Promoting Factors for Transition Readiness of Adolescent
Chronic Illnesses: Experiences in Thailand
Buntham Pakdeeprom MNS*,
Supinya In-iw MD**, Nongluk Chintanadilok DNS***,
Kaimook Wichiencharoen Ed D***, Boonying Manaboriboon MD**
Affiliation :
* Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
** Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
*** Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : Health care transition, a unique process of providing continuity of care from pediatrics to adult care system, has
succeeded in some countries, particularly in the developed world. In Thailand, transition readiness has been in the forefront
to improve health care system. The present study aimed to determine the factors correlated to transition readiness in
chronically ill adolescents.
Material and Method: Participants aged 14 to 20 years old having varieties of chronic illness, from randomized hospitals
in the upper southern part of Thailand, were voluntarily interviewed and completed validated self-administered questionnaires
related to studied factors.
Results : Transition readiness had statistical significant positive correlation with self-esteem and psychosocial support
(r = 0.38, p < 0.01, r = 0.39, p < 0.01, respectively), while anxiety showed strongly negative correlation (r = -0.25, p < 0.05).
Conclusion : To improve the health care transition system in Thailand, clinicians should focus on the process of preparing
the patients. Building patients’ self-esteem and providing rich psychosocial rapport as well as training stress management
to the adolescent patients is an essential task that builds from the routine education on disease knowledge.
Keywords : Transition readiness, Adolescents chronic illness
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