Quality of Life and Health Needs among Elderly aged 60-79 years in Paro, Bhutan

Abstract

Introduction: The global population is undergoing a significant demographic shift, with a rapidly increasing number of elderly population. As people age, their health and quality of life become increasingly important considerations. The elderly population has unique health needs that must be addressed to ensure their well-being and maximize their quality of life. In Bhutan, elderly health needs are lacking despite information on health policy and planning. This study was proposed to assess quality of life and health needs among elderly aged between 60 – 79 years old under Naja, Dogar, Shaba, and Lyungni gewogs (blocks) under Paro district, Bhutan. Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed method design with a quantitative and descriptive qualitative was conducted in the four blocks. For quantitative component, a survey was conducted and for qualitative, focus group discussion was used. This study was carried out in four selected rural areas known as gewogs (blocks) in local language under Paro district. A representative sample of 403 respondents was selected by simple random sampling in quantitative work and 12 elderly people in focus group discussion. The demographic data were analyzed by ANOVA and data from focus group discussion were done in content analysis. Results: The quantitative data for the overall QoL score among elderly showed a mean score of 39.01, which was considered a low level of QoL. Among the eight components of QoL, role of pain and general health showed same result level as the overall QoL. While others (physical function, body pain, vitality, social function, role of emotion, and mental health) were at average level (score 46.19-58.68). Conclusions: Overall QoL of elderly people in Paro district is lower than the average at 47.84 (CI 45.87 – 49.81). Mental health was in average level compared to physical health, which is at a lower level.