Abstract
Introduction: In the stage of demographic transition, the rate of elderly is increasing and their health condition is a matter of concern. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the health related quality of life (QoL) and the associated socio-demographic determinants among Iranian elderly people. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with a representative samples of 750 elderly people whom community dwelling in urban area of Babol, in the north of Iran. In a household survey, the demographic data were collected and the health related QoL was assessed with a validated standard short form questionnaire (SF-36). The multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the demographic characteristics in predicting QoL using SPSS ver 13. Results: The overall mean (SD) scores of QoL was 62.4(17.2) for men and 51.2 (17.9) for women. The mean scores of QoL in all dimensions in men had significantly higher than women. The adjusted regression coefficient of gender, age, educational level, being couple were significant on overall scores of QoL. Aging is inversely associated while male gender and education at high school or higher and being couple are positively associated in prediction of overall scores of QoL. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the health related QoL is rather poor in old people particular in women, elderly with low education level and being single. Therefore, healthcare policy makers should consider an urgent health interventional program among elderly people at present stage of demographic transition with emphasis on high risk demographic profiles.
Highlights
In the stage of demographic transition, the rate of elderly is increasing and their health condition is a matter of concern
This population based cross-sectional study was conducted with representative samples of 750 elderly people (375 men and 375 women) aged 60 years or older who were dwelling in urban community of Babol, the north of Iran, during the 1st of September until the end of December in 2014
The mean scores of quality of life (QoL) in all dimensions in men had significantly higher than women (P=0.001)
Summary
In the stage of demographic transition, the rate of elderly is increasing and their health condition is a matter of concern. Aging is inversely associated while male gender and education at high school or higher and being couple are positively associated in prediction of overall scores of QoL. The national census data in Islamic Republic of Iran showed that about 5.2% of population was at aged 60 years or older in 1986 while it was increased to 7.3% in 2006.1,2 It is expected that this would be elevated to 14.5% in 2036.1 Elderly age is a sensitive stage of individual life that influences on physical, emotional, psychological and social ability.[3] The health related quality of life that convey an overall sense of wellbeing including aspects of happiness and satisfaction of life all physical, mental, psychological and social perceptions.[3]. The increasing rate of morbidity can be explained by changing modern life style and civilization such as consumption of high caloric foods in particular using fast foods with
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