The Relationship of Health Determinants on Elderly Quality of Life

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess factors related to quality of life in Thai elderly. Data was collected by quality assessment form which was modified from the standard form the standard form of WHO (1992).The ageing people were randomly selected from 3 amphur of Chiangmai province, Northern part of Thailand. The questionnaires consisted of 3 domain: physical health including oral health, social activities, relaxation and recreation. There were 231 elderly completed the assessment form. The mean age was 72.4 years old. Sex, marital status, level of education, income, house ownership and member of any social group are not showed statistical significant to quality of life. Subjective health status, ability to sleep and self valuing showed statistical significant to the quality of life of the samples. (p=0.001). Oral health status such as chewing ability, smiling and social communication also revealed strong statistical significance to quality of life of the elderly at p= 0.000 and 0.004 respectively. Although this study showed that the elderly was at least one systemic disease but there was not any effect to the quality of life. The multiple regression was performed to reveal strength of factors association. Result showed that perception of health status, enough income, ability to sleep, chewing ability, smiling and health promotion activities were significant factors contributed to the quality of life.(Adjusted R² = 0.365, p = 0.000)