Objective: To identify predictors of change in Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among community dwelling Chinese older people with depression.
Methods: A community based prospective, longitudinal study was conducted in a regional psychiatric outpatient department. A convenience sample of 31 older people who were newly diagnosed with depression was recruited. Assessments were conducted at the first session of psychiatric consultation and again after 12 months. Measures included subjective perception of HRQoL, level of depression, number of medical conditions, activities of daily living, functional abilities, and social support.
Results: The majority of participants had significant improvement in their HRQoL, level of depression, and general health conditions at 12-month follow-up. The ability of instrumental activity of daily living skills was a predictor of baseline HRQoL and changes in 12-month follow-up. Level of depression was also a predictor of changes in HRQoL over the 12-months period.
Conclusions: Treatment and interventions of depression were effective in improvement participants' mental condition and their perceived HRQoL. Interventions to promote older people's level of depression and their instrumental activity of daily living abilities could help to improve their perceived HRQoL. This study provides insight for healthcare professionals in planning innovative services to meet their health needs.
(c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.