BACKGROUND: Many older adults suffer from @entity1118 which decreases their functional capacity and reduces quality of life. Health behaviours and self-care during @entity102 and @entity1118 can exert an important influence on health outcomes. The aims of this study were to (a) understand how older adult Thai individuals seek appropriate treatment to self-manage their @entity1118 , and (b) to identify factors that contribute to effective @entity158 self-management. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 older adults living in villages in north-east Thailand. Observations were also conducted with consenting individuals. Most interviews were audio-recorded and transcripts were coded and analysed using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Six contextual determinants affected the way @entity1 choose to self-manage their @entity1118 , including: priority accorded to @entity158 management; information and resource seeking skills; critical appraisal skills; access to @entity158 -related information; access to treatment; and satisfaction and preferences for practitioners. @entity1 used several strategies to inform and develop their self-management plans: accessing and responding to information, sourcing resources, trial and error, evaluating treatment and evaluating practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: Attempts to increase accessibility, affordability and acceptability of @entity158 treatment can promote @entity158 self-management in older Thais. These findings have important implications for health professionals and government organisations seeking to enhance the self-management of @entity158 and quality of life in this population.

A qualitative study of older adults seeking appropriate treatment to self-manage their XXXX in rural North-East Thailand.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['participants', 'Participants'] @entity158 :: ('MESH:D010146', 'Disease') :: ['pain'] @entity1118 :: ('MESH:D059350', 'Disease') :: ['chronic pain'] @entity102 :: ('MESH:D002908', 'Disease') :: ['chronic illness']
@entity1118 :: (MESH:D059350,Disease) :: ['chronic pain']
