Factors Predicting the Quality of Life among Elderly People Aged 70 Years and Older in Bangmulnak District, Phichit Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive research aimed to study the levels of quality of life and the factors predicting the quality of life among elderly people aged 70 years and older in Bang Mun Nak District, Phichit Province. The samples were 304 elderly people aged 70 and older selected randomly by multistage sampling. A questionnaire with reliability values ranging from 0.701 to 0.883 was used for data collection and it consisted of the sections on behavior, environment, health, and quality of life. The data were collected in September 2021. Descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. It was found that the overall quality of life among elderly people aged 70 years and older was at middle level (Mean=2.220, SD=0.430). The four components of quality of life including physical health (Mean=2.128, SD=0.406), mental health (Mean=2.361, SD=0.508), social relationship (Mean=2.095, SD>0.05), and environment (Mean=2.335, SD=0.486) were at the middle level. Factors predicting quality of life among elderly people aged 70 years and older consisted of daily living ability (b=0.839, p<0.05), sleep behavior (b=2.061, p<0.05), participation in community activities (b=4.115, p<0.05), food consumption behavior (b=2.206, p<0.05), and depression (b=-6.542, p<0.05). Such factors could predict the quality of life among elderly people aged 70 years and older up to 21.20 percent. Therefore, the results of this research could be used as information to develop policies and operational plans to promote a better quality of life among elderly people.