Year: 2025 | Month: October-December | Volume: 10 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 50-57
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20250406
Quality of Life Among Elderly Residing in Selected Old Age Homes in Palakkad District, Kerala: A Cross-Sectional Study
Maya Mohan K M1, Prof Dr Rajee Reghunath2
1Research Scholar, 2Principal,
Amala College of Nursing, Kerala University of health Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
Corresponding Author: Maya Mohan K M
ABSTRACT
Background: Kerala has one of the highest proportions of elderly in India, with many residing in old age homes. Understanding their quality of life (QOL) is vital for designing nursing interventions.
Objective: To assess the QOL of elderly residing in selected old age homes in Palakkad District Kerala and identify associated sociodemographic and health-related factors.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 elderly (≥60 years) residing in registered old age homes in Palakkad district, Kerala. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through structured interviews using a sociodemographic proforma and the WHOQOL-BREF (Malayalam version). Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regression were applied.
Results: The mean age of participants was 71.2 ± 7 years; 55% were female and 50% widowed. Most had primary education (35%) and occasional family contact (45%). Mean WHOQOL-BREF scores were: Physical 55.2, Psychological 47.0, Social 42.1, and Environmental 60.7. Social domain was the lowest-rated, while environmental was the highest. Regression analysis showed no significant predictors, though male gender was associated with slightly lower QOL
Conclusion: Elderly in old age homes experience compromised QOL, particularly in psychological and social domains. Nursing interventions focusing on emotional support, social engagement, and family involvement are recommended.
Keywords: Elderly, Quality of life, old age homes, Kerala, WHOQOL-BREF