Abstract:
The objectives of this research were to study the factors related to the quality of life and to study the quality of life of garbage collectors in the Bangkok metropolitan. This study was the mixed-methods research. The sample group consisted of 509 garbage collectors from district offices in 50 districts of Bangkok metropolitan. Data collection was based on accidental sampling. The research tools included a questionnaire on predisposing factors, enabling factors, and reinforcing factors, as well as the short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-BREF). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The relationships between the variables were examined using Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient, with statistical significance determined at p≤0.05. In-depth interviews were conducted to explore quality of life. The data was collected from 18 waste collectors in Bangkok metropolitan. The data were summarized through inductive analysis. The result found predisposing and enabling factors were significantly correlated with the quality of life at very low level, and reinforcing factors were significantly correlated with the quality of life at low level at the 0.05 level of statistical significance. The garbage collectors in Bangkok metropolitan had an overall quality of life at a moderate level. The in-depth interviews found that garbage collectors are satisfied with their quality of life, particularly in terms of mental well-being. The garbage collectors were found to be resilient in confronting challenges, maintain a sense of job security, and able to sustain a stable lifestyle. However, they also face issues related to physical fatigue and an increased risk of health-related problems. Conclusion predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors were found to be significantly associated with their quality of life. The garbage collectors in Bangkok metropolitan demonstrated a moderate level of overall quality of life.