Search resultsHealth-related behavior and quality of life among the elderly: A population-based study
Title
Health-related behavior and quality of life among the elderly: A population-based study
Publication type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2011
Authors
Journal
Revista de Saude Publica
Volume
45
Issue
3
Pagination
485 - 493
Date published
2011
ISBN
00348910 (ISSN)
Keywords
Aged, Aged, 80 and over, article, attitude to health, Attitudes, Brazil, Chronic Disease, Cross-Sectional Studies, cross-sectional study, Female, Health Behavior, Health Knowledge, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, health survey, Health Surveys, human, Humans, Life Style, lifestyle, male, Middle Aged, Motor Activity, physiology, Practice, quality of life, questionnaire, Questionnaires, Socioeconomic Factors, socioeconomics
Abstract
Objective: To assess the asociation between health-related behaviors and quality of life among the elderly. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out including 1,958 elderly living in four areas in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, 2001/2002. Quality of life was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36-Item Short Form Health Survey instrument. This instrument's eight subscales and two components were the dependent variables. Independent variables were physical activity, weekly frequency of alcohol consumption and smoking. Multiple linear regression models were used to control for the effect of gender, age, schooling, work, area of residence and number of chronic conditions. Results: Physical activity was positively associated with the eight SF-36 subscales. The stronger associations were found for role-physical (β=11.9), physical functioning (β=11.3) and physical component. Elderly individuals who consumed alcohol at least once a week showed a better quality of life than those did not consume alcohol. Compared to non-smokers, smokers had a poorer quality of life for the mental component (β=-2.4). Conclusions: The study results showed that physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption and no smoking are positively associated with a better quality of life in the elderly.