Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of Home-Living Elderly Individuals Using Visiting Nursing Services

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to elucidate the factors affecting the quality of life(QOL) of home-living elderly individuals who use visiting nursing services. The subjects were homecare recipients aged 65 years who had no cognitive impairment and were able to engage in conversation. The researcher conducted an interview survey by visiting a total of 108 subjects at their home. Interview contents included attributes, medical treatment, QOL, conflict, and depression, and data were analyzed using the t -test, path analysis, and other methods. Analysis results showed that the QOL of elderly individuals was significantly lower among those receiving medical treatment (home oxygen therapy, bedsores, etc.) than those not receiving treatment)t (90)=2.15, p <.05). Path analysis showed that the direct factors affecting the QOL of home-living elderly individuals who use visiting nursing services were conflict and depression, and that the indirect factors were age, medical treatment, falls, activities of daily living(ADL), instrumental ADL, selfefficacy, interactions with friends, and interactions with family.