Abstract
PurposeTo comprehensively identify the determinants of quality of life (QoL) in a population study sample of persons aged 18–50 and 50+.MethodsIn this observational, cross-sectional study, QoL was measured with the WHOQOL-AGE, a brief instrument designed to measure QoL in older adults. Eight hierarchical regression models were performed to identify determinants of QoL. Variables were entered in the following order: Sociodemographic; Health Habits; Chronic Conditions; Health State description; Vision and Hearing; Social Networks; Built Environment. In the final model, significant variables were retained. The final model was re-run using data from the three countries separately.ResultsComplete data were available for 5639 participants, mean age 46.3 (SD 18.4). The final model accounted for 45% of QoL variation and the most relevant contribution was given by sociodemographic data (particularly age, education level and living in Finland: 17.9% explained QoL variation), chronic conditions (particularly depression: 4.6%) and a wide and rich social network (4.6%). Other determinants were presence of disabling pain, learning difficulties and visual problems, and living in usable house that is perceived as non-risky. Some variables were specifically associated to QoL in single countries: age in Poland, alcohol consumption in Spain, angina in Finland, depression in Spain, and self-reported sadness both in Finland and Poland, but not in Spain. Other were commonly associated to QoL: smoking status, bodily aches, being emotionally affected by health problems, good social network and home characteristics.ConclusionsOur results highlight the importance of modifiable determinants of QoL, and provide public health indications that could support concrete actions at country level. In particular, smoking cessation, increasing the level of physical activity, improving social network ties and applying universal design approach to houses and environmental infrastructures could potentially increase QoL of ageing population.
Highlights
European population is undergoing an unprecedented ageing process, which is taking place as a joint effect of increased life expectancy and reduced fertility: the percentage of persons aged 60+ increased from 9.2% in 1990 to 11.7% in 2013 and is projected to reach 21.1% by 2050 [1]
The final model accounted for 45% of quality of life (QoL) variation and the most relevant contribution was given by sociodemographic data
Increased life expectancy leads to increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases and to a relevant increase on the burden associated to these conditions: the increase in years lived with disability in the last two decades was 55.4% for non-communicable diseases, 7.6% for communicable disease and 0.3% for injuries [2]
Summary
European population is undergoing an unprecedented ageing process, which is taking place as a joint effect of increased life expectancy and reduced fertility: the percentage of persons aged 60+ increased from 9.2% in 1990 to 11.7% in 2013 and is projected to reach 21.1% by 2050 [1]. Increased life expectancy leads to increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases and to a relevant increase on the burden associated to these conditions: the increase in years lived with disability in the last two decades was 55.4% for non-communicable diseases, 7.6% for communicable disease and 0.3% for injuries [2]. In such a context, healthy ageing is becoming an important pillar of research and an objective for policy-makers. Social factors have been shown to influence QoL in the ageing process: examples of this include social and family relationships [13,14] and socioeconomic status [15,16]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
