Factors Affecting the Quality of Life among the Aging Population during the Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic in Thailand

Abstract

Objective: To determine the factors affecting the quality of life (QoL) among aging population during the Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) crisis. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at Central, Northern, Northeastern, and Southern regions of Thailand from June to November 2021. Elderly persons aged 60 and above with Thai nationality included in the study. The QoL was measured with the WHO Quality of Life (WHOQoL-BREF-THAI) instrument which consisted of 26 items. QoL scores ranged from 26 to 130 points, classified as poor (26-60), moderate (61-95), and good (96-130). Results: Of total 400 participants, the mean age was 68.32 ±6.93 years. Not good QoL was observed in 3 (0.8%) participants, moderate QoL was observed in 213 (53.2%) participants, and good QoL was observed in 184 (46.0%) participants. A significant association of QoL found with education level (p-value 0.002), alcohol drinking (p-value 0.003), exercise (p-value <0.001), comorbidities (p-value <0.001), and hearing/knowing about COVID-19 (p-value 0.015). The chances of good QoL was 2 times significantly higher in participants who did exercise as compared to participants who did not perform exercise (cOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.35 to 3.07, p-value <0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that exercise, higher education, avoiding alcohol, and good health significantly improve the QoL among the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, regular exercise notably doubles the likelihood of better QoL.