Quality Of Life In Older People Research Articles

Spirituality, Quality of Life, and Health: A Japanese Cross-Sectional Study.

Current reports suggest a positive association between spirituality and quality of life (QoL) in elders. While most studies are qualitative studies and there has been little validation in quantitative studies using scales to measure spirituality. Hence, we aimed to study the effect of spirituality on mental health and QoL in older people residing in Kumejima Town in Japan. An interview-based survey was conducted between September 2010 and 2011 on residents of Kumejima Town aged 65 years or older. This survey-based study employed the Spirituality Health Scale for the Elderly (SP Health Scale) alongside assessments of basic attributes (e.g., age, sex); physical, mental, social health, spirituality, and QoL. We conducted a causal structure model to explore causal relationships between these factors. Our study included 338 participants, including 72.5% female with an average age and standard deviation of 77.2 ± 6.4 years. Our analysis revealed a significant association between spiritual health and QoL even after accounting for the impact of physical and mental health, which challenged the conventional belief that QoL inevitably diminishes with age and declining health. These results suggest that enhancing spirituality may offer a means to prevent declines in QoL, fostering a positive outlook on life as individuals age. Our study suggests that improving spiritual health can enhance QoL, even in the presence of health challenges and aging. This novel perspective opens doors to redefining health as a state that coexists with illness, with spirituality serving as an integral component. A shift in our understanding of health that prioritizes spirituality, could benefit people of all ages, offering a more holistic approach to well-being that aligns with new medical technologies and evolving perceptions of health.

Exploring the effect of the structural model of active aging on the self-assessment of quality of life among older people: A cross-sectional and analytical study.

Although studies have examined the relationship between variables associated with active aging and quality of life (QoL), no studies have been identified to have investigated the effect of a structural model of active aging on QoL in a representative sample of older people in the community. To measure the domains and facets of QoL in older people and identify the effect of the structural model of active aging on the self-assessment of QoL. This cross-sectional analytical study included 957 older people living in urban areas. Data were collected from households using validated instruments between March and June 2018. Descriptive, confirmatory factor, and structural equation modeling analyses were performed. Most older people self-rated their QoL as good (58.7%), and the highest mean scores were for the social relationships domain (70.12 ± 15.4) and the death and dying facet (75.43 ± 26.7). In contrast, the lowest mean scores were for the physical domains (64.41 ± 17.1) and social participation (67.20 ± 16.2) facets. It was found that active aging explained 50% of the variation in self-assessed QoL and directly and positively affected this outcome (λ = 0.70; P < 0.001). Active aging had a direct and positive effect on the self-assessment of QoL, indicating that the more individuals actively aged, the better the self-assessment of QoL.

S3: Quality of Life and Psychological Strengths of Older People

Symposium OverviewBackground:Aging has traditionally been studied from loss, disease, and dependency, limiting the conceptualization of Quality of Life (QoL) to health. The population group of older people characterize by its heterogeneity in which many older adults experience gains and age with good physical, psychological and social conditions. Ignoring these aspects can lead to ageism. It is necessary to offer a change of perspective in which older adults’ QoL is analyzed from a multidimensional perspective where not only losses are taken into account but also the strengths of the person and the satisfaction of their higher needs (self-fulfillment, control, autonomy and pleasure).Research Objective:This symposium aims to develop an assessment to improve QoL in older people through the promotion of their strengths.Method:Four studies from different Spanish and Portuguese universities were presentedPreliminary results on the ongoing study:Older people have psychological strengths that enhance QoL.Conclusion:This symposium seeks to promote QoL in older people from a change of perspective based on strengths in a society for all ages, in line with the decade of healthy aging (2021-2030) approved by the World Health Assembly and the United Nations General Assembly. Aging implies a range of personal and material losses to which older people must adapt to maintain adequate levels of QoL. The stress model of Lazarus and Folkman (1984) states that the impact of stress on the person depends on the resources that they use to face the factors associated with stress. Previous research has supported the protective role of reminiscence, personal growth, digital skills, psychological well-being, acceptance, resilience, gratitude, and family functioning in QoL. Likewise, interventions focused on these variables have shown an increase in QoL. However, studies based on a strengths model are still very limited in older people.

