A Study on the Quality of Life of State Welfare Cardholders in Doi Tao District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

Background and Aims: The government has implemented the State Welfare Card Program to alleviate the cost-of-living burden and promote access to basic services. The program aims to assist low-income individuals in gaining better access to essential goods and services. This study has two primary objectives: To investigate the level of quality of life among state welfare cardholders in Doi Tao District, Chiang Mai Province. And 2) To examine the factors affecting their quality of life.

Methodology: The population for this study consisted of 10,140 state welfare cardholders in Doi Tao District, Chiang Mai Province. The sample size of 398 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane's formula, and participants were selected through Accidental Sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. The index of item-objective congruence ranged from 0.67 to 1.00, and the reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.82. Statistical methods used for data analysis include descriptive statistics: frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation; and inferential statistics: multiple regression analysis.

Results: The study found 1) that most State Welfare Cardholders in Doi Tao District, Chiang Mai Province, were female (57.8%), aged between 51 and 60 years (28.5%), married (67.5%), had completed primary education (48.2%), and worked in agriculture (42.8%). In terms of quality of life, cardholders generally reported a moderate level, with mean scores across four dimensions: income (\bar{x} = 2.98), work life (\bar{x} = 2.60), family and community life (\bar{x} = 4.27), and social participation (\bar{x} = 3.34). 2) Analysis of factors influencing quality of life revealed distinct patterns across its various dimensions. Regarding income-related quality of life, age and lower secondary education were significantly positively associated, while unemployment status and total household income had a significant negative influence. For the participation aspect, lower secondary education positively influenced family participation, whereas higher household income diminished community participation. In terms of work-life quality, individuals with higher education and higher household income reported reduced job satisfaction. And for family and community quality of life, primary education, secondary education, crop farming occupation, total household income, and employment proportion all demonstrated a significant positive influence, indicating that increased income and job security among household members directly contribute to an improved quality of life in this dimension.

Conclusion: The quality of life of State Welfare Card holders in Doi Tao District, Chiang Mai Province, after receiving the welfare card in the form of monthly allowances for consumer goods, was perceived as insufficient when compared to the current cost of living. As a result, it has not significantly contributed to long-term improvements in their quality of life.