Assessment of quality of life in dependent elderly living at home - DOI: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v8i3.9016

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the quality of life of dependent elderly persons living at home. This is an analytical study with a cross-sectional design. The sample was composed of 117 dependent elderly individuals enrolled in the Family Health Units of Jequiezinho, Bahia. The instruments used were Questionnaire assessment of the Quality of Life of the World Health Organization (WHOQOL-OLD) and Barthel`s Index; sociodemographic and health data were also collected. The mean age was 80.79 (± 9.77) years, with a predominance of women (70.09%), illiterates (63.25%), widows (46.15%) and family income between 1 and 3 minimum monthly wages (US$245.00-$735.00) (53.80%). Health problems were present in 93.16% of the elderly, the most frequent pathology being arterial hypertension (23.10%). Quality of life was most compromised in the social participation (32.03 points) and sensory functioning (40.76 points) domains. Thus, it is scientifically and socially important to assess the quality of life of the elderly in order to create intervention alternatives and propose health-related actions and policies to meet the demands of the aging population.