Quality of Life and the Contributing Factors among Elderly in Rural Areas in Yogyakarta

Background: Older people are a high-risk population with decreased health status and quality of life (QoL). There are various conditions that can affect the QoL in older people. QoL in older people requires cooperation from various parties including family members, health workers, and local government to improve it. Understanding factors contributing to QoL among older people is significantly important. Aims: The research objective was to analyze the relationship between age, gender, education, and occupation status with QoL in older people. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to identify related factors contributing to QoL among older people. QoL was assessed by using SF-36. This instrument contains eight subgroups namely role-physical, physical function, mental health, bodily pain, social functioning, role-emotional, general health, and vitality. Descriptive statistics and correlation coefficients were used in reporting and analyzing the data. The research was conducted from December 2019 to June 2020 in Pleret, Yogyakarta. The sample was collected by simple random sampling resulting in a total of 102 older people. Results: Factors significantly related to the QoL subgroup in this study were as follows. Age (p&lt;0.001) and occupational status (p&lt;0.001) related to physical function, gender (p&lt;0.05) related to mental health, age (p&lt;0.05) and educational level (p&lt;0.05) related to roleemotional and gender (p&lt;0.05) related to general health. Conclusion: This study identified factors that contributed to the QoL in older people including age, gender, educational level, and occupational status. A more in-depth investigation is recommended to determine the other QoL contributing factors among older people.

Examining the relationship between health literacy and quality of life: evidence from older people admitted to the hospital

IntroductionLiteracy has become an increasingly serious problem, especially as it relates to health care. In this regard, health literacy (HL), as a cognitive skill, has proven to be an influential factor to improve of the quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to examine the level of HL and its relationship with the QOL of older people at the time of discharge from the hospital in the south of Iran.MethodsThis descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study included 300 older people admitted and treated in 10 teaching-therapeutic hospitals affiliated with the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2021. The standard Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA) questionnaire and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) were used to collect the required data. Data were analyzed with SPSS software version 23 software using descriptive and inferential statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, T-test, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression at p = 0.05.ResultsThe mean scores of Hl and QOL for older people were 48.22 ± 9.63 (out of 100) and 61.59 ± 12.43 (out of 120), respectively. Moreover, there was a significant direct correlation between the participants’ HL and their QOL (r=0.388, p<0.001). All dimensions of HL, including comprehension (β=0.461, p<0.001), decision-making and behavior (β=0.434, p<0.001), access (β=0.397, p<0.001), reading skill (β=0.362, p=0.002), and assessment (β=0.278, p=0.004), were significant relationship with QOL. A statistically significant difference was revealed between the mean scores of HL regarding the participants’ gender (p=0.04) and level of education (p=0.001). Furthermore, the mean scores of QOL were significantly different with regard to older people’s gender (p=0.02), marital status (p=0.03), level of education (p=0.002), and income (p=0.01).ConclusionThe findings revealed the participants’ inadequate HL and average QOL. Considering the relationship of HL with QOL, it is recommended to develop comprehensive programs and effective interventions to develop HL skills and subsequently improve QOL among older people.

Evaluation of quality of life in the elderly who have fallen

Background/Aim: Approximately 30% of older adults fall at least once per year; consequently, falls are a significant public health concern in the elderly. The most common outcomes are fractures, immobility, high morbidity, and mortality rates. In recent years, quality of life (QoL) is used as a criterion to guide social policies for the elderly. The high prevalence of falls can have serious consequences on the QoL of older people, resulting in prolonged hospitalization, institutionalization, need for care, social isolation, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, it is essential to understand the effect of falls on QoL and influencing factors. In light of this study’s results, it is intended to provide recommendations for social policy that will protect the elderly from falls and maintain their high QoL. This study aimed to determine the QoL and the factors affecting the elderly who have fallen. Methods: The research was a cross-sectional study. The study sample consisted of 90 elderly individuals who applied to the hospital due to falls. The inclusion criteria were being 65 years of age or older, applying to the hospital's emergency department, orthopedic or orthopedic surgery clinic due to a fall, not having passed 6 months from the date of discharge, and agreeing to participate in the study voluntarily. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews in January–June 2021 using the purposive sampling method. The Elderly Introduction Form was used to obtain sociodemographic data of the participants, as well as data on falls and their experiences after falls. The Quality of Life Scale for the Elderly was used to determine QoL. The student’s t-test was used to compare two categorical variables. ANOVA was used for more than two variables, and logistic regression analysis was also applied. Results: QoL levels were classified as poor, fair, and good, and 58.9% of the participants were found to have a fair QoL. In addition, according to the scale’s total score average of 3.17 (0.473), the general quality of life was found to be fair for all participants. According to the t-test and ANOVA results, the QoL was higher for those with higher education levels and those living with their spouses (P˂0.05). The QoL was low in those who had fractures, had surgery, were hospitalized for more than 4 days, and had chronic diseases (P˂0.05). In the regression analysis model, age, economic status, and the number of drugs used were effective on QoL. Conclusion: The quality of life was poor in the elderly who experienced fractures and were hospitalized. Balance-enhancing exercises in the elderly can prevent falls and associated complications. Low education level, chronic illness, and drug use reduced the quality of life. For education, literacy courses and lifelong learning programs can be applied to the elderly. For diseases, healthy aging policies can be implemented.

