Abstract
Purpose
According to the World Health Organization, quality of life (QOL) includes physical and mental health, emotional well-being,
and social functioning. Using an adaptation of Andersen’s behavioral model, we examined the associations between the three
dimensions of QOL and needs and health behaviors in a nationally representative sample of adults 65 years and older.
and social functioning. Using an adaptation of Andersen’s behavioral model, we examined the associations between the three
dimensions of QOL and needs and health behaviors in a nationally representative sample of adults 65 years and older.
Methods
A representative sample from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was used. NHANES over-samples
persons 60 years and older, African Americans, and Hispanics. Frequencies and distribution patterns were assessed, followed
by bivariate and multiple regression analyses.
persons 60 years and older, African Americans, and Hispanics. Frequencies and distribution patterns were assessed, followed
by bivariate and multiple regression analyses.
Results
These older adults reported high levels of QOL. However, associations between needs and health behaviors and QOL varied across
dimensions. Activities of daily living (ADL) were associated with all three dimensions. Depression was associated with two
dimensions and memory problems with one dimension. Physical activity was linked to social functioning, and health care utilization
was linked to emotional well-being.
dimensions. Activities of daily living (ADL) were associated with all three dimensions. Depression was associated with two
dimensions and memory problems with one dimension. Physical activity was linked to social functioning, and health care utilization
was linked to emotional well-being.
Conclusions
The differences in associations with different dimensions of QOL confirm that this is a multidimensional concept. Since depression,
memory problems, and ADL function were all associated with some dimension of QOL, future interventions to improve QOL in older
adults should include screening and treatment for these problems.
memory problems, and ADL function were all associated with some dimension of QOL, future interventions to improve QOL in older
adults should include screening and treatment for these problems.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s11136-011-9954-z
- Authors
- Marianne Baernholdt, School of Nursing and Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Ivora Hinton, School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Guofen Yan, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Karen Rose, School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Meghan Mattos, School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Journal Quality of Life Research
- Online ISSN 1573-2649
- Print ISSN 0962-9343