Health-related Quality of Life Factors among Frail Elders in the US

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This study used longitudinal data based on the 1989 and 1994 National Long term Care Survey (NLTCS) to examine factors associated with health-related quality of life indicators among frail elders living in the community in the US. The study introduced use of the revised health capital model, as a conceptual framework for predicting frail elder's health- related quality of life. Using step-wise linear regression and logistic regression, four groups of health capital factors were analyzed for their effects on seven current health-related quality of life outcome indicators. Findings indicated that better current health-related quality-of-life outcomes among community-dwelling frail elders were explained by greater previous health capital, a lower level of impairment, fewer helpers, more face- to-face contacts with relatives and/or friends per month, and having Medicaid and/or a private health plan. Having previous depressive symptoms (a covariate) and the number of helpers were the most powerful predictors respectively. Based on these findings, the implications for social policy and social work practice are discussed.