Ethnicity does not account for differences in the health-related quality of life of Turkish, Moroccan, and Moluccan elderly in the Netherlands

Abstract

BackgroundData on how different groups of elderly immigrants perceive health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is scarce and research on the influence of ethnicity on HRQOL across ethnic groups is missing. Measuring HRQOL may help to detect cross-cultural differences and to decide whether ethnic-specific health and prevention programmes are required to improve HRQOL. We investigated differences in HRQOL among three elderly immigrant populations with a special focus on the contribution of ethnicity, in addition to other well-known determinants, to HRQOL.MethodsData were collected between October 2011 and July 2012 as part of the project entitled "Stem van de oudere migrant", a quasi-experimental study in the Netherlands focussing on health of immigrant elderly. A survey was conducted among 201 elderly (aged 55 years and older) Moroccans (98), Turks (69), and Moluccans (34). HRQOL was assessed using the SF-12, measuring physical and mental health composite scores (PCS resp. MCS). Chi-square tests and ANOVAs were performed for group comparison. Hierarchical multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine whether ethnicity uniquely contributed to the observed variance in HRQOL when multimorbidity, loneliness, socio-demographics, and acculturation were taken into account.ResultsMoroccans had the lowest scores on PCS (34.3 ± 31.4) and MCS (42.1 ± 27.0), followed by Turks (45.7 ± 27.0 for PCS and 54.7 ± 22.2 for MCS), and Moluccans (71.7 ± 21.2 for PCS and 74.4 ± 22.1 for MCS). Ethnicity was not independently associated with PCS and MCS scores, in contrast to loneliness (PCS β -0.461, p < 0.001 and MCS β -0.435, p < 0.001) and multimorbidity (PCS β -0.380, p < 0.001 and MCS β -0.398, p < 0.001). Gender was independently associated with PCS (β 0.148, p = 0.026) and attachment to Dutch culture with MCS (β 0.144, p = 0.029).ConclusionsThe lower level of HRQOL reported by elderly immigrant populations was affected by multimorbidity and loneliness but not ethnicity. Similar to native elders, interventions aiming at improving HRQOL for immigrant elderly should focus on loneliness and (mental and physical) disease. Finally, health literacy deserves attention to maintain health.Trial registrationISRCTN89447795

Measuring the effects of socioeconomic factors on mental health among migrants in urban China: a multiple indicators multiple causes model

“…In addition, ethnicity was an important predictor of mental health care use in young children [73]. With regards to the effect of ethnicity on mental health, the current results were not in line with the findings from other studies which ethnicity could not efficiently predict adult mental health [74] and accounted for differences in the health-related quality of life of international migrants [75]. The findings were consistent with the view that ethnicity itself was not related to disparities in mental health [76].…”

Involving hard-to-reach ethnic minorities in low-budget health research: lessons from a health survey among Moluccans in the Netherlands

“…The overall response rate of 24 % was disappointingly low [ 36 ]. This response rate is lower than the reported response rates achieved in studies among other minority groups in the Netherlands and which are generally above 40 % [ 37 – 40 ].…”

Psychometric properties of the Dutch WHOQOL-OLD

“…We used the total score for each subscale, which ranges from 5 to 25 with higher scores indicating greater loneliness. Loneliness is a well-known determinant of quality of life [ 28 – 30 ].…”

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