Factors Influencing Quality of Life Among Caregivers of Dependent Elderly Persons in Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Thailand has caregivers working to care for the elderly in care centers. The care is difficult and complex. Caring for the elderly who are dependent affects their quality of life and causes stress in caring for them. Aimed to study levels of stress, quality of life, and analyze the relationship between stress and Quality of Life among the dependent older caregivers in Phitsanulok Province.

Research Methodology: This study was cross – sectional research. The study included 73 Caregivers for dependent elderly who have completed 840 hours of training and a certificate from the Ministry of Education, working at a care center in Phitsanulok Province. Participants aged 18-45 years. The data were collected using questionnaires, which included demographic data, personal stress levels, and quality of life assessments. The analysis of the data was performed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, standard deviations, and inferential statistics were utilized for the Spearman rank test to analyze the relationship between stress and quality of life. Statistical significance p-value < 0.05

Results: The sample groups were caregivers totaling 701 people, who were mostly female with an average age of 28.11 years. Overall, their stress was at a moderate level (69.90%) with an average of 50.54. Moderate stress included economics (61.60%), followed by mental stress (53.40%) and physical stress (52.10%). Low stress included responsibilities (5.70%). Overall, their quality of life was at a moderate level (67.10%) with an average of 88.55 and a standard deviation of 12.076. When classified by aspect, it was found that physical health, mental health, social relationships, and the environment were mostly at a moderate level. Age and education were significantly and inversely related to stress at r = -0.270 (P< 0.05) and r = -0.349 (P< 0.05). Marital status and income were significantly and inversely related to quality of life at r = 0.538 (P< 0.01) and r = 0.406 (P< 0.01), and working hours were significantly and inversely related to quality of life at r = 0.252 (P< 0.05).

Conclusion: Caregivers of dependent elderly have moderate levels of stress and quality of life. Factors that are inversely related to stress include age and education. Factors that are related to quality of life include marital status, income, and working hours. Therefore, promoting work planning in the organization and building relationships with personnel to reduce work stress problems will directly affect the good work quality of life and appropriate work.