Quality of life among humanitarian aid workers in Thai-Myanmar border
Journal Title: International Journal of Public Health Asia Pacific (IJPHAP) - Year 2024, Vol 3, Issue 7
Abstract
Background: Humanitarian aid workers (HAWs) are crucial frontline responders in helping the crisis-affected population. Since they are under constant pressure to perform effectively in an unstable environment, HAWs are always in need to be prepared both physically and mentally. Objectives: To determine the quality of life and its associated factors among humanitarian aid workers along the Thai- Myanmar border. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 HAWs, using multistage random sampling across 4 provinces along the Thai-Myanmar border with a structured questionnaire interview. The WHOQOL-BREF was used to measure quality of life (QOL). Descriptive statistics were used to describe participant characteristics and multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the factors associated with the QOL of HAWs. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: More than half of the respondents (62.03%; 95% CI: 57.29% – 66.54%) had moderate to poor QOL. After controlling for covariates, the study observed that moderate to poor QOL was strongly associated with having acute illness within the past month (Adj. OR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.04-5.96, P-value 0.041), severely dysfunctional family relationships (Adj. OR = 2.8, 95%CI: 1.16-7.21, P-value 0.008), a family monthly income of ≤ 10,000 THB (Adj. OR = 2.26, 95%CI: 1.34-3.81, P-value 0.002), and one or more chronic conditions (Adj. OR = 3.53, 95%CI: 1.64-7.56, P-value 0.001). Conclusion: More than half of humanitarian aid workers along the Thai-Myanmar border have a moderate to poor quality of life. Personal and health factors, as well as family relationships were found to be associated with a reduced QOL. Hence, periodic psychosocial support as well as health promotion, prevention, and interventions for humanitarian aid workers will enhance their QOL effectively.
Authors and Affiliations
Naw Lar Paw, Roshan Kumar Mahato, Kittipong Sornlorm, Rajitra Nawawonganun
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP754039
- DOI https://doi.org/10.62992/t9n2n729
- Views 35
- Downloads 1
Magnitude and associated factors of postnatal care service utilization among postpartum mothers in Banke district, Nepal
Background: Postnatal care is a care provided to postpartum mothers after the delivery of child for at least 42 days. Postnatal care services play an important role in improving maternal and newborn health and prevent lo...
Evaluation of quality measures for Colonoscopy in Colorectal cancer screening among patients in Mahosot hospital, Vientiane capital, Lao PDR: A cross-sectional, prospective study
Background: In Lao PDR, colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant public health concern, accounting for 8.5% of all cancer cases and ranking as the fourth most common cancer in the country. Colonoscopy emerges as the gold...
Factors associated with fruit and vegetable consumption among people in the highest risk area for Cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand
Background: Over the past 30 years, the incidence of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in the Northeast of Thailand has been high and has tended to increase. Fruits and vegetables (FV) were accepted as protective factors against...
Factors associated with depression among Type-2 Diabetic Patients in Nepal
Background: The worldwide health scenario is undergoing a shift from infectious diseases to non-communicable ones, and diabetes is now the seventh major contributor to global mortality. Depression, anticipated to be the...
Factors affecting stress levels during COVID-19 pandemic among village health volunteers in rural areas, Thailand
Background: Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) played vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic. They had to provide primary health care to people both with and without COVID-19. Objectives: This study aimed to assess str...