Physical activity and health related quality of life among the urban Thai elderly

This study investigated the association between types of physical activity and health related quality of nfe among the urban Thai elderly. A descriptive cross sectional design was guided by the Neuman Systems lVlodel A random sample of 350 elderly residing in the municipal area of Muang district, Chiang /v1ai Province, aged 60 years and over including men and women were recruited. Data were collected V'lith Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire then analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis. IVlain findings demonstrated tha the high level of health related quality of life was associated with a high level of leisure time activity (aOR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.3-4.9), a moderate level of leisure time activity (aOR = 2.1, 95%0 = 1.]-3.9), a high level of household activity (aOR =1.9, 95% Cf, 1.2-3.0)" and engaging in work related activity (except for work which involved mostly sitting and slight arm movement) (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI, 1.2-3.1) when controlling for the adequacy of income. The study suggests that household activity was an alternative strategy to enhance physical activity resulting the improvement health related quality of life among the urban Thai elderly.