WHOQOL-BREF Questionnaire Research Articles

WHOQOL-BREF in Measuring Quality of Life Among Sickle Cell Disease Patients with Leg Ulcers

Sickle cell disease (SCD) presents complex clinical manifestations influenced by genetic, social, environmental, and healthcare access factors as well as socioeconomic status. In this context, sickle cell leg ulcers (SLUs) are a debilitating complication of SCD. We aimed to describe sociodemographic data and evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of SCD patients with and without SLUs. We conducted a cross-sectional study including 13 SCD patients with SLUs and 42 without LUs. Clinical data were obtained by reviewing the medical records, and QoL was assessed with the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Our cohort of patients had a mean age of 34.9 years, with 52.8% male, 52.8% identifying as black, and 41.7% identifying as brown. Most had low income, incomplete education, and high unemployment rates. The social habits and relationships of SCD patients showed varying levels of friendship and family closeness, and the majority of SLU+ patients did not practice sports. We failed to find statistical differences in the WHOQOL-BREF domains between SLU+ and SLU− patients. However, higher income and employment status were associated with improved WHOQOL-BREF domain scores in SCD patients, while vaso-occlusive episodes and female gender were linked to lower scores. Our data reinforce the sociodemographic characteristics of SCD. The physical domain was associated with income, occupation, and vaso-occlusion. The psychological domain was associated with income and occupation. The social relationship domain was associated with occupation and female gender. The environmental domain was associated with vaso-occlusion. The WHOQOL-BREF is a reliable tool to measure QoL in SCD.

Home-based yoga intervention in hypertensive patients: changes in anthropometric and blood pressure parameters Running title: Home based yoga in hypertension

Introduction: The present study aimed to determine whether practicing yoga at home leads to significant improvements in hypertension and obesity compared to non-yoga practitioners. To compare these changes in yoga and control hypertensive patients at baseline and after invention of three months yoga program. Materials and methods: The present study was a non-randomised controlled trial, conducted for a period of two years, from December 2021 to December 2023 at a tertiary care teaching institute in Indore. Total 300 participants were divided into four groups (two intervention and two control groups) that were followed up for three months to assess the changes in their antropometric and blood pressure parameters after yoga intervention in the intervention group. Results: The intervention group reported a statically significant improvement in systolic blood pressure (P <0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (P <0.05). The quality of life was assessed based on the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and it was observed that the overall quality of life was perceived to be better in the intervention group which was statistically significant (P <0.05). Conclusions: Yoga’s ability to lower blood pressure through stress reduction, autonomic regulation, and improved cardiovascular function makes it a promising non-pharmacological option for hypertension management

Functional mobility and depression negatively impact quality of life in older adults with stroke

Background The quality of life (QoL) in elderly post-stroke patients may deteriorate due to an interplay of physical and psychological impairments, compounded by social challenges stemming from these issues. Objective This study aimed to identify predictors of QoL in elderly post-stroke patients by evaluating their functional capabilities, depressive symptoms, and levels of social support. Methods A cohort of 122 individuals aged 65 and older, who had experienced a stroke, was assessed. Functional independence was gauged using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), depressive states were evaluated with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and social support was quantified through the Social Support Scale (SSS). The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was employed to measure QoL. Results The FIM and GDS scores were significant predictors for WHOQOL-BREF domains 1 and 2 (adjusted R² = 0.522, p < 0.01; and adjusted R² = 0.586, p < 0.01, respectively). GDS alone was a significant predictor for domain 3 (adjusted R² = 0.236, p < 0.01), while all variables were significant predictors for domain 4 (adjusted R² = 0.315, p < 0.01). Conclusions Depression, motor function, and social support were identified as the primary predictors of QoL in elderly individuals after suffering a stroke.

Gender difference in domain-specific quality of life measured by modified WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire and their associated factors among older adults in a rural district in Bangladesh.

The global population of older adults has steadily increased in recent decades. Little is known about the gender difference in the quality of life (QoL) of older adults in the general population. This study aimed to identify factors associated with QoL among older adults by gender. Data on QoL using the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoL-BREF) questionnaire and socio-demographic characteristics, including living status and sources of income, were collected from 1147 older adults. The WHOQoL-BREF has four domains: physical, psychological, social and environmental. Rasch analysis was used to compute a combined score from Likert-type data to a continuous scale ranging from 0% satisfaction to 100% satisfaction in terms of QoL for each domain. We used a generalized linear model to compare the mean rate of QoL for different factors, and logistic regression analysis was used to quantify the associations of factors with below-average QoL measured as 50% or less in QoL. The domain-specific QoL mean (standard error), minimum-maximum values were physical 48.9 (0.41), 7-86, psychological 38.9 (0.51), 4-71, social 50.5 (0.49), 8-92, and environmental domains 47.8 (0.37), 6-91 in the total sample with significant gender difference in all but social domain. The proportion of below average QoL for females vs. males was physical 47.6% vs. 42.6%, psychological 74.4% vs.66.7%; social 34.8% vs. 30.1% and environmental domains 56.1% vs. 49.0%. In females, participants living alone were associated with a higher proportion of below average QoL in physical OR 30.2, 95% CI 2.47, 370, psychological OR 9.54, 95% CI1.09,83.27 and social domains OR 5.94, 95% CI 1.25,28.34. In males, participants' sources of income from relatives were associated with a higher proportion of below average QoL in physical OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.01,6.44, psychological 30.2, 95% CI 2.47, 370, psychological OR 4.63 95% CI 2.56, 8.38, social domains OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.04, 3.16 and environmental domains OR 2.53 95% CI 1.44, 4.43 than those who had own income. Females engaged in income generation activities had better QoL in social and environmental domains than those with house duties, irrespective of their education or socioeconomic status. Males in retired life had the highest QoL in the social and environmental domains if they had better SES. The study's findings reveal that more than 50% of people had below-average QoL in each domain, which is significant. The study also highlighted that females living alone and males without their own income had the poorest QoL. On a positive note, it was found that females engaged in any income generation activities had better QoL in social and environmental domains. These results provide valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals. They underscore the importance of implementing appropriate intervention programs to enhance the QoL of older adults, reiterating the urgency and necessity of their work to improve the health and well-being of older adults.

Analysis of Stress Levels in University Students During Examination Periods

The academic routine, with its responsibilities and commitments, is crucial for professional life but can cause significant stress for students. This study analyzed the stress levels in physiotherapy students at a private college before and after exams. It is an analytical, observational, quantitative, and cross-sectional study conducted with 16 students (10 in the morning shift and 6 in the evening shift) during October 2019. Heart rate variability was measured with a sensor placed on the ear, using the Inner Balance app, before and after the exams. The data were analyzed by Kubius HRV. Additionally, the Lipp's Adult Stress Symptoms Inventory (ISSL) and Whoqol-bref questionnaires were used. The results showed a significant increase in sympathetic nervous system activity after the exams, indicating stress related to the evaluations. 45% of the students exhibited typical symptoms of increased sympathetic activity, corroborating the heart rate variability data. These findings suggest the need for longitudinal studies to understand the duration and effects of academic stress on students' bodies.

Post-COVID-19 dry eye negatively impacts the patient's quality of life.

