Social and Health Inequities in Rural Thai Older Adults: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis of Community-Based Health Promotion Interventions
1
Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Chonburi, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Science, Praboromarajchanok Institute, Chonburi, Thailand
2
College of Public Health Administration, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, ์Nonthaburi, Thailand
3
Department of Science Service, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, ฺBangkok, Thailand
4
Praboromarajchanok Institute, Nonthaburi, Thailand
5
Mappong Health Promoting Hospital, Chonburi, chonburi provincial administrative organization, Chonburi, Thailand
6
Bureau of Medical Doctor and Health Care Professional Production and Development, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A40
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Thailand became an aged society in 2024, with over 20% of the population older than 60 years. Rural older adults often experience structural disadvantages – such as poverty, low education, and limited healthcare access – leading to pronounced health inequities.
METHODS:
We conducted a qualitative documentary research and meta-synthesis of 94 research project reports (2023–2025) addressing health promotion for rural Thai elders. Reports were selected based on relevance to rural community settings and aging health promotion. Data were analyzed using content analysis and thematic synthesis. We coded recurring concepts, grouped codes into categories, and synthesized overarching themes. To ensure trustworthiness, multiple researchers cross-checked coding, and we applied criteria of credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability in analysis.
RESULTS:
Three main themes emerged: (1) Structural Inequities: Geographic isolation, inadequate transportation, and economic hardship (low income, reliance on meager pensions) limit rural elders’ access to health services. Social determinants like low education and poverty underlie higher health risks. (2) Community Mechanisms: Successful interventions leverage community participation – e.g. village health volunteers, local health committees, “elderly school” programs, and home visits – to improve health literacy and access. Integrating care through primary health centers and trained community caregivers yields improved outcomes. (3) Social Innovations and Local Wisdom: Communities devised creative solutions, such as volunteer handyman teams installing home modifications to prevent falls, development of local exercise clubs and traditional herbal remedies, and use of telehealth technology to reach remote elders.
CONCLUSIONS:
Structural disparities pose serious challenges for rural healthy aging in Thailand. However, community-driven models – grounded in local social and cultural capital – can effectively promote elder health. Policy makers should draw on these grassroots innovations to craft equitable health promotion strategies for Thailand’s aging rural communities, bridging gaps in resources and access.
Thailand became an aged society in 2024, with over 20% of the population older than 60 years. Rural older adults often experience structural disadvantages – such as poverty, low education, and limited healthcare access – leading to pronounced health inequities.
METHODS:
We conducted a qualitative documentary research and meta-synthesis of 94 research project reports (2023–2025) addressing health promotion for rural Thai elders. Reports were selected based on relevance to rural community settings and aging health promotion. Data were analyzed using content analysis and thematic synthesis. We coded recurring concepts, grouped codes into categories, and synthesized overarching themes. To ensure trustworthiness, multiple researchers cross-checked coding, and we applied criteria of credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability in analysis.
RESULTS:
Three main themes emerged: (1) Structural Inequities: Geographic isolation, inadequate transportation, and economic hardship (low income, reliance on meager pensions) limit rural elders’ access to health services. Social determinants like low education and poverty underlie higher health risks. (2) Community Mechanisms: Successful interventions leverage community participation – e.g. village health volunteers, local health committees, “elderly school” programs, and home visits – to improve health literacy and access. Integrating care through primary health centers and trained community caregivers yields improved outcomes. (3) Social Innovations and Local Wisdom: Communities devised creative solutions, such as volunteer handyman teams installing home modifications to prevent falls, development of local exercise clubs and traditional herbal remedies, and use of telehealth technology to reach remote elders.
CONCLUSIONS:
Structural disparities pose serious challenges for rural healthy aging in Thailand. However, community-driven models – grounded in local social and cultural capital – can effectively promote elder health. Policy makers should draw on these grassroots innovations to craft equitable health promotion strategies for Thailand’s aging rural communities, bridging gaps in resources and access.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
