[The impact of an integrated care program implemented by a public health sub-center on the health and quality of life of older adults living alone in a rural area: One-group pretest-posttest pre-experimental design].

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the impact of an integrated care program implemented by a public health sub-center on the health and quality of life of older adults living alone in a rural area. The integrated care program included art therapy, craft therapy, horticultural therapy, recreational activities, yoga, walking exercises, health screening, and health education.

METHODS

This study was conducted as one-group pretest-posttest pre-experimental design with 32 participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics 27.0 and G*Power 3.1.9.7. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentages, minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation, paired t-test, and one-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

Participants in the integrated care program showed significant improvements in cognitive function (z=-2.25, p=.012), depression (z=-2.87, p=.001), health-related quality of life (t=-3.21, p<.001), but systolic blood pressure was elevated (t=4.62, p<.001).

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to expand the role of public health sub-center as providers of integrated care programs to improve cognitive function in elderly individuals living alone in rural area, reduce depression, and enhance health-related quality of life.