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Quality of life of older people in an urban slum of I ndia
Author(s) -
Ghosh Somenath,
Bandyopadhyay Sanjib,
Bhattacharya Saikat,
Misra Raghunath,
Das Saibal
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
psychogeriatrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.647
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 1479-8301
pISSN - 1346-3500
DOI - 10.1111/psyg.12073
Subject(s) - quality of life (healthcare) , slum , caste , gerontology , family income , demography , medicine , population , personal income , psychology , environmental health , sociology , economics , economic growth , linguistics , philosophy , nursing
Objectives The aim of this study was to examine different domains of quality of life ( QOL ) and their relationship to sociodemographic characteristics among older people in an urban slum in I ndia. Materials and Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted ( n = 120). Selected individuals were interviewed, and their QOL was assessed by the W orld H ealth O rganization Q uality of L ife‐ BREF questionnaire. Statistical analysis was then performed. Results Of those included in the study population, 61.7% were men, all were Hindus, 46.7% were members of the general caste, 19.2% were illiterate, 35% were unemployed, and 72.5% lived with their joint family (i.e. extended family). Mean scores in each domain studied did not significantly differ between the sexes, age groups, castes, and family types. Subjects with more education, who were married, and with greater income had significantly better QOL scores. Mean scores were also better in certain domains among persons who had their own income and who resided with their children. Conclusion Having low education, being single, lacking personal income, and not living with their children significantly reduced QOL in the elderly subjects. Attention should be given to these factors to help elderly individuals age in a healthy manner.