Quality of life among the geriatric population in a rural area of Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: Ageing is an inevitable developmental phenomenon bringing along a number of changes in the physical, psychological, hormonal and the social conditions. These changes are expected to affect the quality of life of the elderly.
\nMethods: In the rural area, cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among elderly population aged 60 years and above. WHO Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL BREF) questionnaire was used to assess quality of life.
\nResults: Among the study population, the mean perceived overall quality of life scores were 62.1±16.4 and the mean perceived overall health status scores were 59.8±17.4. Males were found to have better social relations compared to females. Among <70 years better physical domain scores were seen compared to ≥70 years. Among the literates and currently married elderly, all the domain scores were higher compared to illiterates and those without partners respectively.
\nConclusion: All the domains of quality of life were significantly affected for those who were illiterate or were single. Males were found to have better social relations compared to females. Such perceived quality of life study helps to highlight the inequalities among the elderly, which can be targeted to improve the quality of life.