To describe the ophthalmological findings of dry eye disease and its relation to the quality of life of COVID-19 survivors. COVID-19 survivors who had previously been hospitalized at Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto complex underwent an ophthalmological evaluation, which included a dry eye disease questionnaire, break-up time, fluorescein staining, and Schirmer test. We collected the presenting and best-corrected visual acuity, sociodemographic data, personal medical history, and scores from a self-reported quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL-bref). According to the severity of the acute phase of the disease, the patients were classified into mild-to-moderate, severe, and critical groups. Ninety-five patients (190 eyes) were evaluated 100 ± 44 days after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Of these, 83 patients (87.3%) completed the WHOQOL-bref questionnaire. Ten patients (12.0%) had mild-to-moderate COVID-19, 41 (49.4%) had severe COVID-19, and 32 (38.6%) had critical COVID-19. The median best-corrected visual acuity was logMAR 0 (0-1). Approximately 26.3% patients had a history of dry eye disease or severe dry eye symptoms (frequent or constant ocular dryness and irritation). There was an association between the proportion of patients with dry eye disease and the quality of life (p=0.014) and health (p=0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant trend between the proportion of patients with dry eye disease and how they rated their health and quality of life (p=0.0004 and 0.0027, respectively. There is a significant negative correlation between the proportion of patients with dry eye disease and their self-reported quality of life.

Efficacy of Trataka Kriya in Improving Quality of Sleep in population aged 30-50 years: An open clinical trial

Background: In present era, Sleeplessness and disturbed sleep is a common disorder associated with morbidity and poor quality of life. In Ayurveda, Sleep is included under three supportive pillars of life (trayopasthambha). More than 50-70 million people in the United States have a sleep disorder i. In India prevalence rates are 6.5% among women and 4.3% among men. Trataka is one of the Shat Karma (yogic purificatory therapy) but is also observed to be having effects similar to meditative practices. It relieves mental stress so can improve sleep quality. Aim: To study the effect of Trataka Kriya in improving Quality of sleep-in population aged 30- 50 years. Objective: To evaluate the change in subjective and objective parameters on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) & WHO-QOL Bref Questionnaire. Materials and Methodology: Part 1: Survey Study: A survey was conducted in 100 subjects to understand the distribution of sleep disorder in the population. Part 2: Interventional Study: From the participants of the survey 35 subjects were selected who reported sleep disturbance (decreased sleep). After Day 0 Assessment of the PSQI & WHO-QOL BREF Scales, Training session on Trataka Kriya was given to the subjects and were advised to continue the practice for 15 days. Re-assessment of the objective Scales was done on Day 15. Results: PSQI SCORE: Based on the observations there was a significant improvement (p= <0.001) in PSQI Global score. WHO-QOL BREF: There was a significant improvement (p= <0.001, p = 0.016) respectively in the Physical & Psychological Health Domains in WHO=QOL BREF questionnaire. However, no significant changes observed in overall quality of life (p=1.000), overall quality of general health (p=I.000), Domain Social Relationships (p=I.000), Environmental Health (p=I.000). Conclusion: It can be concluded that Trataka Kriya is effective in improving the quality of sleep in population aged 30-50 years.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Quality of Life in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients at Anshari Saleh Hospital Banjarmasin

Type II diabetes mellitus is characterized by high blood sugar levels that trigger complications and reduce the quality of life physically, psychologically, socially, and environmentally. Quality of life is used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and monitor public health. The purpose of the study was to analyze the most influential factors on the quality of life in patients with type II diabetes mellitus at Anshari Saleh Hospital, Banjarmasin. The research method used Cross-sectional with Purposive Sampling technique of 83 respondents. The independent variables were age, gender, education, income, complications, duration of suffering, family support and the dependent variable of quality of life using bivariate with Chi-Square, while multivariate analysis with multiple logistic regression used the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire as an instrument of quality of life. The results of the study showed that there was an influence between education level (p = 0.000), income level (p = 0.008), disease complications (p = 0.002), duration of suffering (p = 0.021), family support (p = 0.021) and education level factors (OR = 60,527) which had the most influence on the quality of life in patients with type II diabetes mellitus. Education level affects the quality of life of diabetes sufferers through understanding and managing the disease. Higher education makes it easier to understand health information, improving quality of life. Meanwhile, low education can reduce quality of life due to difficulty understanding information even though broad knowledge can improve the situation. However, lack of awareness to behave healthily still has a negative impact on the quality of life physically, psychologically, socially, and environmentally. It is hoped that nursing services will provide more continuous education by forming peer groups (diabetes classes), and WhatsApp groups to improve health education for type II diabetes mellitus sufferers according to their level of education in increasing their knowledge.

