Quality of life of older adults in Family Health Strategy: a cross-sectional study

Sao Paulo Med J. 2023 Jul 17;142(1):e2022445. doi: 10.1590/1516-3180.2022.0445.R1.24042023. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Background: With the increase in the older adult population, it is essential to identify the living and health conditions that can impact the quality of life of these individuals.

Objectives: To identify the domains and factors associated with the quality of life of older adults under the Family Health Strategy program.

Design and setting: This was a cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the municipality of Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil.

Methods: We assessed 449 older adults enrolled in the Family Health Strategy program. Data were collected between April and July, 2018. World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-OLD) was used to assess the quality of life (QoL) and multiple linear regression was used to estimate the factors associated with QoL.

Results: The QoL domain with the highest score was death and dying (mean = 70.4), and the lowest score was for sensory functions (mean = 61.0 points). The factors associated with QoL were single marital status (β = -4.55; P = 0.014), level of independence for daily living activities (β = 4.92; P < 0.001), self-assessment of regular health (β = 5.35; P < 0.001), and poor health (β = -8.67; P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The death and dying domain of QoL presented the highest score. Marital status, impairment in daily activities, and health self-assessment were associated with QoL.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Family Health*
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Quality of Life*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires