Correlates of Quality of Life of Older Adults with Dementia, Alexandria, Egypt
Objective(s): To determine factors associated with quality of life (QoL) of older adults with dementia in Alexandria, Egypt. Methods: A total of 102 dementia patient-caregiver participated in a cross-sectional study at the psychogeriatric outpatient clinic in Almaamora Psychiatric Hospital in Ale...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Alexandria University
2016-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of High Institute of Public Health |
| Subjects: |
| Summary: | Objective(s): To determine factors associated with quality of life (QoL) of older adults with
dementia in Alexandria, Egypt.
Methods: A total of 102 dementia patient-caregiver participated in a cross-sectional study at the
psychogeriatric outpatient clinic in Almaamora Psychiatric Hospital in Alexandria (2013).
Community dwelling older adults (≥ 60 years), and having scores of 10-20 on the Mini Mental State
Examination (MMSE), were recruited. They were assessed using Quality of Life-Alzheimer’s
Disease (QoL-AD)-combined report, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression, and
Katz Index for Activities of Daily Living (ADL).
Results: The higher scores on the QoL-AD correlated significantly with younger ages of patients (r =
–0.270, p < 0.001) and caregivers (r = –0.254, p = 0.01), higher scores on the MMSE (r = 0.208,
p = 0.03) and ADL (r = 0.551, p < 0.001), and lower PHQ-9 scores (r = –0.506, p < 0.001). Better
QoL associated significantly with adequate monthly income (p = 0.04), AD type of dementia (p =
0.002), absence of co-morbid physical diseases (p < 0.001), and caregivers not living with the patient
in same residence (p = 0.02). Regression analysis revealed only two predictors of QoL namely the
person's level of independence in ADL, and lower depressive symptoms (B = 0.644, B = –0.303,
respectively, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: QoL of patients with moderate dementia was significantly predicted by the severity of
depressive symptoms and level of functional dependence. Dementia care plans should include
regular screening and early management of depression, as well as patient and caregiver psychoeducation to increase patients' functional independency. |
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| ISSN: | 2357-0601 2357-061X |