Quality of Life Among Geriatric Population in an Urban Area of Tripura, India

Abstract

Introduction: With the increase in proportion of geriatric population, assessment of their Quality of Life (QOL) is also a major concern in developing countries like India. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess different domains of QOL and associated sociodemographic factors among geriatric population. Materials and Methods: The present community based crosssectional study was conducted among geriatric population residing in Dukli municipal area of Agartala, Tripura, India for a period of two months (August 2016-September 2016). The study was conducted among 76 randomly selected individuals (19 individuals from each of four different para) from Dukli area, using Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) technique. Data were collected using predesigned, structured WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire format after meaningful translation into local language (Bengali) and analysed using computer software SPSS version 20.0. Results: The mean QOL scores were maximum in Social Relationship domain (60.03±11.73), followed by Environment domain (55.30±8.88). Majority of the study participants were found to have poor QOL in all four domains [50 (65.8%) in Physical Health domain, 43 (56.6%) in Psychological, 44 (57.9%) in Social Relationship and 56 (73.7%) in Environment domain]. Significant difference was found in Psychological domain score among different socioeconomic class (p-value=0.019) and marital status (p-value=0.004). Again Environment domain of QOL was found better in lower socioeconomic class (p-value<0.05). Conclusion: Overall poor QOL was reflected among the urban geriatric population in this study and improvement in personal relationships, social support etc., for the elderly females were found to be important to improve their QOL. Economic stability by means of various self-help groups and self-employment schemes for the elderly by government is of utmost importance especially for the lower class population in urban areas to improve their QOL.

Keywords

• domains
• environment
• psychological
• social relationships