QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE ELDERLY OF PHAYAO PROVINCE, NORTHERN THAILAND

Dao Weiangkham, Wuthichai Chairinkam and Thapkhwan Srirattayawong

Abstract

With increasing numbers of elderly population worldwide, quality of life (QOL) among this population group has become a significant public health concern. A cross-sectional study using a Thai version of WHO quality of life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF THAI) test to assess QOL and influencing factors among the elderly (≥60 years of age, n = 622) was conducted in three districts of Phayao Province, northern Thailand from September to November 2018. Replies to the questionnaire indicated overall QOL at a fair level (based on assessment: poor, fair or good). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed membership of a senior citizen club as an independent positive QOL factor, while age, need of care and chronic health problems were independent negative factors. These findings should be of assistance to family members, healthcare professional and social workers in understanding and meeting the problems and challenges confronting the elderly population in Phayao Province.