Predictors of Quality of Life among Homebound Older Adults in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand

Background: As adults advance in age, their health tends to decline, resulting in increased dependency, limited self-care ability, and reduced quality of life (QoL). Among homebound older adults, QoL is influenced by social support, self-efficacy, and health behaviors. Understanding the predictors of QoL in this group is essential for developing sustainable long-term care strategies in Thailand. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the levels of social support, self-efficacy, health behaviors, and QoL among homebound older adults in Chiang Rai Province, and to identify the predictors of their QoL. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 362 homebound older adults selected through multistage random sampling. Data were collected using validated questionnaires assessing social support, self-efficacy, health behaviors, and QoL (OPQOL-Brief Thai version). Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were used to determine significant predictors of QoL at the 0.05 significance level. Results: Participants demonstrated moderate levels of social support (62.15%), self-efficacy (65.19%), health behaviors (54.14%), and QoL (75.41%). Monthly income (OR = 1.823, CI = 1.302–2.552), membership in adult associations (OR = 2.515, CI = 1.466–4.313), and self-efficacy (OR = 1.071, CI = 1.034–1.109) were identified as significant predictors of better QoL. Conclusions: The findings highlight that strengthening income stability, promoting participation in adult associations, and enhancing self-efficacy can improve the QoL of homebound older adults. Contributions and Implications: This study provides empirical evidence for public health and social work practices focused on vulnerable adult populations. Community-based interventions integrating financial, psychological, and social support systems are recommended to promote active and healthy living. Limitations: The cross-sectional design limits causal inference. Future longitudinal and intervention studies are recommended to confirm these relationships.