Nutritional status and quality-of-life of older adults in aged care: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The effect of malnutrition beyond morbidity and mortality has become a critical area of investigation in older people with an increased focus on quality-of-life (QoL), but as yet the relationship between malnutrition and QoL remains to be reviewed in older people from aged care settings. The current study conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses of studies published between the years 1995 and 2020 examining the relationship between nutritional status and QoL or the effects of a nutrition-based intervention on QoL in older people in residential aged care. Based on searches of the databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Emcare, and Embase, 21 studies were identified. Meta-analyses of the cross-sectional and quasi-experimental studies revealed a significant positive relationship between nutritional status and QoL and that nutritional intervention significantly improved QoL. By contrast, meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials revealed a non-significant but improved trend post-intervention in QoL. Although the effect sizes were small, the present findings indicate that nutrition-based interventions improve QoL in older people in residential aged care and align with previous reviews based on findings from other aged settings. Future research is needed to determine causality and to better identify and control for confounding factors which may influence both nutritional status and QoL.

Effect of Health Promotion Activities on Quality of Life of Elderly in Rural Kerala of South India

Interventions incorporating both educational and recreational activities can bring in positive changes to participants whatever may be their age group not to mention elderly. Realising the opportunities available and support from family and community as well as participating in various social activities can keep the elderly busy and active. A feeling of inner peace and gratitude for being wanted by the dear and near will be induced instead of solitude and or isolation and negligence. Regaining freedom and independence through community activities and a life free from diseases will boost their confidence and bring in successful ageing. The present study was a pre-test post-test control group design. After assessing the quality of life (QOL) of elderly, they were divided into two groups. The experimental group (n=204) received a set of classes and instruction on how to fight the debilitating conditions by getting organized themselves. The QOL of the control group (n=203)was assessed at the beginning of the study. The control group received all necessary sessions after assessing the QOL. The study proves to be successful and cost effective if undertaken by the community. Stepping up of the community in the affairs of their elderly will be twofold. Elderly will be benefitted and the young and adults in community can learn valuable lessons from this experienced group and plan for improve their own life to minimize frictions and for successful ageing. The tool used was Older People Quality of Life 35 developed by Bowling A. Key words: health promotion, quality of life, elderly, Kerala

Impact of yoga therapy in improving perceived stress, depression, and quality of life in elderly population: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Geriatric population is vulnerable to physical and emotional discommodes that requires expert care from a holistic perspective. Depression, stress, anxiety, etc., are the common problems faced by the elderly. Holistic interventions such as yoga are reckoned to be a pillar in alleviating these issues; however, most of the studies in this arena are conducted on elderly who resides in shelter homes. Materials and Methods: Ninety-six participants were randomized to a yoga or waitlisted control group (n = 48 each). Yoga group received a set of yogic practices for 12 weeks. Assessments were done using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and older people quality of life (OPQOL). Results: Yoga group has shown statistically significant reduction in PSS (P < 0.001), GDS (P = 0.001), and improvement in the selected components of OPQOL such as social relationship (P = 0.014), neighborhood (P = 0.001), psychological well-being (P = 0.001), financial circumstances (P = 0.001), and OPQOL – total (P = 0.001). Discussion: The results indicate that yoga can successfully be implemented in the elderly population on an outpatient basis and can produce clinically beneficial effects. Nurses, physicians, and other therapists should consider integrating yoga in the elderly. Conclusion: The results of this study are encouraging to recommend yoga as a stand-alone mind-body rehabilitation program for older adults.

Depression and quality of life among elderly: Comparative cross-sectional study between elderly in community and old age homes in Eastern India.

