Social factors of health-related quality of life in older adults: a multivariable analysis

Abstract

Purpose The objective of the analysis was to examine the relationships between sociodemographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and behavioural factors and both physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older adults. Methods The analysis was based on recent cross-sectional data of 1687 community residents from a whole population postal survey of German adults aged 65 years and older (33% response rate, 52% female, mean age 76 years). HRQOL was assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36v2). For a differentiated analysis, hierarchical multiple linear regressions were performed. Results An internal health locus of control, physical activity, social support, and income were positively associated with physical HRQOL (Adj. R2 = 0.34; p < 0.001) and mental HRQOL (Adj. R2 = 0.18; p < 0.001), whereas an external health locus of control and age were negatively associated with both. Alcohol use and educational level were positively associated only with physical HRQOL, whilst female gender was negatively associated only with mental HRQOL. Conclusion Sociodemographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and behavioural factors were associated with physical and mental HRQOL. These results highlight the importance of social factors in HRQOL and provide approaches for policy and practice to develop and implement tailored health interventions for older adults. Our findings may be transferable to municipalities in metropolitan areas of high-income European countries. Clinical trial registration: Not applicable.

Association between Quality of Life, Confinement, and Sex in Adults: A Multigroup Structural Equation Analysis

“…Family and friends obtained similar values in the four proposed groups, reaching the highest values in the group of non-confined people. We suggest that this is caused by the importance given by human beings to family and social relationships [11,52,53].…”

“…Social support has a great influence on healthy habits and quality of life [51][52][53]. Family and friends have also been related to and studied with quality of life levels, showing positive associations .…”

“…Nutrition and alcohol and drug consumption also seem to influence the lifestyle and quality of life of adults, with better nutrition [58,59] and lower alcohol and drug consumption being associated with better overall well-being [6,52,60].…”

Palliative Care in the Ageing European Population: A Cross-Country Comparison

“…Over the past decade, multiple definitions have emerged in attempts to delineate the concept of quality of life [16]. Furthermore, several sociodemographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and behavioural factors have been associated with the quality of life of older adults [17][18][19].…”