The Effectiveness of Psychological Dhikr Therapy in Improving the Quality of Life of Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Introduction: Cancer is a chronic disease with increasing prevalence globally, including in Indonesia, and has a significant impact on patients' quality of life. This impact includes not only physical, but also emotional and spiritual aspects, especially for patients undergoing chemotherapy, who often face physical side effects such as fatigue, pain, and psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Objective: This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of dhikr therapy in improving the quality of life of cancer patients during chemotherapy. Methods: The study used a quasi-experimental approach with a one-group pre-post test design. The sample consisted of 37 adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Sembiring General Hospital, selected by purposive sampling technique. Dhikr intervention was conducted for 4 weeks, with data collected using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire to measure quality of life, as well as dhikr activity logs. Data analysis used paired t-test to evaluate changes before and after the intervention. Results: This study showed a significant improvement in patients' quality of life after dhikr therapy. The mean change score reached -9.184 with a standard deviation of 4.373, and a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05), indicating that this difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Dhikr therapy is effective in improving the quality of life of cancer patients, especially in the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.

Quality of life of patients with chronic renal failure on intermittent hemodialysis at Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City in 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) and related factors among patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis at Binh Dan Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. A cross-sectional study design was used, surveying 330 patients aged 18 to 59 with the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, which assessed four domains: physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environmental factors. The findings showed that QoL was moderate overall, with physical health (mean score of 44.2) and psychological well-being (mean score of 45.7) scoring lower than social relationships (mean score of 51.3) and environmental factors (mean score of 53.1). Age was negatively correlated with physical and psychological health, while education and income were positively associated with better social and environmental scores. Frequent dialysis and comorbidities, such as diabetes, were linked to poorer physical and psychological health. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive care approaches that address physical, psychological, and social aspects to enhance the well-being of hemodialysis patients.

Comparing Quality of Life and Psychological Changes in Benign and Malignant Lung Resections.

Background and Objectives: Pulmonary resections are critical interventions for treating various lung pathologies, both benign and malignant. Understanding the impact of these surgeries on patients' Quality of Life (QoL) is essential for optimizing care. This study aims to compare the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and psychological well-being in patients who underwent pulmonary resections for benign versus malignant etiologies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 117 patients who underwent pulmonary resection between January 2022 and June 2023. Participants were divided into two groups: 51 patients with benign lung conditions and 66 with malignant lung tumors. HRQoL was assessed using the SF-36 and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires. Anxiety and depression levels were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Patients were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: Patients with malignant etiologies were older (58.7 vs. 54.2 years) and had lower FEV1% predicted (79.1% vs. 82.5%) compared to the benign group. Malignant patients reported significantly lower scores in physical functioning (68.1 vs. 75.4), role-physical (65.0 vs. 72.3), and general health domains of the SF-36 (62.4 vs. 70.2). WHOQOL-BREF scores indicated a lower overall QoL in the malignant group, particularly in the physical health (65.3 vs. 72.1) and psychological domains (68.0 vs. 74.5). HADS scores revealed higher anxiety (9.1 vs. 7.2) and depression levels (8.5 vs. 6.8) among malignant patients. Correlation analyses showed strong associations between lower QoL scores and higher anxiety and depression levels. Conclusions: Pulmonary resections for malignant conditions are associated with a significant decline in HRQoL compared to benign conditions. Patients with malignant etiologies experience higher levels of anxiety and depression, emphasizing that clinicians should integrate specialized mental health services and tailored physical rehabilitation programs for patients undergoing pulmonary resections for malignant lung conditions to address their significantly reduced quality of life and increased psychological distress.

Quality of life in long-term breast cancer survivors in Sub-Saharan Africa: the African Breast Cancer-Disparities in Outcomes study.

