Introduction: This study aimed to develop a service model for daycare centers for the elderly through community participation using participatory action research methods. The objectives were threefold: (1) to investigate the current situation of the elderly in the community and their needs for daycare center services, (2) to develop a daycare center for the elderly with active community involvement, and (3) to evaluate the effectiveness of the service delivery at the daycare center for the elderly. Methods: The study was conducted in Ban Kho Subdistrict, Phon Sawan District, Nakhon Phanom Province. Research participants included 210 elderly individuals surveyed to assess their situation, and 15 key informants, including elderly club leaders, subdistrict health promotion hospital staff, volunteers, subdistrict administrative organization officers, and village health volunteers, were specifically selected for in-depth insights. The research process was structured into three phases: Phase 1 focused on studying the situation of the elderly in the community and their service needs; Phase 2 was dedicated to developing the daycare center with community participation; and Phase 3 involved evaluating the service delivery of the daycare center. Results: The results indicated that the development process of the daycare center service model for the elderly, through community participation, involved four key mechanisms: elderly clubs, subdistrict health promotion hospitals, volunteer teachers or technicians, and village volunteers. Additionally, the supporting mechanisms included academic institutions, hospitals, temples, village heads, the Non-Formal Education Center, foundations, and the subdistrict administrative organization. The comprehensive service model encompassed five components: health, social, psychological, economic, and environmental aspects. Conclusions: The study successfully developed a daycare center service model for the elderly through community participation, which can be expanded and adapted to other semi-urban and semi-rural contexts. This model demonstrates the importance of community involvement in providing holistic care for the elderly, addressing various aspects of their well-being.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a significant public health challenge in Thailand, particularly in rural communities. Despite high prevalence rates, evidence-based, culturally appropriate prevention programs for high-risk populations remain limited. This study developed and evaluated a community-based health literacy model for T2DM prevention using participatory action research (PAR). Methods: We conducted a four-phase PAR study in a northeast province, Thailand, from April to October 2024. Fifteen high-risk individuals (mean age 54.73 ± 9.22 years, 86.7% female) and 37 healthcare stakeholders participated. The intervention comprised community preparation, model development, 8-week implementation with weekly group activities, and evaluation. We assessed health literacy using a validated questionnaire and measured body composition parameters. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for quantitative outcomes, and content analysis for qualitative data. Results: Health literacy scores improved significantly across all five domains from insufficient levels (mean 38.33–46.25) to good levels (mean 84.17–87.92) ( p < 0.001). Significant improvements were observed in body age, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, visceral fat, total body fat, fat percentage, basal metabolic rate, and fasting blood glucose (all p < 0.05). Four key success factors emerged: community capital, healthcare system reform, self-initiated health management, and supportive monitoring without stigmatization. Conclusion: This PAR effectively improved health literacy and clinical outcomes among high-risk individuals. The model demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of leveraging community resources and networks for T2DM prevention in resource-limited settings. Findings support the integration of participatory approaches in primary prevention programs and offer a scalable framework for similar rural communities.

Background: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in low- and middle-income countries demands innovative primary healthcare approaches to disease prevention. This study examined a community-driven type 2 diabetes prevention model (CDDP-model) through primary healthcare settings in a northeast province in Thailand, and analyzed using the World Health Organization Framework: Six building blocks (SBBs). Methods: A mixed-methods single-arm pre-post intervention study with convergent design was conducted in two sub-districts representing rural and peri-urban contexts. There were 80 people at risk of T2D participated in the CDDP-model for eight weeks and followed-up in the 12th and 24th Weeks. Quantitative data included anthropometric measurements, clinical outcomes, and knowledge assessments, where qualitative data comprised focus group discussions and interviews. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with 95% significant level. Thematic analysis was applied. Results: The model demonstrated improvements in health outcomes and perceived enhancements. Governance shifted from top-down management to participatory community co-design. SBBs identified: (1) Health information systems evolved; (2) Local resource mobilization expanded; (3) Service delivery networks is integrated; (4) Health workforce transformation included; and (5) Technology adoption encompassed. Diabetes prevention knowledge scores increased with clinical outcomes. Qualitative findings revealed (1) Enhanced community ownership, (2) Peer support networks, (3) Sustained behavioral change mechanisms, and (4) Strengthened community-primary care relationships. Conclusions: This community-driven diabetes prevention model is feasible and acceptable in primary healthcare settings, with promising short-term improvements in selected health outcomes. However, further controlled and long-term studies are needed to confirm effectiveness and system-level impact.

Introduction: This study aimed to develop a service model for daycare centers for the elderly through community participation using participatory action research methods. The objectives were threefold: (1) to investigate the current situation of the elderly in the community and their needs for daycare center services, (2) to develop a daycare center for the elderly with active community involvement, and (3) to evaluate the effectiveness of the service delivery at the daycare center for the elderly. Methods: The study was conducted in Ban Kho Sub district, Phon Sawan District, Nakhon Phanom Province. Research participants included 210 elderly individuals surveyed to assess their situation, and 15 key informants, including elderly club leaders, sub district health promotion hospital staff, volunteers, sub district administrative organization officers, and village health volunteers, were specifically selected for in-depth insights. The research process was structured into three phases: Phase 1 focused on studying the situation of the elderly in the community and their service needs; Phase 2 was dedicated to developing the daycare center with community participation; and Phase 3 involved evaluating the service delivery of the daycare center. Results: The results indicated that the development process of the daycare center service model for the elderly, through community participation, involved four key mechanisms: elderly clubs, sub district health promotion hospitals, volunteer teachers or technicians, and village volunteers. Additionally, the supporting mechanisms included academic institutions, hospitals, temples, village heads, the Non-Formal Education Center, foundations, and the sub district administrative organization. The comprehensive service model encompassed five components: health, social, psychological, economic, and environmental aspects. Conclusion: The study successfully developed a daycare center service model for the elderly through community participation, which can be expanded and adapted to other semi-urban and semi-rural contexts. This model demonstrates the importance of community involvement in providing holistic care for the elderly, addressing various aspects of their well-being.