Background: Ageing is a phenomenon of both developed and low and middle income countries
throughout the globe. Therefore, measurement of quality of the life in ageing populations stands as an
important indicator in order to devise proper health care planning in future.
Methods: The objective of the study was to measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among
elderly populations residing in Bungsan and Ongkarak sub-district of Nakhon Nayok Province,
Thailand. Further, it examined the factor affecting quality of life of aged people living in Bungsan and
Ongkarak. This was a community based study where multi-stage sampling technique was used to select
471 subjects over 60 years of old. Data were collected using structured SF-36 questionnaires, version
2.0 by trained interviewers. The outcome variable HRQOL was measured using two sub-components –
Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS). The researchers
assessed overall HRQOL among gender and age groups (60-75 years vs. >75 years) of elderly people.
Results: Among all participants, 197 (41.8%) were men, 274 (58.2%) were women, 375 (79.6%) aged
60-75 years; 96 (20.4%) aged over 75 years. Multiple logistic regression indicated that older individuals
(> 75 years) possess a higher risk of having low quality of life in both PCS and MCS characteristics of
health [OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.11 to 3.35 and OR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.38 to 5.26 respectively] than those aged
60-75 years. In addition, those who suffer from a chronic disease were more likely to have a higher risk
of lower score mainly in PCS of HRQOL [OR: 1.15, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.93]. Furthermore, the literate had a
lower risk of having low mental scores of HRQOL than those of illiterates [OR: 0.38, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.77]
whereas those respondents living alone, had a higher risk of having decreased mental scores of HRQOL,
than those of living together with their family [OR: 4.50, 95% CI 1.75 to11.58].
Conclusion: Therefore, the Thai health system should be responsive towards the needs of elderly
population and specific prevention strategies must be tailor-made to improve their overall well-being
and quality of life.