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

TL;DR

This study explores factors affecting the quality of life of caregivers in rural Thailand, emphasizing the importance of health promotion and reducing occupational risks.

Contribution

The study identifies specific predictors of health-related quality of life among caregivers, emphasizing health promotion and occupational risk mitigation.

Findings

Better health promotion behaviors and occupational hazard prevention practices are positively linked to higher quality of life.

Non-communicable diseases negatively impact caregivers' health-related quality of life.

Most caregivers face moderate occupational hazards, affecting their physical health and well-being.

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.