Abstract
Development of Alternative Health Systems to Promote the Health of Middle-Aged Women: A Case Study of Health Services in Isaan This qualitative study aims to explore a situation of health promotion services for middle-aged women provide by various health institutions on the aspects of concepts, management, women’s perception and obstacles and success of the services. Key informants were 57 women, aged 40-59 years living in urban and rural areas and were customers of four health institution in Khon Kaen province. In addition, focus group discussions and interviews. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. Major themes were covered as follows.Women did trust all health promotion services but few alternative services were available and they had to depend on health providers. The meaning of health perceived by middle-aged women included physical, mental, and social aspects but existing health services did not cover all these dimensions.Educated women living in an urban areas showed more health promotion behavior compared with low educated women living in rural areas.Middle-aged women gained a lot of health information from various sources and they got confused about the information The services should be expanded and involve community participation. It is suggested that any alternative health practices should be available in existing services. The services should be accessible and women included in organizing the services. Keywords: alternative health, health promotion, middle-aged women, health institution, Issan
