Personal Wellbeing and Depression Among Thai People Living in Poverty: Evidence from the COVID-19 Crisis

Background Understanding the multifaceted impacts of global crises on vulnerable populations remains critical. This study investigates the individual and contextual determinants of personal wellbeing and depressive symptoms among individuals living below the national poverty line, utilizing secondary data collected in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A structural equation model was applied to examine how socio-demographic characteristics, economic conditions, and health behaviors were associated with mental health outcomes. Results Among the 694 participants, 12.8% reported mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Notably, younger individuals and those who experienced changes in their work status during the pandemic reported higher levels of wellbeing and lower levels of depressive symptoms. While this pattern differs from common findings in the general population, it may reflect context-specific forms of resilience among people in poverty, such as adaptability, lower expectations of job security, or perceived opportunity amid disruption. Conversely, individuals living in municipal areas and those with lower physical activity levels were more likely to report depressive symptoms. Although the study is grounded in the pandemic context, its findings offer broader insights into how crisis conditions, structural disadvantages, and behavioral factors interact to shape mental wellbeing. Conclusions These insights remain relevant for informing mental health and social protection strategies in future public health or economic crises.