Depression in older adults has remained 1 of the major detrimental public health problems both worldwide and in Thailand. Among the myriad healing approaches, mental attachment on the basis of grandchildren’s love language is favorably perceived by Thai older adults with depression. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to evaluate the effects of grandchildren’s love language program on reducing depression among Thai older adults. Eighty Thai older adults with mild to moderate depression levels received the so-called “Love Language of Grandchildren Program” (n = 40) and usual care (n = 40). The Nine-Question Scale (9Q) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) were distributed at the pre- and post-treatment and at the 12 and 24-week of the follow-ups. The treatment effectiveness was evaluated by using Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA). The 9Q and HRSD scores revealed a significantly neutralized depression for those in love language of grandchildren program and, on the other hand, no decline was observed in the usual care’s participants. Love language of grandchildren program effectively reduced 9Q and HRSD symptoms of emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and physical conditions respectively. It was also more effective than the usual care in reducing mild to moderate symptoms of depression (p < 0.05). The findings provide better understanding on how grandchildren approach to prevent depression for Thai older adults in a family and community, and can be used to guide further capacity development for grandchildren who provide helping to this group.

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to describe the health-related quality of life (HRQL) and related factors of the southern Thai patients with stable COPD. The sample consisted of 126 patients with stable COPD attending the out-patient pulmonary clinic of Thasala hospital. The patients were assessed for HRQL by the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), age, BMI, depression, dyspnea by the Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), exercise capacity by the 6 min walk distance (6MWD), and admission. The results found that 84 % of patients were male, with a mean age of 69.6 years, FEV1 70 (9.6) % predicted, BMI 21.9 (4.4) and 6MWD 259.8 (97.9). The HRQL indicated mild impairment: symptoms 47.1 (22.4), activity 49.7 (30.3), impact 41.9 (21.2) and total scores of 45.1 (21.7). The regression analysis showed that HRQL was significantly associated with exercise capacity, depression, and MRC dyspnea respectively (R2 = 0.492, p < 0.01). Therefore, stable COPD patients should be assessed and motivated to pulmonary rehabilitation for promoting clinical outcomes and also improving their HRQL.

This study focused on the lived experience of Thai women and their changing bodies in midlife. The methodology chosen was a phenomenological approach. Eighteen women aged 46-55 years, who lived in the southern Thailand and identified themselves as experiencing physiological changes, participated in the study. Five themes became apparent during the analysis of the women's stories: changing in midlife, sensing normal phenomena, searching for explanation, sense of loss, and self-managing. This study reveals that Thai women's traditional ties to Buddhism play a major role in their acceptance of midlife as part of the life cycle; an event that is best managed with support from other women. Health professionals should reconsider their understanding of women's midlife experiences in order to provide effective healthcare support to Thai women.

Background: Psychiatric problems have been a growing and significant public health challenge. Community-based psychiatric services have been shown to contribute to the improvement of health and social-related outcomes, but with limited specialists in this field. Consequently, Thailand has integrated these services into the primary care system delivered by community nurses working in primary care units (PCUs). Aim: To describe the experiences of psychiatric patients in receiving services provided by non-specialist community nurses. Method: A phenomenological approach was used. Eleven psychiatric patients with 10 major depressive disorders and 1 with schizophrenia were interviewed. The results were evaluated using thematic content analysis. Results: The results revealed two main themes as barriers and facilitators experienced in receiving services from community nurses. Conclusion: Community-based services should be concerned about developing psychiatric nursing competency for community nurses to extend basic services to patients in communities and to assist family members.

Depression causes major disabilities and can lead to suicide among older adults in Thai rural communities. A case study was used to present the psychosocial support provided by a health volunteer to an older adult suffering from depression and attempted suicide. Content analysis was applied to analyze the data. The results revealed that the psychosocial support given by the health volunteer consisted of 4 processes; 1) support and motivation to keep alive, 2) encouragement for a new life, 3) empowerment for life change, and 4) evaluation of the change process. These processes not only help mitigate patients’ symptoms of depression and possible suicide risks but also prove to promote psychological well-being. The patient outcome benefits indicated sustainability over the course of 18 months.