In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), breast cancer survivors' (BCS) quality of life (QoL) remains understudied. We compared QoL in BCS to cancer-free (CF) women across SSA settings with different levels of development, healthcare systems, ethnic compositions, and HIV prevalence. In 2022-2023, all 5 + year BCS from the African Breast Cancer-Disparities in Outcomes study and age-matched CF women from the community setting answered the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire in Namibia, Nigeria, and Uganda. For each WHOQOL-BREF domain and general item, we estimated BCS-CF adjusted mean differences (AMD) in scores in absolute percentage points (p.p.). Overall, 862 women (BCS 357 vs. CF 505) (mean age ± SD, 57.5 ± 12.5 vs. 55.1 ± 11.2; tertiary education, 30% vs. 20%) were included. BCS reported higher/better overall QoL (AMD (95% CI) 10.65 p.p. (7.56, 13.74), i.e., ~ 40% of a change in QoL category), general health (5.84 (2.71, 8.98)), psychological (3.46 (1.43, 5.49)), social relationships (3.94 (1.25, 6.63)), and environment scores (4.27 (1.88, 6.67)) than CF women. There was no BCS-CF difference for physical health in all settings (1.52 (- 0.82, 3.87)), psychological health in Namibian Black women (0.58 (- 2.90, 4.06)), and social relationships in Nigeria (- 0.33 (- 5.81, 5.14)). BCS reported both lower energy and sexual life satisfaction than CF women. In SSA, long-term BCS have slightly better QoL than CF women except for physical health. Areas for which BCS scored lower or similar than CF women may indicate BCS' QoL issues. BCS-only studies using cancer-specific QoL questionnaires are needed to better characterize BCS' QoL in SSA.

Quality of Life of Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Cross-sectional Study from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM), a high-risk group for HIV/AIDS, face various health issues. However, research is scarce on MSM in India, and available studies generally focus on the mental health of HIV-infected MSM rather than their overall health. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the quality of life (QOL) among MSM. Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was done in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, involving 100 MSM individuals. Participants were recruited from a non-governmental organization that works toward the welfare of MSM individuals. Socio-demographic data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, while QOL was measured using the Hindi version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Quantitative variables were summarized using mean and standard deviation, and qualitative variables were summarized using frequency and percentage. The differences between mean QOL scores were analyzed using t-test/analysis of variance, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between domains. Results: Most participants were 21-40 years of age, with a mean age of 34.8 (±8.1) years. Most participants resided in urban areas and identified as Hindu (92%). The scores of WHOQOL-BREF ranged from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better QOL. The mean scores for general QOL and general health among participants were 42 ± 20.4 and 67.5 ± 24.7, respectively. Among the four domains of WHOQOL-BREF, social relationship domain had the highest mean QOL score (72.7 ± 11.5), while the psychological domain exhibited the lowest score (57.2 ± 11.7). The mean scores for the physical and environmental domains were 70.9 ± 8.7 and 59.6 ± 10.7, respectively. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of addressing various health aspects beyond HIV/AIDS in this population to improve their overall well-being and life satisfaction.

Quality of life among physicians in Egypy and its influencing factors: a cross-sectional study

Doctors have an essential role in healthcare service, and their quality of life (QoL) is crucial for their professional satisfaction and overall well-being. This study assessed the QoL among physicians and explored the influencing factors that affect it. This cross-sectional study was carried out using a self-administered Internet survey. The survey was focused on physicians employed at various hospitals and clinics in Egypt. Data on participants' demographics, work-related factors, and QoL were collected using WHOQOL-BREF. WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire measures a participant's perception of their life quality across various domains, including general health, physical well-being, psychological health, social relationships, and the environment. The scores for each domain are calculated based on participants' responses to specific items, with higher scores indicating a better QoL. The QoL scores were 3.57±1.02 for the general health domain, 12.93±2.49 for physical domain, 12.29±2.67 for psychological domain, 12.87±3.20 for social domain, and 11.00±2.58 for environmental domain. The overall QoL score was 3.64±0.835. The findings indicate a moderate QoL among the participating physicians. The physicians' QoL domains were affected by age, sex, education level, marital status, chronic disease, smoking, speciality, working hours per week, extra working hours, and work experience.

