Assessment of quality of life and activities of daily living among geriatric population in Bengaluru city

Abstract

Background: Developing countries including India are in epidemiologic health transition resulting in increased life expectancy and increase in geriatric population. Geriatric population is considered the most vulnerable population. Many factors such as age, income, education, environment have a significant impact on quality of life. Hence our study aims at assessing the Quality of life and activities of daily living among geriatric population in Bengaluru city. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out for a period of 3 months - August to October 2016 among 250 geriatric study participants residing in the slums of Bangalore. Data was collected using WHOQOL-BREF scale and Katz Index of Independence of Activities of Daily Living by interview method. Results: Out of 250 study participants, males were 127 (50.8%) and females were 123 (49.2%). Quality of life was found to be average with a mean score of 50.02 (11.13) and with a least score of 44.55 (12.54) for environmental domain. Conclusions: Significant association was found between quality of life and factors like age, functional capacity, education and environment. Improving access of elderly to health facilities, providing health education, psychological support, and modification of environment helps to improve the quality of life among aged population.