Quality of Life Level of Informal Workers: A Case Study of Takua Pa District, Phang Nga Province

Abstract

This research aims to examine the quality of life level of informal workers and identify the factors affecting their quality of life. Data was collected using a questionnaire, with a purposive sampling method applied to a sample of 400 informal workers from Takua Pa District, Phang Nga Province. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, and percentage, as well as ordered logistic regression.

The analysis revealed that the quality of life level for most informal workers was generally high. Furthermore, the ordered logistic regression analysis identified several factors impacting the quality of life level of informal workers, including gender, educational level, working hours, access to welfare, average monthly income, and mental health status. The relationship between these factors and quality of life was represented by the following equation:

Quality of Life Level = 17.427 + 0.557(Male) + 1.550(Junior High School or Less) + 1.304(High School or Equivalent) + 0.606(Diploma or Equivalent) − 0.322(Working Hours) − 1.104(No Welfare) + 0.100(Average Monthly Income) − 1.771(Highest Level of Mental Health) + 1.737(Low Level of Mental Health)

The findings suggested that the quality of life among informal workers varied according to the identified factors, particularly gender, educational attainment, working hours, benefit received, income, savings, and mental health. Consequently, relevant government agencies should enhance support for informal workers, especially women, to improve their quality of life to match that of their male counterparts. This could be achieved by developing their skills across various professions to increase their income. Additionally, informal workers should undergo regular annual mental health screenings to identify and address issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression.