Report by health benefits provider says Expats are leading a healthier lifestyle in Thailand during the Covid-19 crisis

The following is a press release. The opinions inside are their own and may not necessarily reflect those of The Pattaya News Co. Limited. The Pattaya News did not provide nor participate in the survey results.

PRESS RELEASE —

Report reveals: Expats in Thailand leading healthier lives during lockdown

  • Expats in Thailand are actively taking control of their physical health while they struggle with their mental health
  • 77% of expats in Thailand admit that the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted their mental health
  • Three quarters of expats in Thailand (77%) would rather live in their home country during the coronavirus pandemic

The data has been revealed in the Expat Experiences Survey 2020, published by international health benefits provider, Aetna International. The report, which surveyed 1,000 expats in the UK, the U.S., China, Thailand, Singapore and the UAE, explores the what impact the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown has had on expat health and wellbeing – addressing both mental and physical health. 

Regionally, expats in Thailand appear to be living the most healthy lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact:

  • The highest percentage of expats who are eating more healthily during the Covid-19 pandemic live in Thailand (80%), which is higher than the national average of 59.9%
  • The highest percentage of expats who are exercising more during the Covid-19 pandemic live in Thailand (57%) which is higher than the national average of 43.4%
  • Expats in Thailand are the least likely to drink more alcohol (9%) which is lower than that national average of 18.2% 

The impact of Covid-19 on mental health

While many expats in Thailand are taking positive steps in improving their physical health during the Covid-19 pandemic, many are struggling with their mental health. In fact:

  • Thailand shows the largest percentage of people (77%) who feel that their mental health has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic despite only half (54.%) of expats in Thailand suffering from mental health issues
    • This figure is also higher than the national average of 63.6%

Furthermore, Thailand shows the largest percentage of people (29%) who feel that their mental health has been seriously affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. This is much higher than the national average of 16.9%.

Expat attitudes and opinions during Covid-19 

Globally, more than half of expats (56.3%) would rather live in their home country during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The regional analysis reveals that the highest percentage of expats who would rather live in their home country currently live in Thailand, at 71%. 

A wider look

While expats in Thailand are taking the lead in terms of pursuing healthier lifestyles and dietary habits, expats across the globe are also actively taking control of their physical health amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown. In fact:

  • 59.9% are eating more healthily during the Covid-19 pandemic
  • 43.4% of expats are exercising more during the crisis
  • 37.1% of expats don’t drink alcohol, while 27.8% are drinking less alcohol

While most expats have adjusted their lifestyles and dietary habits for the better, the same cannot be said for every country. For example:

  • Expats in the U.S. and the UK are most likely to drink more alcohol during the pandemic (26% and 24.4%) 
  • The lowest percentage of expats who are eating more healthily live in the UK (48.8%)
  • The lowest percentage of expats who are exercising more live in Singapore (30.7%)

Dr Hemal Desai, Global Medical Director, Aetna International says: 

“As a large number of expats across the globe are actively pursuing healthier lives during the Covid-19 crisis, it shows that people understand the importance of achieving good health and well-being, especially during this difficult time. While most expats are leading healthier lifestyles and dietary habits, we must acknowledge some expats have struggled to pursue healthier options with about 1 in 5 eating less healthily or consuming more alcohol. In addition, over 60% of expats have admitted an impact on their mental health which is important to address.

“This is why it’s essential for expats and the globally mobile to have convenient access to virtual or digital health support – from digital counselling to self-help apps. Taking care of both your physical and mental health is critical which is why health and well-being support systems are so vital during these difficult times.”

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Adam Judd
Mr. Adam Judd is the Co-owner of TPN Media since December 2017. He is originally from Washington D.C., America, but has also lived in Dallas, Sarasota, and Portsmouth. His background is in retail sales, HR, and operations management, and has written about news and Thailand for many years. He has lived in Pattaya for over nine years as a full-time resident, is well known locally and been visiting the country as a regular visitor for over a decade. His full contact information, including office contact information, can be found on our Contact Us page below. Stories please e-mail Editor@ThePattayanews.com About Us: https://thepattayanews.com/about-us/ Contact Us: https://thepattayanews.com/contact-us/