The relationship between psychological factors and quality of life in elderly population of Van, eastern Turkey.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate psychological factors and quality of life in the elderly population. Methods: The cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the outpatient clinics of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Van Training and Research Hospital, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey, from 01.01.2010 to 01.03.2010, and comprised the elderly aged 65 years or more. Demographic data of the individuals was recorded All subjects were evaluated using the Geriatric Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue and World Health Organisation Quality of Life-Old Module. SPSS 16 was used for data analysis. Results: Of the 119 elderly subjects, 56(47%) were females and 63(53%) were males. The overall mean age was 72.81 }7.07 years. Depression was found in 43(36.3%) subjects, and anxiety in 47(39.5%). The mean Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue score was 26.57 }10.45 and the mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was 8.59 }3.31. The sensory ability domain had the highest quality of life score 62.18 }27.35, followed by intimacy 60.77 }25.52, while the social participation domain had the lowest score 45.89 }22.03. Conclusion: Detecting and treating disabilities among the elderly is critical in improving their quality of life.