Factors associated with the Quality of Life of the Elderly in the Responsibility Area of a Primary Care Cluster, Nonnamthang Medical Center, Mueang District, Amnatcharoen Province

Abstract

Nowadays, Thailand has entered the aging society. The quality of life of the elderly is an important issue for public health. This study aimed to assess the quality of life and to determine the relationships of various factors with the quality of life of elderly person living in the responsibility area of a primary care cluster of Nonnamthang Medical Center, Mueang District, Amnatcharoen Province. This cross-sectional analytical study was performed in 285 older people aged ≥60 years old. The quality of life was investigated by using the WHOQOL-OLD-THAI questionnaire. Information on personal characteristics, family/social relationships, the ability to undertake daily activities, stress and the environment were collected between February to April 2020 using a structured questionnaire. Through multiple logistic regression the association of factors with the quality of life of the elderly was analysed. The study found that 57.1% of the subjects were female with an average age of 71.7±8.2 years. Forty-eight percent did work. 35.1% of them had never exercised. They were cared by family members for 69.8%. The stress level for 62.9% of the participants were in low. The living environment of the majority (96.1%) was good. Most of them were classified as a social adherence group. The quality of life of the subjects was in moderate and good level for 68.8% and 27.3% respectively. The factors that were statistically significantly associated with the good quality of life of the subjects were those aged <70 years (OR_adj 2.28, 95% CI: 1.22-4.24, p-value= 0.009), having career (OR_adj 2.83, 95% CI: 1.44-5.55, p-value=0.002), having an education higher than elementary level (OR_adj 4.81, 95% CI: 1.81-9.32, p-value=0.001) and exercise regularly ≥1 time/week (OR_adj 2.81, 95% CI: 1.37-5.77, p-value=0.005). Conclusion, two thirds of the elderly had quality of life at a moderate level. Organizations working with the elderly should promote a career and organize exercise activities for the elderly to help improve the quality of life of them.