Determinants of Quality of Life in Thai Caregivers of Dependent Older Adults: The Role of Health Promotion and Occupational Risks

Sasithorn Thanapop, Bussarawadee Saengsuwan, Irniza Rasdi and Chamnong Thanapop ()
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Sasithorn Thanapop: Department of Health Sciences, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Nonthaburi 11120, Thailand
Bussarawadee Saengsuwan: Master of Public Health Program, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Irniza Rasdi: Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
Chamnong Thanapop: Master of Public Health Program, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 4, 1-11

Abstract: Caregiving for dependent older adults presents significant health and occupational challenges, particularly in rural Thailand. This study examines predictors of health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) among in-home caregivers, focusing on health promotion, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) prevention, and occupational health practices. An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted among 701 caregivers across 23 districts in Nakhon Si Thammarat, southern Thailand. Data were collected through structured questionnaires assessing socio-demographics, health behaviors, working conditions, and HR-QOL using the Thai SF-36V2. Stepwise regression analysis identified key predictors of HR-QOL. Our findings indicate that most caregivers were female (81.5%), middle-aged (mean age: 47.7 years), and had moderate education levels. Over half experienced moderate exposure to occupational hazards, including physical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial risks, contributing to job strain, inadequate rest, and strained relationships. HR-QOL scores suggested that a significant proportion of caregivers had moderate to poor quality of life, particularly in physical health domains. Stepwise regression analysis showed that better self-reported health promotion behaviors and occupational hazard prevention practices were positively associated with HR-QOL, whereas the presence of NCDs had a negative impact. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to enhance caregivers’ well-being and inform public health strategies for strengthening community-based care systems.

Keywords: quality of life; caregivers; health promotion; occupational health risks; non-communicable diseases (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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