Health Responsibilities of an Aging Thai Male Workforce

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 selfadministered 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