Development of the Healthy Aging Perspectives Questionnaire among Older Adults with Chronic Disease in Taiwan

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a questionnaire which investigates perspectives regarding healthy aging among old patients with chronic illness. This study used qualitative and quantitative methods, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, and surveys between 2014 and 2016. Participants were recruited from the outpatient department of a medical center and a community healthcare center, 23 for interviews and 332 for surveys. The exploratory factor analysis was applied to identify the domains of the questionnaire and reduce the number of scale items. Criterion validity and reliability were evaluated. The final instrument (19 items) comprised the following four domains affected by disease: physical and psychological changes; living environment changes; social relationship changes; and changes in family life. The instrument explained 62.71% of the total variance in healthy aging perspectives. Criterion validity was supported by a significant correlation of the questionnaire with the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale (r, range: 0.14–0.65). The internal consistency of the questionnaire was 0.8 (Cronbach’s α, range: 0.71–0.89). The questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument useful for examining healthy aging perspectives in older adults with chronic diseases. To enhance healthy aging for older persons with chronic disease, policy makers should acknowledge that elderly with chronic diseases not only have healthcare needs but also need attention regarding their psychological health and social and environmental relationships. The healthy aging perspectives questionnaire (HAPQ) can help clinicians to determine how to approach their older patients with chronic diseases to promote healthy aging.