A study of quality of life among the elderly in urban areas of Tirupati

Abstract

Abstract Background: The objectives of the study are to evaluate quality of life (QoL) among the elderly and to determine the association between socio-demographic factors and QoL. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in elderly subjects (aged 60 years and above) (n = 120) in the urban field practice areas of our tertiary care teaching institute in southern India. QoL was assessed using World Health Organization-QoL BREF Questionnaire. Results: Most of the study population were aged 60–69 years (65.8%), males (51.7%), from nuclear families (78.3%), Hindus (67.5%) and were literates (78.3%). Majority of families belong to the upper lower socio-economic group (45%). Most of them belonged to the backward caste communities (30%). The mean total QoL score was high among ≥80 years, males, illiterates and upper class. All these differences were statistically non-significant. However, the mean total QoL score showed significant relation with socio-economic class. The domain correlation ranged between 0.238 and 0.690 and was statistically significant. Conclusions: Most of the study population were leading moderate QoL, followed by good QoL. Based on total domain QoL scores, it is concluded from this study that overall QoL is good among elderly ≥80 years, males, illiterates and the population in the upper socio-economic class. The mean total QoL score showed a significant relation with socio-economic class.