This study aimed to examine the HRQOL of Japanese expatriates and long-term residents in Thailand before the COVID-19 pandemic and explore the relationship between HRQOL and demographic factors such as age and gender.
This cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2018 and December 2019 using an online questionnaire through the SurveyMonkey application. Participants were 160 Japanese residents who had lived in Thailand for more than 30 days. Data on HRQOL were collected using the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), which assesses eight health dimensions, including physical functioning and bodily pain. To facilitate comparisons with the Japanese general population, norm-based scoring was employed. Statistical analysis involved one-sample t-tests to compare the participants' subscale and summary scores with normative data for corresponding age and gender groups in Japan.
A total of 160 participants were analyzed, with a mean age of 51.6±15.6 years. Of these, 94 were women (58.8%). Younger participants reported higher levels of physical health, with those in younger age groups scoring significantly better in Physical Functioning (PF), General Health (GH), and the Physical Component Summary (PCS) compared to normative data. However, middle-aged and older women, as well as men in their 30s, exhibited lower scores in the Role Component Summary (RCS), indicating difficulties in social functioning. Across all age groups, women tended to report higher Mental Health Summary (MHS) scores, particularly those in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, showing significantly better scores than their counterparts in Japan. Men in their 40s showed a peak in both physical and mental health, with higher scores in PF, GH, Vitality (VT), Mental Health (MH), PCS, and MHS. Men and women in their 70s reported significantly higher Bodily Pain (BP) scores, indicating increased discomfort with aging.
HRQOL among Japanese expatriates and long-term residents in Thailand varied significantly by age and gender, particularly in relation to physical health and pain management. Younger individuals reported better physical and mental health, while older adults, especially those over 70, faced greater physical limitations and pain. The higher HRQOL of individuals aged 30-40 may be linked to active lifestyles and social engagement, while older adults likely experienced greater issues due to limited access to culturally appropriate healthcare.
The findings highlight the need for interventions addressing physical and social functioning for older expatriates and long-term residents. Future research should compare the health of these groups before and after the COVID-19 pandemic to better understand evolving issues and inform strategies for improving well-being.
long-term residents
cultural differences
