Health-related quality of life in an elderly population in Iran: A population-based study - Payesh (Health Monitor)
Volume 4, Issue 2 (APRIL 2005)                   Payesh 2005, 4(2): 113-120 | Back to browse issues page

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Abstract:   (9236 Views)
Objectives: To investigate health-related quality of life among an elderly population in Tehran, Iran and to study its relationship to co-morbidity and demographic variables.
Methods: Using a stratified multi-stage cluster sampling method, a sample of people aged 60 years old and over was studied. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the Iranian version of the short form health survey questionnaire (SF-36). Data on co-morbidity were collected for both short-term and chronic diseases. The latter included hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, cancers, neurological disorders, respiratory diseases and low back pain. Results: In all, 396 individuals were interviewed. The mean age was 67.9 (SD=±9.6) years, most were married (80%) and the mean duration of their formal education was 5.3 years. The results showed significant gender differences in all quality of life dimensions and for both short-term and long-standing diseases (P values ranging from 0.008 to <0.001). Also, it was found that demographic variables including age, employment status, marital status and educational level were significantly associated with most quality of life dimensions.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that health-related quality of life in elderly people is highly dependent on both co-morbidity and demographic variables. Indeed, establishing effective geriatric health services for this vulnerable age group is essential.
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type of study: Descriptive |
Accepted: 2018/11/28 | Published: 2005/04/15

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