Determinants of Quality of Life of Elderly Patients Attending a General Practice Clinic in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background

Aging is associated with change in health status and decreasing functional capacity affecting the general well-being of individuals with increase in the prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) and its determinants in elderly patients attending a general practice clinic in Southwest Nigeria.

Method

Descriptive cross-sectional study of consenting elderly patients completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire on QoL and its determinants. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis. Logistic regression was done to identify predictors of QoL.

Results

A total of 216 older adults were interviewed. Only 25% had good QoL with majority having multiple morbidities which was associated with poorer QoL. Predictors of QoL were family support (odds ratio = 0.249, 95% confidence interval [0.079, 0.850], p = .026) and socioeconomic class (odds ratio = 3.66, 95% confidence interval [1.47, 7.87], p = .004) of the respondents.

Conclusion

QoL was found to be poor among the study population and worst in those with multiple morbidities. There is a need for policy direction to advocate for preventive strategies for risk of chronic diseases as well as provide better access to primary care through National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Keywords

elderly quality of life multiple morbidities family support

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