Background <p>Older adults, particularly those from minority or rural highland areas, faced unique challenges affecting mental health and well-being, which were exacerbated during pandemic. Understanding these challenges is essential for developing culturally appropriate mental health promotion. This study explored the experiences, perceptions, and coping strategies of minority older adults, their family caregivers, and health care providers.</p> Methods <p>A qualitative approach was employed using the star-bursting technique with three experts and focus group discussions involving 26 participants, including older adults, family caregivers, and healthcare providers. Data were analyzed thematically to identify key themes related to mental health, caregiving, and access to health services.</p> Results <p>The study identified strategies for promoting mental health among minority older adults during pandemics. Four primary agents—older adults, family caregivers, healthcare providers, and community organizations—were central in facilitating well-being. Coordinated efforts, such as fostering self-awareness, engaging in leisure and spiritual activities, providing caregiving support, implementing culturally tailored interventions, and promoting community engagement, were found to enhance emotional resilience, self-regulation, adherence to care, and overall well-being.</p> Conclusions <p>Mental health promotion for minority older adults during pandemics requires the active involvement of multiple key agents. Integrated strategies that combine self-awareness, leisure and spiritual activities, culturally appropriate interventions, and community engagement can substantially improve emotional resilience and overall well-being. These findings highlight the importance of a holistic, culturally sensitive approach to supporting vulnerable older populations in times of public health crises.</p>

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Mental health promotion strategies for minority older adults in highland areas during disease outbreaks: a qualitative exploration

  • Supaporn Sudnongbua,
  • Samran Chuamuangphan

摘要

Background

Older adults, particularly those from minority or rural highland areas, faced unique challenges affecting mental health and well-being, which were exacerbated during pandemic. Understanding these challenges is essential for developing culturally appropriate mental health promotion. This study explored the experiences, perceptions, and coping strategies of minority older adults, their family caregivers, and health care providers.

Methods

A qualitative approach was employed using the star-bursting technique with three experts and focus group discussions involving 26 participants, including older adults, family caregivers, and healthcare providers. Data were analyzed thematically to identify key themes related to mental health, caregiving, and access to health services.

Results

The study identified strategies for promoting mental health among minority older adults during pandemics. Four primary agents—older adults, family caregivers, healthcare providers, and community organizations—were central in facilitating well-being. Coordinated efforts, such as fostering self-awareness, engaging in leisure and spiritual activities, providing caregiving support, implementing culturally tailored interventions, and promoting community engagement, were found to enhance emotional resilience, self-regulation, adherence to care, and overall well-being.

Conclusions

Mental health promotion for minority older adults during pandemics requires the active involvement of multiple key agents. Integrated strategies that combine self-awareness, leisure and spiritual activities, culturally appropriate interventions, and community engagement can substantially improve emotional resilience and overall well-being. These findings highlight the importance of a holistic, culturally sensitive approach to supporting vulnerable older populations in times of public health crises.