Naslov
Self-Perception of the Quality of Life of the Elderly

Autori
Prlić, Nada ; Plužarić, Jadranka ; Đeri, Katica

Izvornik
Obzornik zdravstvene nege (1318-2951) 42 (2008), 1; 3-11

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
quality of life; health; the elderly; Osijek;

Sažetak
Introduction: The subjective evaluation of the quality of life of the elderly is a significant indicator of their functional abilities and health care needs. According to the United Nations classification, the Croatian population is a »very old population« and, as a result of a 15.63 % share of 65-yearolds belongs in the fourth category. According to the 2001 census, 14.75 % of Osijek’s inhabitants are over 65. The aim of this study was to determine the quality of life of elderly Osijek inhabitants regarding their physical and mental health. Methods: The research included 100 subjects: members of a 60+ club in Osijek (n = 50) and Osijek citizens (n = 50) as a control group. The research instrument was a questionnaire containing questions about social and demographic data, and SF-36-v2TM, containing 36 closed-ended questions, plus a question: »How satisfied are you with your life in general?« The research was carried out in July 2007. Results and discussion: The average value of physical health among members of the 60+ club was 67 % scale maximum, and in the control group, 55.13 % scale maximum. The average value of mental health among members of the 60+ club was 60 % scale maximum, and in the control group, 59.69 % scale maximum. The Mann Whitney test showed significant differences between the two groups concerning physical health (physical activity p < 0.001) and mental health (vitality p < 0.001). The Spearman test showed a positive correlation between age and activity range limits due to physical health and emotional problems (p = 0.561, p = 0.001) and negative correlations between age, physical activity and bodily pain (p = –0.439, p < 0.001) in members of the 60+ club. In the control group there is correlation between age and almost all areas of health. It is highest between age and activity range limits due to physical health and activity range limits due to emotional problems (p = 0.874, p < 0.001). Correlations between age and physical activity, and age and bodily pain, were negative (p = –0.716, p < 0.001).

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA