scholarly journals Effects of Social Networks on the Quality of Life in an Elder and Middle-Aged Deaf Community Sample

2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Gerich ◽  
J. Fellinger
2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1900-1900
Author(s):  
J. Fellinger

IntroductionHigh risks of mental illness within the deaf community are reported. The assessment of the level of mental distress and quality of life in the deaf community is difficult due to communication problems in spoken and written language. The deaf community is characterized by the use of sign language.ObjectiveThis study aims to compare levels of psychological distress and the quality of life with levels reported by the signing deaf people and the hearing population.MethodsA measure of acceptable reliability using sign language is described. The interactive computerised package including special versions of the WHOQOL-BREF, the GHQ-12 and five subscales of the BSI was administered to a large community sample of deaf people (n = 236), and results were compared with normative data for German speaking hearing people.ResultsThe deaf sample has a significantly poorer quality of life than the general population for the physical and psychological domains (p < 0,01) as measured by the WHOQOL-BREF. However, in the domain of social relationships no significant difference (p = 0,19) was demonstrated. All findings with the GHQ-12 and the BSI show much higher levels (p = 0,01) of emotional distress among the deaf.ConclusionAlthough a poorer quality of life and a higher level of mental distress is demonstrated the similarity to the general population in the domain social relationships shows that this does not affect all domains. These findings show the need for easily accessible health services for the deaf which offer sensitive communication with them.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 240
Author(s):  
MiJung Eum ◽  
HyungSeon Kim

With the increase in the aging population worldwide, social interest in having a vibrant and valuable old age has been increasing with changes in the perspectives on old age. This study aimed to determine the relationship between active aging and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in middle-aged and older Korean using national data. The subjects were 14,117 adults aged ≥55 years. HRQOL was evaluated using the EuroQol–5 Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire, and active aging was defined based on the health factors, participation factors, and security factors. The average EQ-5D score was 91.04 ± 0.143. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis sequentially inputting the health, participation, and security factors showed that health factors had the strongest influence on HRQOL (F = 216.656, p < 0.001). In the final model, which included all variables, activity limit (B = −10.477, p < 0.001) and subjective health status (B = −7.282, p < 0.001) were closely related to the HRQOL. In addition, economic activity, income level, home ownership, private health insurance, and unmet healthcare needs were associated with HRQOL. The R2 of the model was 38.2%. To improve the HRQOL of middle-aged and older people, it is necessary to consider active aging factors. Furthermore, follow-up studies using various indicators reflecting active aging should be conducted.


2021 ◽  
pp. 014572172199628
Author(s):  
Jennifer A. Campbell ◽  
Alice Yan ◽  
Renee E. Walker ◽  
Lance Weinhardt ◽  
Yang Wang ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the association of individual, community, and health system factors on quality of life among inner-city African Americans with type 2 diabetes. Methods Primary data from a cross-sectional study with a community sample of 241 inner-city African Americans with type 2 diabetes were analyzed. Paper-based surveys were administered in which the SF-12 was used to capture the physical component (PCS) and mental component (MCS) of quality of life. Four regression approaches (sequential, stepwise with backward and forward selection, and all possible subsets regression) were used to examine the influence of individual, community, and health system factors on PCS and MCS after adjusting for relevant covariates using a conceptual framework. Results In fully adjusted models, having less than a high school education and having major depression were associated with lower quality-of-life scores for MCS across all 4 regression approaches. Being employed was positively associated with better quality-of-life scores for PCS across all 4 regression approaches. PCS was higher across all 4 regression approaches for those reporting a history of trauma. At the health systems level, usual source of care was associated with better PCS across 3 regression approaches. Conclusions These results highlight key factors that influence quality of life among inner-city African Americans with type 2 diabetes that could be targets for interventions in this population. However, additional research is needed to understand existing pathways that may be driving many of these relationships.


2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 1935-1944 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saku Väätäinen ◽  
Sirkka Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi ◽  
Jouko Saramies ◽  
Hannu Uusitalo ◽  
Jaakko Tuomilehto ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Gasiorek ◽  
John P. Barile

The association between how middle-aged and older adults talk about aging and their quality of life was examined using latent profile analysis and regression techniques. Two-hundred eight-six adults with an average age of 52.82 (range: 45–77) completed an online questionnaire, which assessed participants’ self-reported communication about aging, stress, health-related quality of life, and satisfaction with life. Controlling for social support and demographics, participants’ profile of communication about aging was found to predict satisfaction with life, stress, and mental health but not general or physical health.


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