Quality of life and multimorbidity in elderly people

Abstract

Introduction. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is part of the general concept (QoL) and represents the overall impact of the disease and its treatment on the person/family. Multimorbidity is a condition that refers to the presence of two or more chronic diseases accompanying an individual's life. In the older population, it is quite common, due to age-related physiological changes and increased susceptibility to chronic diseases. Their growth to an epidemic state increases their negative impact on the socio-economic development of societies and worsens the nation's health indicators. Aim. The present study aims to establish the quality of life of people with chronic diseases, offering guidelines for its enhancement, as well as limiting the main risk factors that affect it. Material and methods. A survey of patients with chronic diseases was conducted. Covers 100 patients on a random basis, randomized only by age (over 55 years old), in GP practices, "Vrabnitsa" district - Sofia, carried out in the period February - April 2024. Results. Diabetes mellitus, hypertensive heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal disease remain at the top of the list of the most common chronic diseases, and each of them has its burden on the patient's quality of life, through social isolation, deformity or disability. Conclusions. 1. The limitation of risk factors will lead to a drastic reduction in the spread of diseases and complications that lower the quality of life. 2. Multimorbidity in the elderly has a significant impact on their quality of life. 3. Good collaboration between patients, their doctors, nurses and relatives is an important part of the actions to increase the quality of life of these patients.