Health Responsibilities of an Aging Thai Male Workforce
Surintorn Kalampakorn PhD*, Wonpen Kaewpan DrPH* , Pipat Luksamijarulkul MSc**
Affiliation : * Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To examine the health responsibilities of an aging Thai male workforce and its related factors.
Material and Method: A descriptive study was conducted with 417 male workers aged 45-60 who were
working in 4 regions of Thailand. Data were collected between October 2004 and February 2005 using self-
administered questionnaires. Health responsibility was measured at the frequency of the participants personal
health practices relating to the health seeking, participation in health promoting activities, and having
health check-ups. Statistical analyses used were percentage, mean, and multiple regression analysis.
Results : Results showed that subjects had health responsibility at moderate level (Mean = 17.2 + 4.7). Lowest
mean of health responsibility was found in participation in health promotion activities/club area (Mean = 1.9
+ 1.0). Social support, perceived health status, and monthly income (p < 0.05) altogether could explain
17.7% of variance in health responsibility.
Conclusion : Health responsibility of an aging workforce should be enhanced through support from family,
friends, and co-workers.
Keywords : Aging workers, Health responsibility
