Quality of Life in Elderlies: A Cross-sectional and Field-based Study in Iran

Abstract

Background: Quality of life (QOL) in the elderly has not been investigated as much as their life expectancy. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the elders’ QOL. Methods: In this study, 386 elders were selected using the multistage cluster random sampling method. The Leiden-Padua (LIEPAD) questionnaire, consisting of the core components (CCQOL) and moderators (MQOL) of QOL, was used and analyzed with SPSS software. Results: The interviewees’ mean age was 68.12 ± 6.24 years. The QOL score was 83.67 ± 13.75 (out of 127), consisting of 27 (6.9%) elders with low, 316 (81.8%) elders with moderate, and 43 (11%) elders with high levels of QOL. The CCQOL and MQOL scores were 70.68 ± 9.42 (out of 93), and 20.94 ± 2.30 (out of 34), respectively. According to the multivariate analysis, sleep disorders (B = -0.15), osteoporosis (B = -0.14), female gender (B = -0.13), and not being the source of family income (B = -0.13) were inversely correlated with QOL. In contrast, sleep disorders, facing violence, female gender, migraine, psychological diseases, and not being the source of family income were inversely correlated with CCQOL. Sexual problems, facing violence, no supplementary insurance coverage, inability to walk, and migraine had inverse correlations with MQOL. Conclusions: Seven out of ten elders had a moderate level of QOL, while elderly females and elders with chronic diseases or those who were not the source of family income had lower levels of QOL. Accordingly, the elders’ QOL can be improved by integrating the elders’ care programs in the health centers.