after the program participation, the participants revealed significantly increased regarding perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and preventive behaviors (p < 0.001), while perceived barriers significantly decreased (p < 0.001).
2. Comparing the experimental and the comparison group at after program participation, the experimental group showed significantly higher levels of perception and preventive behaviors, while significantly lower perceived barriers than the comparison group (p < 0.001).
3. The blood cholinesterase enzyme levels among older adults in the experimental group after program participation were at normal and safe levels which were significantly different with those in the comparison group (p < 0.001).
The active learning program integrated with the Health Belief Model was effective to indirect pesticide exposure among older adults in farming households. Therefore, the program should be expanded to other agricultural communities living with the elderly.