Background and aims: World’s older population is growing, and attention is being directed to the improvement of their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This article was conducted to investigate the HRQoL and associated factors in rural elderly residents in west of Iran. Methods: By using the multistage sampling method, 346 elders from rural areas of Shahindezh were enrolled in this population-based, cross-sectional study conducted in 2014. To assess the HRQoL of the elderly people, the Leiden-Padua (LEIPAD) questionnaire was used. The economic status was classified into 3 categories (good, moderate, and low) using the principal component analysis. Descriptive statistics, independent t test, ANOVA, and Spearman correlation coefficient were used to analyze data. Multivariate linear regression was performed to determine predictive factors. Results: The mean values and confidence intervals of total core scale and total moderator scale were 38.6 (36.7-40.6) and 31.2 (29.6-32.6), respectively. Univariate analysis showed age, marital status, economic status, occupation, income source, and ethnicity were associated with HRQoL (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed the married, the illiterate, widows/widowers and the divorced, people with low economic status, and the self-employed had low HRQoL with respect to total scale and total core scale models (P<0.05). Conclusion: HRQoL varies according to socioeconomic factors. Its determinants should be addressed in social and health policies designed to improve the health of older people, especially the most vulnerable groups.
The health-related quality of life burden of co-morbid cardiovascular disease and major depressive disorder in Australia: findings from a population-based, cross-sectional study
