Measuring the quality of life of long-term care service users in Japan: a cross-sectional questionnaire study

Abstract

Background In Japan’s super-aging society, the number of long-term care service providers is increasing, and the quality of care is a matter of concern. One aspect of the quality of care is the user’s quality of life. The questionnaires EQ-5D and WHO-5 are representative indicators of quality of life. Herein, we aimed to measure the quality of life in long-term care service users in Japan and to clarify the relationship between quality of life and the level of care required. Methods A questionnaire study was conducted in 106 facilities of 22 corporations. In addition to the EQ-5D and WHO-5, sex, age, and the level of care required were assessed by descriptive statistics. Bonferroni’s multiple comparison test was used to analyze each quality of life score, and the differences by sex and age were analyzed multiple regression analyses, with each quality of life score as the objective variable. Results Of 4647 cases collected, 2830 were analyzed, with no missing data. Both indicators tended to be lower than the general older population. Those scores tended to be higher in females than males (EQ-5D: males, 0.58 ± 0.26; females, 0.60 ± 0.24; P = 0.06 and WHO-5: males, 13.8 ± 5.92; females 14.9 ± 5.70; P < 0.001). In terms of age, those under 65 years old with specific diseases had lower EQ-5D scores than those in other age groups (P < 0.001); however, WHO-5 scores did not differ by age. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant association between the EQ-5D score and level of care required, except for support-required level 1, which tended to worsen as the level of care required increased. Conversely, the WHO-5 score was significantly lower for care need levels 2, 4, and 5. Conclusions The quality of life of long-term care service users was worse than that of the general older population, it tended to be low among males and those under 65 years old with specific diseases. Furthermore, it gradually decreased as the level of care required increased. It is important to monitor users’ quality of life as a quality indicator of care, to improve and manage it.

Exploring differences and similarities of EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-5L and WHOQOL-OLD in recipients of aged care services in Germany

“…With regard to sensitivity to known-group differences we found that both EQ-5D indices and EQ VAS discriminate well between different needs of care, i.e. care levels, which is in line with findings from Hara and colleagues [ 38 ] for the Japanese version of the 5L. Similarly, we observed satisfactory ability to differentiate different levels of general health status, which was also confirmed based on the 3L index for older adults in the literature [ 39 , 40 ].…”

Quality of Life of Residents in Seniors’ Homes in Poland and Germany

“…Therefore, having caregivers in close proximity seems to be one of the benefits of being in the nursing home [22]. Hara et al (2022) researched the quality of life among Japan residents of nursing homes and found out that it was definitely worse than that of the general older population. Moreover, it tended to be especially low among males and those suffering specific diseases being under 65 years old.…”

“…It also gradually decreased with the increasing level of dependency (care required for everyday existence). The scholars indicated that the measurement of the quality of life of nursing homes' residents is essential for taking steps to improve and manage it [23].…”