Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of the Elderly in Nong Plong Sub-District Municipality, Wang Sai Poon District, Phichit Province

Abstract

This research article aims to 1) study the general condition of the quality of life of the elderly and 2) Compare the level of satisfaction regarding quality of life, categorised by personal factors. 3) Study the social factors that promote and affect the quality of life, and 4) study the four pillars that affect the quality of life of the elderly in Nong Plong Subdistrict Municipality, Wang Sai Phun District, Phichit Province. This is a quantitative research study. The conceptual framework consists of the independent variables, including personal factors, variables promoting the quality of life for the elderly, and the four components derived from synthesizing the conceptual framework of 8 related research studies. The dependent variable uses the Thai version of the World Health Organization's abbreviated quality of life measurement tool, which consists of 4 domains. The study population comprises 734 elderly individuals in the Nong Plong Subdistrict Municipality, Wang Sai Phun District, Phichit Province. The sample size was calculated using Taro Yamane's formula, resulting in 259 individuals. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of .90 was used for data collection, employing stratified random sampling. We used stratified sampling, descriptive statistics like frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistics like t-test, F-test, and multiple regression analysis at a level of .05. The research findings indicate that. 1) The overall condition of the quality of life for the elderly in the Nong Plong Subdistrict Municipality is found to be moderate. When considering each aspect in order of average value from highest to lowest, they are as follows: quality of life for the elderly (2.93), the use of the Four Noble Truths by the elderly (3.33), and factors promoting the quality of life for the elderly (2.84). 2) A comparison of older adults’ satisfaction levels with their quality of life based on personal factors showed that people of different ages, levels of education, occupations, monthly incomes, welfare fund membership, and the number of carers they had. At the same time, sick people had very different opinions (.05 statistical level). Meanwhile, the opinions of individuals with different genders and marital statuses did not differ. 3) Social-promoting factors include variables related to economic status, self-esteem, health-promoting behaviors, and emotional support. These collectively affect the quality of life of the elderly in the Nong Plong Subdistrict Municipality (r = .748) and can jointly predict 55.9% of the variance in the quality of life of the elderly. And 4) The four principles include associating with good people, living in a good place, having a suitable environment, and establishing oneself properly. The accumulation of good deeds also contributes to the quality of life of the elderly in the Nong Plong Subdistrict Municipality area (r = .502). It can jointly predict 25.2% of the variance in the quality of life of the elderly.