Quality of life of single parents in Bangkok: A case study of Thai single parent, Family Network Foundation.

Abstract

Background : Single parenthood has been increasing in Thai society. However, there is scarce evidence of studies in single parenthood and their quality of life.

Objective : To study quality of life and its related factors of single parenthood in Bangkok

Design : A cross – sectional descriptive study.

Setting : Thai Single Parent, Family Network Foundation.

Materials and Methods : Data were collected from 665 single parents registered with the Thai Single Parent, Family Network Foundation by mailed questionnaires from which 106 were returned. The questionnaires included: 1) General background; 2) WHOQOL-BREF-THAI; 3) Stressful Life Event; 4) PHQ-9; 5) Quality of Life in Family. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic data and the levels of the quality of life. Independent t-test, One Way ANOVA and Pearson correlation were applied to define the associated factors and multiple linear regression were used to assess predictive factors of the quality of life of single parents.

Result : The quality of life including the overall domain, physical domain, psychological domain, social relationships domain and environment domain of a single parent are of moderate level (61.3, 83.0, 37.7, 55.7 and 54.7 respectively). The Independent – Samplet - test, One - Way ANOVA test and Pearson’s Product Correlation Coefficiency test revealed the statistically significant related factors of quality of life consisted of child behavioral problem, stressful life event, quality of life of new partner and depression (p <0.05). The predictive factor of overall quality of life was stressful life event was able to predict overall quality of life of 21.7%

Conclusion : Most of single parents have moderate level of quality of life which are associated with child behavioral problem, life stress event, quality of life of new partner and depression, whereas the quality of marital life with their new partners is the predictive factor.