Depression among elderly is an emerging public health concern. Along with other comorbidities, depression affects the quality of life and functional ability of the geriatric population. This study aimed to assess the depression and quality of life among elderly and compare these parameters among the inhabitants of old age home and in the community. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the elderly of the community and old-age homes in the urban areas of Raipur, Chhattisgarh between March and July 2016. Hundred elderly (50 in each group) participated in the study. Geriatric Depression Scale 15 (GDS-15) and Older People Quality of Life (OPQoL)-35 scale were used to assess the geriatric depression and quality of life, respectively. Association between depression and demographic variables were analyzed by Chi-square/Fisher's exact test. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated between GDS-15 and OPQoL-35 scale. The prevalence of geriatric depression was 59%. Quality of life was better among the old-age home elderly participants than that of community elderly when compared for score of life over all (11.78 vs. 13.56), health (12.8 vs. 14.0), social relationship (10.48 vs. 13.9), control over life (11.92 vs. 14.08), home and neighborhoods (9.38 vs. 12.36), psychological and emotional wellbeing (10.96 vs. 13.7), financial circumstances (14.5 vs. 16.7), and leisure and activities (13.86 vs. 15.28). Moderate positive correlation was observed between depression and quality of life. The higher prevalence in our study emphasizes the need to delineate the actual burden in the elderly population and provide necessary supportive measures. It needs to be addressed adequately through a coordinated primary care approach and community and social support. Timely and adequate management of depression can improve the quality-of-life outcomes.

Sexuality and the elderly: factors implicated in sexual dysfunctions in the elderly

The debate about sexuality, a key parameter of the quality of lifeof older people in the aging process, has undoubtedly matured in recent years, due to the problems that older people face in this regard. The aim of the present review is the theoretical approach, both of the changes that take place in the physiology of sexual function of elderly people and of the factors and situations that are blamed for the occurrence of these dysfunctions. For the writing of this review, a systematic approach was used to search and identify all recently published literature (articles, studies and reviews) related το the factors that cause Sexual Dysfunctions in Elderly, through the scientific databases Pub Med, Academia.Edu, Research Gate. Pathophysiological and anatomical changes, organic and psychological problems, which occur over time, negatively affect the frequency of sexual intercourse, sexual desire and in general the sexuality of older people. Older men, on the one hand, have mainly problems with erectile dysfunction, problematic ejaculation and decreased sexual desire, while women, on the other hand, mainly due to menopause, which causes hormonal, physical and mental changes, mainly show reduced sexual desire and stimulation, insufficiency of vaginal lubrication and dyspareunia. Older people have a variety of health problems that have a negative effect on their sexual activity, while each gender is faced with specific problems, medical, pharmaceutical and psychosocial reasons, which negatively affect their sex life

Fungsi Kognitif dengan Kualitas Hidup Pada Lansia

As age increases, various body deteriorioration will follow, one of them is cognitive function. The brain function of memory recall or remembering something is part of cognitive function. If this function weaken, daily activities will be disturbed and may have impacts on quality of life. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between cognitive function and quality of life in elderly. This was a cross-sectional design. Population was all elderly living in a private nursing home in Surabaya (N=150). Based on sample's selection criteria, there were 145 elderly participated as respondents. Instruments used were Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) for measuring cognitive function, and Older People Quality of Life (OPQOL) for measuring quality of life in elderly. Most respondents had normal cognitive function, but their quality of life was mostly sufficient. Statistical analysis by Spearman's Rho correlation test showed that cognitive function was significantly correlated with quality of life in elderly (p=0.008). The aging process has impact on cognitive function deterioration which resulted in a decrease in elderly's quality of life.&#x0D; Keywords: cognitive function, elderly, quality of life

Association between structural social support and quality of life among urban older Malaysians.

The aim of this study was to examine the association between structural social support and quality of life (QoL) among urban older people in Malaysia. Cross-sectional data of 1484 participants from the first wave of the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR) were analysed. QoL was measured with the Control, Autonomy, Self-realization, and Pleasure 12-item scale (CASP-12). Multivariate analyses were run using the generalised linear interactive model (GLIM) to determine the association between structural social support measures and QoL. The mean age of the sample was 70.1 (SD=7.4) years. Being married (B=0.05, 95%CI 0.02, 0.08), larger social networks (B=0.01, 95%CI 0.01, 0.02) and social participation (B=0.02, 95%CI 0.02, 0.09) were associated with higher QoL, while living alone (B= -0.04, 95%CI -0.06, -0.02) was associated with lower QoL. Structural social support plays an important role in the QoL of older people in Malaysia.

Community-living older people's interpretation of the Norwegian version of older people's quality of life (OPQOL) questionnaire.

