Quality of Life and Its Associated Factors Using WHOQOL- BREF Among Elderly in Urban Puducherry, India

BACKGROUND: Quality of Life (QOL) among elderly is a neglected issue especially in developing countries including India. AIM: To assess the QOL and its associated factors among elderly population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 elderly subjects in urban Puducherry, India. Data on QOL was assessed by World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) by Katz ADL scale. Socio-demographic factors and chronic morbid conditions were recorded by using structured questionnaire. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Independent sample test and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Majority (64%, 192) were in the (60-69) years' age-group. Overall mean Standard Deviation (SD) score of QOL was 49.74 (10.21). QOL was significantly low among those with no schooling, nuclear family, not receiving pension, not with partner, having musculoskeletal disorder, low vision and impaired ADL groups in univariate analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that older age (p=0.014), no schooling (p=0.004), without spouse (p=<0.001), nuclear family (p=0.039), musculoskeletal disorder (p=<0.001), low vision (p=0.049) and hearing impairment (0.001) were associated with low QOL score. CONCLUSION: QOL score among elderly is average, while social relationship domain of QOL score was found to be low. Health education with regard to activity and environmental changes and increase in social relationship may help in improving the QOL among the elderly population.