AUTHOR=Phulkerd Sirinya , Thapsuwan Sasinee , Soottipong Gray Rossarin , Chamratrithirong Aphichat , Pattaravanich Umaporn , Ungchusak Chantana , Saonuam Pairoj 

TITLE=Life Satisfaction Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 68 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2023.1605483

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2023.1605483

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=Objective
To investigate prevalence of life satisfaction in the Thai population before and during the COVID-19 epidemic, and factors associated with life satisfaction during the epidemic. 

Methods 
A total of 3,115 Thai participants age 15 years or older from a nationally-representative longitudinal survey in 2019 and in 2021 were included in this study. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the association between life satisfaction and other variables.  

Results 
Controlling for life satisfaction in 2019, the analysis found statistical associations between demographic and economic characteristics and health-related behaviours, and life satisfaction during 2021. People in the younger age cohorts, in an urban area, having lower education, having a change in employment status, being employed, and with income loss during the epidemic had lower life satisfaction. People who maintained good health, sufficient physical activity, and fruit and vegetable intake had higher life satisfaction.

Conclusions 
The findings suggest that policies and systems for resilience and social protection are needed for empowering individuals -- especially the poor and vulnerable -- to cope with crises, and improve health and wellbeing outcomes.