Factors associated with quality of life of Brazilian older adults.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to explore factors associated with quality of life (QoL) of Brazilian community-dwelling older adults.


METHODS
This was a descriptive exploratory cross-sectional study. Data were collected through a household survey. A random sample of 288 older adults from Porto Alegre, Brazil participated in the study. A demographic and health data sheet, the OARS activities of daily living (ADL) scale and the WHOQOL-BREF were administered.


CONCLUSIONS
The mean age of participants was 71.2 years (SD = 7.5) and 67.4% were female. Using multiple linear regression analysis, with overall QoL as the dependent variable, perceived health status, education level, engagement in physical activity, medical conditions, age group and use of primary health care were significant associated factors. With physical QoL as the dependent variable, significant factors included: perceived health status, medical conditions, education, physical activities and dependence in ADL; with social QoL as the dependent variable, only age group and paid work were significant. In relation to environmental QoL, education and perceived health were significant factors.


CONCLUSIONS
The results illustrate the complexity of factors influencing QoL. With a better understanding of these factors, it is possible to plan appropriate health interventions.
Paskulin
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School of Nursing, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. paskulin@orion.ufrgs.br
Vianna
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Molzahn
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AE
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003906:Developing Countries; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012919:Social Behavior; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014504:Urban Health