Quality of life and its associated factors among older persons in Malaysia

Abstract

Aim Quality of life (QoL) among the older persons provides valuable insights into the potential modifiable risk factors that affect well‐being in later life. This study aimed to describe the QoL and psychosocial factors of QoL of older persons in Malaysia. Methods We used the 19‐item Control, Autonomy, Self‐realization and Pleasure scale, a validated instrument that measures psychological well‐being related to QoL in older persons. Scores range from 0 to 57, and higher scores indicate better QoL. We included several factors as covariates. Analysis of complex samples was carried out using Stata 15. Descriptive analysis was carried out to determine QoL by sociodemographic characteristics and other factors. Linear regression analysis was used to identify psychosocial factors that influence QoL. Results A total of 3444 individuals aged ≥60 years completed all 19‐item Control, Autonomy, Self‐realization and Pleasure items. The estimated mean QoL score was 47.01 (95% CI 46.30–47.72). Adjusted for confounders, QoL was lower among individuals with no formal education (−2.554, 95% CI −3.684, −1.424), probable depression (−1.042, 95% CI −1.212, −0.871) and food insecurity (−0.815, 95% CI −1.083, −0.548). QoL continued to improve with improved ADL score (0.302, 95% CI 0.052, 0.552), IADL score (0.646, 95% CI 0.382, 0.909) and better social support (0.308, 95% CI 0.187, 0.429). Conclusions Lower education, depression, food insecurity, presence of limited functional status and poor social support negatively influenced QoL in older Malaysians. This study identified potentially modifiable factors that could be targeted for interventions to enhance QoL of older persons in Malaysia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 92–97.

Multivariate analysis of independent determinants of ADL/IADL and quality of life in the elderly

“…In addition, the following variables are predominantly perceived as risk factors concerning both disability and QOL: being single/unmarried and living without a partner [71,[76][77][78], facing constraints regarding socioeconomical status [27,[79][80][81], as well as social participation and support [20,[82][83][84], malnutrition and under-or overweight [70,85,86], limited physical activity [68,87,88], comorbidities [68,87,89,90] and a low self-rated health status [49,91,92]. Moreover, disability serves as a risk factor for QOL, while a reduced QOL also poses a threat to independent functioning [31,45,68,93].…”

The Effect of Depressive and Insomnia Symptoms in Quality of Life among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

“…In addition, their functionality is burdened, thus having direct serious effects on their psychological, social, and financial situation. The consequence of all these is a decrease in their self-esteem and self-confidence, feeling as though they are not meeting their social role and social obligations, and ultimately not feeling that they are a “useful” member of society [ 5 ]. Organic changes, physical changes, loneliness, and reduced sexual function may be the reasons for their emotional disturbances.…”

The Quality of Life of Older Adults in a Multiethnic Metropolitan: An Analysis of CASP-19

“…Data from these surveys yielded a sizable literature on CASP (Bowling & Stenner, 2011; Chen & Chen, 2017; Grant & Bowling, 2011; Higgs et al, 2003; Khan & Tahir, 2014; Sexton et al, 2013; Sim et al, 2011; Wiggins et al, 2008; Wu et al, 2013). While most CASP studies were conducted in Europe, such studies have also been done in several Asian countries (Abdul Mutalip et al, 2020; Amit & Litwin, 2010; Damri & Litwin, 2016; Ganapathy et al, 2020; Heravi-Karimooi et al, 2018; Y.-J. Kim & Kang, 2020; Lane et al, 2020; Levin, 2013; Litwin et al, 2017; Nalathamby et al, 2017; Ramli et al, 2020; Wu et al, 2013, 2015).…”

“…However, a study conducted in neighboring Singapore found no significant ethnic differentials in QoL (Lane et al, 2020). Apart from socioeconomic variables and perceived health status, Abdul Mutalip et al (2020) found that activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are also significant predictors of the QoL of older adults in Malaysia.…”