The aim of this study is to investigate how community-living older people interpret the Norwegian version of Older People's Quality of Life (OPQOL) questionnaire. The original OPQOL questionnaire was translated based on guidelines for cross-cultural translation. The Three-Step Test-Interview instrument was adopted to investigate how community-living older people interpreted the questionnaire. Data were collected from 14 participants (72-89years). The questionnaire was filled in under observation. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted to clarify the observational data and elicit the participants' experiences and opinions. Lastly, data were analysed using a hermeneutic interpretation approach. Our findings indicate that most of the participants managed to complete the OPQOL questionnaire without problems. The data analysis resulted in four primary themes: relevance & applicability, formulation, consistency & accuracy and subjectivity. The questionnaire covered all aspects related to the participants' quality of life. However, statements related to religion were found to be irrelevant to their quality of life. Most of the participants thought that religion, philosophy and culture should be separate rather than included in the same statement. The participants missed the option of 'not applicable' when the statements were irrelevant to them. The statements are formulated in both positive and negative ways, which was sometimes confusing to them. The participants perceived phases such as "around me" "local," and "things" as ambiguous, and thus they raised concerns about whether the OPQOL questionnaire could capture consistent data regarding their quality of life. The results of this study pinpoint the issues that community-living older people faced when interpreting and answering the Norwegian version of OPQOL questionnaire. These issues were mostly caused by sociocultural differences. Our work provides an overview of the changes that must be made in the questionnaire in order to address these sociocultural differences while using the OPQOL questionnaire in the Norwegian context.

Use of potentially inappropriate medications among older outpatients and inpatients in a tertiary care hospital in Malaysia.

Older individuals are seemingly having more medical conditions, which predispose them to a greater risk of polypharmacy. Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), including those having anticholinergic and sedative properties, are common in their prescriptions, often associated with functional decline and negative health outcomes. Thus, this study reports proportions of inappropriate drugs and drug burden exposures and its correlation with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) among cognitively intact older adults admitted to a ward or visiting the outpatient clinic at a tertiary care hospital in Malaysia. This cross-sectional study included data from 344 older (173 inpatients and 171 outpatients) patients, aged 60years and above, through validated questionnaires. Medication appropriateness was assessed via Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) tool, whereas Beers and Screening Tool of Older Person's Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing (STOPP) criteria were used to evaluate PIMs and potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP), respectively. The Drug Burden Index (DBI) and polypharmacy, as well as PROs, included Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI), Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (Katz ADL) and Older People's Quality of Life (OPQOL) were also evaluated. Overall, inpatients received significantly higher medications (6.90±2.70 vs 4.49±3.20) than outpatients. A significantly higher proportion of inpatients received at least one PIM (65% vs 57%) or PIP (57.4% vs 17.0%) and higher mean MAI score (1.76±1.08 and 1.10±0.34) and DBI score (2.67±1.28 vs 1.49±1.17) than outpatients. Inpatients had significantly higher total OPQOL (118.53 vs 79.95) and GFI score (5.44 vs 3.78) than outpatients. We only found significant correlations between GFI and DBI and total OPQOL and the number of PIMs. Proportions of PIMs and DBI exposure were significantly higher in an inpatient setting. No significant correlations between exposures to inappropriate medications or drug burden and PROs were observed.

EQ-5D-3L for Assessing Quality of Life in Older Nursing Home Residents with Cognitive Impairment.

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is recognized as an important patient-reported outcome measure. Assessing QoL in older people with cognitive impairment is a challenge due to discrepancies in the collection of data via proxies versus self-report. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the self-reported EQ-5D (including the EQ index and EQ visual analog scale (VAS)) in nursing homes residents with cognitive impairment and to analyze its validity based on scales included in the comprehensive geriatric assessment. Methods: Cross-sectional, multicenter study analyzing the feasibility, acceptability, reliability, and validity of the EQ-5D based on 251 self-administered questionnaires in a sample of nursing home residents with cognitive impairment. Reference scales were those from the comprehensive geriatric assessment, equivalent to the five dimensions of the EuroQol. Results: The EQ index was 0.31 (0.37) and the EQ VAS was 35.96 (29.86), showing adequate acceptability and feasibility. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.723. The EQ index and EQ VAS, as outcome variables for multiple linear regression models including CGA titration scales, showed better validity for the EQ index than the EQ VAS. Conclusions: As a self-administered generic scale, the EQ-5D-3L could be a good tool for QoL assessment in nursing home residents with cognitive impairment.

Quality of Life Framework for Personalised Ageing: A Systematic Review of ICT Solutions.

