Date of Award
Summer 7-2-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
July 2026
College Granting Degree
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Lenny Chiang-Hanisko
Abstract
Malnutrition is highly prevalent among older adults and has a significant impact on the health, social, and aged care systems. In rural communities, family caregivers are the vital influential factor in malnutrition among older adults. Unfortunately, few studies in Thailand have focused on family caregivers, who have a significant influence on the nutritional status of older adults. This ethnographic study aims to describe the lived experiences of family caregivers of older adults living in rural communities at risk or suffering from malnutrition. This study used Leininger’s Culture Care Theory (CCT) as the theoretical framework and utilized the ethnonursing method to discover cultural knowledge. In this study, data were collected through a demographic questionnaire, participant observations, and a semi-structured interview. Data were analyzed using the Four Phases of the Data Analysis Enabler.
Eighteen family caregivers who cared for older adults with malnutrition or at risk were identified based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study was conducted in the Sub-District Health Promoting Hospitals (SHPH), Tha Pong SHPH, Lampang province, Thailand. Based on two research questions, ten major themes were identified. Research question one identified four major themes, including the decline in eating and the challenge of meal preparation, barriers and beliefs that shape healthy eating, caregiver expectations and cooking practices, and the emotional impact of providing nutritional care. Nutrition care for older adults appeared to be characterized by a complex dynamic, including barriers, beliefs, caregiver experiences, and adaptive practices that shape healthy eating practices. There were six major themes identified in research question two: (1) Caring in Practice, (2) Comprehensive support networks for health and well-being, (3) The role of spirituality and cultural beliefs in caregiving, (4) Economic burdens of caregiving, (5) Barriers to quality care, and (6) Nursing Care expectations. Thus, the emerging theme was the multidimensional nature of caregiving and nursing care, including barriers, support, beliefs, economics, and experiences that influence care quality and outcomes. The findings of this study have important implications for community nurses in supporting family caregivers and enhancing care provided for older adults in rural areas.
Recommended Citation
Khatta, Niporn, "AN INSIDE LOOK AT FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF RURAL COMMUNITY RESIDING OLDER ADULTS AT RISK OR WITH MALNUTRITION" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 413.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/413