Subjective well-being and related factors among community-dwelling elderly in Udon Thani Province, Thailand

Main Article Content

Sarinya Jingmark
Piyathida Kuhirunyaratn
Ampornpan Theeranut
Pat Nonjui

Abstract

The elderly are vulnerable groups due to physiological, psychological and social change. Subjective well-being (SWB) is a protective factor for elderly health which varies in the community context. This study aims to assess SWB and related factors among the community-dwelling elderly of Udon Thani Province, Thailand. A descriptive study was conducted. The sample size calculation required 719 elders. The tool was a questionnaire that was composed of 3 parts: general information, health status, and WHO SWB index. Descriptive statistics, 95% confidence interval (CI), Chi-squared, crude odds ratio, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and multiple logistic regression were applied for data analysis. The response rate was 97.91%, while the majority of respondents were female, aged 60-69 years old. The mean score for SWB was 3.30 (SD 0.81) from the highest score of 5. The proportion of the high level of SWB was 83.7% (95%CI: 80.93, 86.40). After controlling for other related factors, marital status (AOR 2.62; 95%CI 1.65, 4.16), participating in an elderly club (AOR 1.84; 95%CI 1.13, 2.99), having regular exercise (AOR 1.99; 95%CI 1.22, 3.29) and having no suspected of dementia (AOR 6.00; 95%CI 1.06, 33.85) were statistically related to SWB. This study provides practical implications associated with a better understanding of SWB among the elderly, and to promote a high level of SWB among the elderly. It is important to encourage the single elderly to participate in an elderly club and continuing exercise. Also, dementia prevention among the elderly is highly recommended.

Article Details

How to Cite
Jingmark, S., Kuhirunyaratn, P. ., Theeranut, A. ., & Nonjui, P. . (2020). Subjective well-being and related factors among community-dwelling elderly in Udon Thani Province, Thailand. Asia-Pacific Journal of Science and Technology, 25(01), APST–25. Retrieved from https://so01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/APST/article/view/201240
Section
Research Articles

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