Abstract:
The populations of older adults are fast increasing. As such, maintaining and improving quality of life in the presence of increased chronic diseases among older adults has become important. Physical health related quality of life is a clinically relevant predictor of adverse health outcome among older adults with chronic diseases. The purpose of the study was to assess the population characteristics and the physical health-related quality of life of community dwelling older adults. A total of 500 community dwelling adults from 6 districts were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional study. The health-related quality of life was assessed using the Medical Outcome Study (MOS) 36 item short form health survey (SF-36). Data were analyzed using Stata version 14.0. The findings revealed that majority of the older adults were aged between 60 to 64 years, were females (58%) and had attained middle school certificate (MLSC) and were living with their families. Most of the older persons were covered by some form of health insurance with most insured with the NHIS. More than half of the respondents had chronic illnesses (53.5%) and perceived their present health status as good (56.7%). The mean physical component score (PCS) for the population surveyed was poor (43.75±21.81). As age increased, lower mean PCS were observed. Men had higher mean PCS scores than females (48.04± 21.27 versus 40.54± 21.71). Predictors of the physical component of health-related quality of life were education (AOR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04-0.92), employment status (AOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.85), benefit from government (AOR 3.84, 95% CI 1.72-8.57), monthly income (AOR 4.16 95% CI 1.14-15.22) and diagnosed with chronic illness (AOR 3.51, 95% CI 1.77-6.95). Thus, the physical health-related quality of life among community dwelling older adults was poor. Physical health interventions aimed at improving the physical health related quality of life of older adult is recommended. This will significantly promote healthy ageing among older adults and improve their quality of life