Quality of Life Evaluation Before and After Pulmonary Lobe Resection for Benign Diseases: A Comparative Study Among Patients with Tuberculosis, Bronchiectasis, and Benign Lung Nodules.

Pulmonary lobe resection is a common surgical intervention for various benign lung diseases, including tuberculosis (TB), bronchiectasis, and benign lung nodules. While immediate clinical outcomes are well documented, the impact on patients' quality of life (QoL) remains less explored. This study aims to evaluate QoL before and after pulmonary lobe resection over a 6-month period among patients with benign lung diseases. To assess and compare changes in QoL among patients undergoing pulmonary lobe resection for TB, bronchiectasis, and benign lung nodules, and to identify factors influencing QoL outcomes. This prospective study included 84 patients who underwent pulmonary lobe resection for benign lung diseases, divided into three groups: TB (n = 22), bronchiectasis (n = 31), and benign lung nodules (n = 31). QoL was assessed using the SF-36 and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and perceived stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation, with p-values < 0.05 considered significant. At 6 months postoperatively, all groups showed significant improvements in physical and mental QoL scores (p < 0.05). The TB group exhibited the greatest improvement in physical health domains, while the bronchiectasis group showed significant enhancement in social functioning. Anxiety and depression scores decreased significantly in all groups, with the TB group showing the most substantial reduction (p < 0.01). Perceived stress levels also decreased across all groups. Comparisons revealed that the TB group had significantly higher QoL improvement compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Pulmonary lobe resection for benign diseases significantly improves QoL over a 6-month period, particularly in patients with TB. The findings suggest that surgical intervention not only alleviates physical symptoms but also enhances psychological well-being. These results underscore the importance of considering QoL outcomes in the management of benign lung diseases requiring surgical intervention.

REIKI: A TOOL FOR RELIEF FROM DEPRESSION AND IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE IN WOMEN

Objective: to describe the effects of Reiki on the quality of life of women with depressive disorder. Method: descriptive interventional study, of a qualitative nature, with women between 40 and 59 years old and diagnosed with depression. Data were collected between January 2023 and October 2024, and the study was carried out in three stages: sample selection and application of the initial assessment instrument, using the WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire; intervention and final assessment. Qualitative data were evaluated using content analysis as a reference; quantitative data, using descriptive statistics. Results: the categories found were: impact of Reiki on the physical and psychosocial aspects of quality of life with improvement in the average of the psychological domain followed by the environmental domain. Conclusion: Reiki demonstrated a positive effect on quality of life, especially in promoting relaxation and the manifestation of positive feelings, and can be considered as a complementary treatment for depression in women.

The relationship between length of illness and quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer

Introduction: The length of illness often results in changes in the quality of life of colorectal cancer patients in several aspects of life, such as psychological, physiological, and social, especially the initial condition of the patient diagnosed. Due to the high risk of death from colorectal cancer, it is recommended that the timing of diagnosis be important for all colorectal cancer patients. The aim was to determine the relationship between length of illness and quality of life in colorectal cancer patients. Methods: The research method uses a correlational design with a cross-sectional approach. The sampling method is purposive sampling, with a sample size of 72 patients. The research variables are the length of illness and quality of life. The research instrument is the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire.

