Abstract

This study was survey research. The purposes of this research were to study the quality of life and the difference of the quality of life of elderly Putai, Sao, Nyo and Thai-Lao ethnic groups at the rural area in Sakon Nakhon Province.

The samples were 100 elderly over 60 years in each group. Who were selected by the multistage random sampling method. The subjects were interviewed. The instruments used for gathering data were 1) the general characteristics of the elderly 2) the objective and subjective dimensions of quality of life in activities of daily ling, health, material well - being and financial security, relations with other people, social , community and civic activities. The statistical procedures employed were frequency distribution and percentage. The open-ended questionnaire and case study were analyzed by content analysis. The finding were as follow:

The quality of life and the difference of the quality of life in various ways.

Almost all elderly persons in 4 ethnic groups were able to normally do the activities for daily living. On the other hand they could hardly transfer, bend and climb stairs. Putais were the most normally do.

The suffered form chronic disease-that is muscle and bone system, and eye-ear system. Putais, Nyos and Thai-Laos were go to the public health of hospital when they were severe. While Saos were treat themselves with traditional medicine system. Almost the subjects can pay for their treatment. The average of their mental health was normally.

Material well-being and financial security, almost the subjects did not work, so they could not save money and be in debt. Putais had more convenience than the others. Saos' houses were the worst conditions of all.

Relations with other people and social, community and civic activities of the subjects had good relations with their families and communities. And participated in community activities. They developed for getting information well. In terms of recreation, they talked to their families and other elderly people in their groups. Nyos had the most good relations with others. Putais had the most participated in community.

Putais were the most satisfied with their quality of life while Thai-Laos were the least satisfied of this.

The finding from this research suggests the health officials serve the elderly persons for development of the quality of life by exercising to solve health problems, doing activities of daily living, counseling groups, and aging society

As the further research, the researcher suggests the following aspects : Study of life style, community status, culture, social support and the other factors and quality of life of elderly Putai, Sao, Nyo and Thai-Lao ethnic groups, study correlation between the characteristics of disease and health behaviors and health seeking of the elderly Putai, Sao, Nyo and Thai-Lao ethnic groups.

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