Levels of Health-related Quality of Life (EQ-5D) and Its Related Factors among Vulnerable Elders Receiving Home Visiting Health Care Services in Some Rural Areas

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify levels of quality of health-related life (EQ-5D) and its related factors among vulnerable elders receiving home visiting health care services in some rural areas. Methods: The subjects of this study were vulnerable elders aged 65 or higher receiving visiting health care benefits by a public health center in a county. Results: Levels of health-related EQ-5D were high when the subjects were males, their ADL and IADL were high. The EQ-5D of the vulnerable elders and social supports had a positive correlation, while their IADL and depression had a negative correlation with the EQ-5D. We can see that the EQ-5D related factors are variables that have significance influence on gender, subjective health status, BMI, IADL, depression levels, and social support. Conclusion: To improve the EQ-5D of the vulnerable elderly, it needs maintenance of independent IADL levels, social supporting systems using small meeting of the elderly in community. It is necessary to maintain independent IADL levels, enhance social supporting systems including small group gatherings for elders living alone by means of places like community halls, and develop specific intervention programs for the prevention and management of depressive elders.