คุณภาพชีวิตของผู้ปลูกมันเทศญี่ปุ่นบนพื้นที่สูงในจังหวัดเชียงใหม่

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to explore specific personal, economic, and societal characteristics of Japanese sweet potato growers in a highland area in Chiang Mai Province, 2) to study the growers' quality of life, and 3) to identify factors affecting the quality of life of these growers. Data were obtained from 90 Japanese sweet potato growers in three areas under the Pangda Royal Agricultural Station, the Mae Tha Neur Royal Project Development Center, and the Mok Cham Royal Project Development Center. The research employed the standard questionnaire: World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief – Thai (WHOQOL-BREF-THAI) developed by the Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, including percentage, mean, maximum, minimum, and standard deviation. Hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis. The results showed that most Japanese sweet potato growers were male, with an average age of 45.93. They mostly completed primary education and were married. The growers had 2.31 household laborers on average and an average of 15.49 years of farming experience. The farmers received an average net income of 7,703 THB/month with an average net income of 6,930 THB/month from growing Japanese sweet potatoes. Most growers had outstanding debt; however, some did have financial savings. Overall, the growers' quality of life was at a moderate level (𝑥̅= 3.40). Factors correlating to the quality of life with statistical significance at 0.01 level (p<0.01) included farming experience, income from growing Japanese sweet potato, and perception of security of life and property.