Factors Associated with the Quality of Life in the Elderly with Non-Communicable Diseases in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

Medical technology has rapidly developed which increases life expectancy and multiplies the number of an aging population. This trend can be found in many countries, including Thailand. When people live longer, behavior-related illnesses like noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) will be ubiquitous. This point will introduce another burden on global health. NCDs are a cause of death and carry a high cost for extending health in the long-term and decrease the quality of life (QOL) for the elderly. This study was aimed to examine the factors associated with the QOL of the elderly who are having NCDs in Thailand. The sample size was 157 elderly persons aged ≥ 60 years old who lived in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. The subjects were randomized by the sampling technique. The data were collected using the WHO-QOLBREF questionnaire from 15 May to 10 December 2019. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis. The total of 157 elderlies with a mean (± SD) age of 73.76 (± 8.24) years old. The QOL in the elderly with NCDs was qualified at a fair level (63.06 %). The significant factors associating with QOL in the elderly with NCDs were income sufficiency (Odd ratio [OR] = 2.8, 95 %CI: 1.04 to 7.52), self-esteem (OR = 9.75, 95 %CI: 2.74 to 34.70), and social support (OR = 0.12, 95 %CI: 0.03 to 0.43). These results demonstrated that we should be aware of promoting self-esteem, getting social support, and maintaining sufficient income for the elderly. Therefore, it is recommended that the elderly should be encouraged to adapt and plan appropriate behavior and lifestyle in order to improve their quality of life. HIGHLIGHTS The QOL in the elderly with NCDs in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand was qualified at a fair level The significant factors associating with QOL in the elderly with NCDs were income sufficiency, self-esteem, and social support These results demonstrated that we should be aware of promoting self-esteem, getting social support, and maintaining sufficient income for the elderly GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT