THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS ON THE LEVEL OF FOOD SECURITY AMONG THE ELDERLY IN PHITSANULOK PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aimed 1) To examine food security, personal factors, 2) To examine economic and social factors, and 3) To examine the factors associated with and influencing food security. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The study population comprised 423 older adults aged 60 years and above in Phitsanulok Province, selected through a multi-stage random sampling method. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews (I-CVI = 0.80 - 1.00; a = 0.874 - 0.973). Data analyzed using statistics and content analysis. The results showed that most older adults were 60 - 70 years old, female, had completed primary education, were not employed, lived in multigenerational households, had children or grandchildren as caregivers, and had no chronic diseases. Among those with chronic diseases, hypertension was the most common. Regarding economic factors, participants had high access to government financial aid, moderate income insecurity, moderate childcare burden, and moderate financial risk, but low levels of debt. For social factors, family support was high, while access to government welfare and support from health personnel was moderate; access to information and technology and community support were low. Overall, older adults had a high level of food security. Education level, family structure, and chronic diseases were associated with food security. Positive associations were found with access to government financial aid, welfare, information and technology, and support from family, community, and health personnel. Negative associations were found with income insecurity, financial risk, debt status, and childcare burden. Factors that had a statistically significant influence on food security included financial risk, debt status, support from family and community, access to information and technology, and welfare which were able to collectively explain up to 81% of the variance.