Belitung nursing journal
Physical function among Thai older adults in urban areas: Structural equation modeling
By Harnirattisai T, Vuthiarpa S and Kochamat A.
Abstract
Background
The world, including Thailand, has become an aged society where maintaining physical function is essential for older adults to live independently.
Objectives
This study aimed to explore the factors associated with physical function and analyze the structural model of physical function in Thai older adults in urban areas.
Methods
The structural equation model was developed based on social cognitive theory and a review of relevant literature. The study was conducted between 2020 and 2024. A multistage random sampling method was used for sample selection. The study included 302 older adults who met the inclusion criteria. The instruments used were 1) a demographic questionnaire; 2) the Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (PASE); 3) the Physical functions (Physical Performance Test; PPT and hand grip strength); 4) the Self-Efficacy for Physical Activity Scale (SEPAS); 5) the Outcome Expectations for Physical Activity Scale (OEPAS); 6) a health literacy questionnaire; 7) the Thai version of the Mini-Mental State Evaluation (MMSE-Thai 2002); and 8) the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multivariate multiple regression analysis (MMRA), and structural equation modeling (SEM).