Work Ability Among Older Adult Farm Workers in Thailand

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Gerontology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Farm work involves physically demanding tasks with inherent ergonomic and injury risks.
• Aging reduces farm workers' psychomotor abilities and muscle mass, increasing injury susceptibility and decreasing work ability.
• Work ability (WA) is crucial for maintaining productivity and preventing premature retirement in aging agricultural populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the work ability (WA) of older adult farm workers in Thailand.
• To identify demographic, health, and behavioral factors influencing WA in this population.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for improving WA and mitigating risks in older farm workers.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 170 older adult farm workers in Thailand.
• Utilized a two-part self-assessment questionnaire, including the Work Ability Index (WAI).
• Employed univariate and multivariate correlation analyses to identify factors associated with WAI scores.

Main Results:

• The average Work Ability Index (WAI) score was 36.0, indicating a moderate level of work ability.
• Work ability was significantly associated with exercise behavior (OR=3.12) and sleep duration (OR=2.44).
• Factors such as regular medication, exercise, sleep duration, health status, pain, body height, and income were correlated with WAI.

Conclusions:

• Older adult farm workers in Thailand generally exhibit moderate work ability, irrespective of sex.
• Enhancing exercise behavior and sleep duration are key interventions to improve WA.
• Interventions focused on improving WA can promote health, prevent injuries, and reduce the likelihood of early retirement and work-related disability.