THE EFFECT OF THE APPLICATION OF GARDENING MODALITY THERAPY ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE OLDER PEOPLE

Background: Humans experience the natural process of aging. The most important stage is in the old or elderly stage, where a person naturally experiences changes and decreases in conditions from physical, social, psychosocial. One way to optimize the cognitive function of the elderly is to use modality therapy. One type of modality therapy is gardening, gardening activities can provide opportunities for the elderly to do physical activity, release physical energy and emphasize physical movements. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the effect of the application of gardening modality therapy on the quality of life of the older people in Puskesmas Tajinan Malang Regency. Methods: The design used quasi-experimental with one group pre-posttest design. The population in this study were all old people who participated in prolanis activities and were aged &gt; 50 years totaling 30 people. This research was conducted for one month. Measurement of the quality of life of the elderly used the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, while for the measurement of gardening therapy used an observation sheet. Data analysis was carried out using the statistical test used was the Wilcoxon Test with α 0.05. Results: The results of bivariate analysis using the Wilcoxon test show that the P value is 0.317 &gt; 0.05, which means that there is no significant effect of providing gardening modality therapy 2 times per week on the quality of life of the older people, while the provision of gardening modality therapy 3 times per week on the quality of life of the older people the results of bivariate analysis using the Wilcoxon test show that the P value is 0.0001 &lt; 0.05, which means there is a significant effect. Conclusion: The effect of gardening therapy on the quality of life of the elderly can be used as an alternative to improve the quality of life of the elderly, because gardening can make the elderly more productive, the elderly can also be a stimulation for the elderly to socialize and do physical activity.

Assessment of Quality of Life and Determinants Among the Elderly Population in Rural Areas of Puducherry: A Mixed Method Study

Background: Elderly people living in rural areas often faces unique challenges that affect their quality of life (QOL), including limited access to healthcare and social support. Understanding the factors influencing their well-being is essential to improve the quality of life. The study aims to assess the QOL and its determinants among the elderly in rural areas of Puducherry. Methods: A community based sequential explanatory mixed method study was conducted among the elderly residing in the rural field practice area of a medical college in Puducherry district. 200 participants were recruited by simple random sampling from the family health records in the Rural Health Training Centre of a medical college. WHO QOL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess the Quality of Life quantitatively and an interview guide to explore its determinants. Data were entered in MS excel and analyzed using SPSS v16.0. Results: The mean age of the participants was 68.8± 2.5 years with majority being females. The environmental domain scored the highest mean QOL and psychological domain the lowest mean QOL. The overall mean QOL was 234.8 ± 65.4. The main determinants of poor QOL are age ≥ 75 years, lower socio-economic class, those who are widow/separated and presence of comorbid conditions. The binary logistic regression predicts the factor for poor QOL was age ≥ 75 years with OR (95% CI) as 6.23 (2.44-15.91). Conclusion: The overall mean QOL was moderate. The factors identified for poor QOL need to be addressed with key intervention strategies. Quality affordable medical services at door step to improve physical domain and targeted health education for family members and the community, who form the immediate environment around the elderly, can play a crucial role in enhancing the social domain.

Aging Well? Exploring Self-Reported Quality of Life in the Older Austrian Population Based on Repeated Cross-Sectional Data

ABSTRACT Increase in life expectancy around the world puts aging societies with all their challenges on the Global Public Health agenda. In Austria, additional years of life gained are not spent in good health, as healthy life expectancy is far below the European average. Using repeated cross-sectional data from three waves of the Austrian Health Interview Survey (2006, 2014 and 2019), including a total of 10,056 participants aged 65 years and above, this study examined the change in self-reported quality-of-life (QoL) over time and explored associated factors. QoL, estimated by domain scores of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, increased over time but decreased with age in all survey waves. Observed mean scores were significantly higher in males than in females in all QoL domains except the social domain but sex differences disappeared in most domains in the multivariable regression analyses. Instead, factors associated with significantly higher QoL scores included younger age, higher socioeconomic status, living in Western Austria and having no chronic conditions. Statistically significant observed sex differences in QoL in the older-aged Austrian population disappeared when adjusting for income and education. Strategies and measures to increase financial capabilities may have a significant impact on QoL and well-being in this age group.