Quality of Life and Its Associated Factors: A Comparative Study among Rural and Urban Elderly Population of North India

Abstract

Introduction: Quality of life (QOL) is an important area of concern among elderly which reflects the health status and well-being of this vulnerable group of population. The present study was con- ducted with an objective of assessment of QOL and its associated factors among rural and urban elderly population. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 390 elderly subjects residing in rural and urban areas of Jammu. Brief version of the WHO QOL scale (WHOQOL- BREF) was used to assess the Quality of Life. Analysis of results was done using Independent sample t- test and multiple linear re- gression analysis. Results: A sample of 200 rural and 190 urban elderly subjects was analysed. Overall mean score for different domains of QOL was 59.19± 11.87 with a significantly higher score for urban subjects, indicating a better QOL as compared to their rural counterparts (p<0.05). Presence of one or other forms of chronic morbidity was a significant determinant of QOL. Conclusions: Morbidity status and residence emerged to be signif- icant predictors of QOL. Policy makers should evaluate the im- plementation of successful programmes for the elderly, especially in rural parts of our country so as to improve their QOL.

Keywords

• Quality of Life (QOL)
• Elderly
• WHOQOL-BREF
• North-India