Using WHOQOL-BREF to evaluate quality of life among Turkish elders in different residential environments

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study used the Brief Version of The World Health Organization's Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) to assess and compare the quality of life in older people who live at home and older people who live in public assisted-living facilities for the elderly. DesignCross-sectional. SettingData were collected by a research nurse in each home and in the assisted living facility. ParticipantsParticipants were 60 years old and older. The sample included 37 people who were living in a public assisted-living facility and 37 elderly people living in their own homes. MeasurementThe WHOQOL-BREF was used to measure participants' quality of life. ResultsThe groups were similar according to gender, literacy, existence of chronic diseases, and general perceived health. However, quality of life scores for social relationships and environment domains were lower in those living in an assisted living facility than those living in their own homes. The scores for elderly females staying in the assisted living facility were lower compared to the scores of males in the facility. ConclusionThe results suggest that social and environmental domains of life quality are low in elderly assisted living facilities. Social activities should be diversified for elderly people staying in assisted living facilities to improve social relationships. Physical and psychological health of females in assisted living facilities should be comprehensively supported by professionals. Alternatively, elderly people may be professionally supported to live in their own homes.