Given the growing number of older people, society as a whole should ideally provide a higher quality of life (QoL) for its ageing citizens through the concept of personalised ageing. Information and communication technologies (ICT) are subject to constant and rapid development, and can contribute to the goal of an improved QoL for older adults. In order to utilise future ICT solutions as a part of an age-friendly smart environment that helps achieve personalised ageing with an increased QoL, one must first determine whether the existing ICT solutions are satisfying the needs of older people. In order to accomplish that, this study contributes in three ways. First, it proposes a framework for the QoL of older adults, in order to provide a systematic review of the state-of-the-art literature and patents in this field. The second contribution is the finding that selected ICT solutions covered by articles and patents are intended for older adults and are validated by them. The third contribution of the study are the six recommendations that are derived from the review of the literature and the patents which would help move the agenda concerning the QoL of older people and personalised ageing with the use of ICT solutions forward.

Sleep Disturbances Following Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Adults: A Comparison Study.

To compare the prevalence of sleep disturbances in older adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) with that of age- and gender-matched controls and to determine the risk factors for post-TBI sleep disturbances and the effects of post-TBI disturbances on quality of life (QOL). Cross-sectional case-comparison study. Eighty older adults (aged ≥65 years) with first-time TBI more than 3 months since injury and 80 older adults controls without TBI who completed sleep and health-related QOL questionnaires. Older adults with TBI showed a higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, and daytime sleepiness than older adult controls. Being male, having higher levels of depression and pain, and the presence of insomnia were significantly correlated with the risks of OSA, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness following TBI, respectively. Both OSA and insomnia were significantly correlated with low QOL in older adults with TBI. Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent in older adults with TBI. Gender differences, depression severity, and pain level are correlated with the occurrence of post-TBI sleep disturbances. Both OSA and insomnia are regarded as major contributors to low QOL in older people with TBI. Interventions targeted at post-TBI sleep disturbances may improve QOL of older adults.

Quality of life among Elderly Hearing Impairment (Presbycusis) at Benha City

Background: Hearing impairment (Presbycusis) is the third most prevalent chronic disease in theelderly, and it affects their quality of life. Aim: this study aimed to assess the quality of life amongelderly hearing impairment (Presbycusis) at Benha City. Research design: A descriptive designwas used. Setting: The study was conducted at Auditory Unit in Benha University Hospital andBenha Teaching Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample consisted of 100 elderly diagnosed withhearing impairment. Tools: Two tools were used include; (1) a structured interviewingquestionnaire; it was composed of four parts: Socio-demographic characteristics, medical history,and knowledge regarding hearing impairment, (2) Quality of life of elderly with hearingimpairment. Results: Most of the elderly people suffered from chronic diseases and the mostcommon disease was hypertension, more than half of them had impairment in both ears, most ofthem had satisfactory level of knowledge, about two thirds had high score of total quality of life,and finally most of them had high score of total hearing impairment handicapping. Conclusion:Fortunately, the results revealed high total quality of life score and satisfactory level of knowledgeamong elderly. On other hand, most of them suffered from highly hearing impairmenthandicapping. Recommendations: Programs and studies should be done for teaching copingstrategies for elderly with Presbycusis; this may have a positive impact on the quality of life ofolder people.

Association between Clinical Characteristics and Quality of Life in Older People with Stroke at Hospital Discharge

Objective: The number of people with stroke increases worldwide. The stroke survivors live with disabilities and those influence their quality of life (QOL). This study was aimed to investigate the association between clinical characteristics and QOL of the older people with stroke at discharge from the hospital. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The participants were 113 stroke survivors aged 60 years and older admitted to the stroke unit. Quality of life was the study’s outcome which measured by using the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF). Primary clinical characteristics were measured by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Barthel Index (BI), and Modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Potential confounding factors were age, sex, education levels, marital status, current occupation, and comorbidity (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and heart disease). Multiple linear regression was used for data analysis. Results: The main effects of clinical outcomes were high BI Score that had a significant difference association with QOL (β = 0.312, 95% CI = 0.042, 0.296, P = 0.009), lower mRS score also had significant difference association with QOL (β= -0.371, 95%CI = &#455.394, &#451.162, P = 0.003) after all adjusting. Additional risk factor in this study was marital status (currently married) (β= 0.155, 95% CI = 0.226, 8.666, P = 0.039). Conclusion: Low function status and severe stroke disability as the clinical characteristics were associated with QOL in older people with stroke at hospital discharge. An additional factor was marital status (currently married).