A Structural Equation Model of Causal Factors Affecting Participation in Health Activities among Members of Senior Clubs in Thailand’s Peri-Urban Provinces.

Abstract

This study aimed to: 1) examine participation in health activities; 2) assess the goodness-of-fit of the structural equation model with empirical data; 3) analyze the causal pathways influencing participation in health activities; and 4) identify guidelines for promoting and supporting participation in health activities among members of senior clubs in the metropolitan provinces of Thailand. A mixed-methods research design was employed. For the quantitative phase, the sample consisted of 450 members of senior clubs selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, and path analysis through structural equation modeling. For the qualitative phase, 27 key informants involved in senior club activities were purposively selected. Data were collected using an interview guide and analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that: 1) overall, 68.22% of members of senior clubs had a high level of participation in health activities, while 31.78% had a moderate level of participation; 2) the developed structural equation model of causal factors influencing participation in health activities among members of senior clubs demonstrated a good fit with the empirical data, with the following goodness-of-fit indices: χ²/df = 1.97, CFI = 0.99, GFI = 0.96, AGFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.040, and SRMR = 0.035; 3) social support, motivation to participate in activities, and self-worth perception jointly explained 78% of the variance in participation in health activities (R² = 0.78); and 4) guidelines for promoting and supporting participation in health activities included encouraging members to take part in determining activities, enhancing their self-worth and roles, creating motivation through diverse activities and study visits to other areas, and providing support from families, communities, and relevant organizations.