Factors Predicting Physical Activity among Older Thais Living in Low Socioeconomic Urban Communities

This study was conducted to determine if specific factors (physical activity self-efficacy, sense of community, social support, perceived physical and mental health, and neighborhood environment and facilities) predicted physical activity among 258 older Thais living in six registered, low-socioeconomic, urban communities across metropolitan Bangkok. The theoretical model was based on integrated concepts from Pender’s Health Promotion Model and the Social Ecological Model. The hypothesized model was tested using path analysis. The final model explained 33%, 51% and 22% of the variance in physical activity, physical activity self-efficacy and sense of community, respectively. Physical activity self-efficacy was the most powerful predictor in explaining physical activity. Sense of community and perceived physical health had a positive direct effect and a positive indirect effect, through physical activity self-efficacy, on physical activity. Perceived mental health had a negative indirect effect on physical activity, through physical activity self-efficacy, but a positive direct effect on physical activity. Social support, as well as neighborhood environment and facilities, did not significantly predict physical activity. However, social support had a positive indirect effect on physical activity through sense of community. Neighborhood environment and facilities had a positive indirect effect on physical activity through sense of community and physical activity self- efficacy. These findings provide a greater understanding of factors that predict physical activity among older Thais living in low-socioeconomic urban communities across metropolitan Bangkok. The results may be useful in the development of effective interventions and/or guidelines for promoting physical activity for older Thais

Civil Society Involvement in Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of a Large and Congested Urban Community in Bangkok, Thailand

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted Thailand, including urban centers like Bangkok and surrounding areas, highlighting a critical need for effective management within densely populated communities to mitigate its effects. Methods: This qualitative study sought to explore community management strategies developed in Khlong Toei, a large, congested urban community in Bangkok, Thailand. Seven in-depth interviews (n=7), six focus groups (n=23), and two brainstorming sessions (n=12) were conducted for this study. Data were collected using Zoom, an online communication platform, and through on-site interviews between August 2021 and March 2022 in the congested urban community of Bangkok, Thailand. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: All informants (age range: 20?66 years, female respondents: 73.33%) were recruited by a community leader and the abbot of Saphan Temple, the community waiting area in Khlong Toei. The findings revealed two main themes: (1) Caring people, including two subthemes, and (2) Caring community, including two subthemes. Discussion: The study's findings provide guiding inputs for management of public fear to prevent emerging or re-emerging infectious pandemics within congested urban communities