Mental health is the most important factor influencing quality of life in elderly left behind when families migrate out of rural China

Abstract

Objectives to investigate the quality of life and the associated factors on left behind elderly in rural China. Method the research was conducted cluster sampling to select 456 elderly left behind when family members migrated out of rural China to participate in a cross-sectional study by completing a general data questionnaire and Quality of Life questionnaire. Results 91.5% of the elderly requested psychological counseling and education. For the elderly, scores for mental health (39.56±13.73) were significantly lower compared with Chinese standard data (61.6±13.7) (P<0.001). Age, chronic disease type, gender, residence pattern and economic support from children were the main psychological factors influencing this population. Conclusion mental health is the most important factor influencing quality of life of elderly left behind when family members migrated out of rural China. Our study suggested a need to widely establish a general practitioner team for psychological intervention for improving rural elderly people's Quality of Life level, especially in the psychological domain.

Socioeconomic and Health Conditions Associated With Quality of Life of Elderly Quilombolas

“…These findings are similar to a study developed in rural China, in which mental health was the factor that most compromised the QoL of the elderly studied. 27 Based on a study about depression in quilombas communities, the authors suggest investments in infrastructure, sanitation, education and access to health services, as well as training health professionals to screen for depression cases in this population, which can contribute to improve the living conditions, as well as the identification and early treatment of several health problems like depression. 28 In view of the elderly population, the identification of depression cases in this social segment is fundamental in clinical practice, considering that it can contribute to the development of appropriate interventions and the prevention of possible diseaserelated risk factors.…”

A study on correlation between depression, fear of fall and quality of life in elderly individuals

“…Consistent with previous studies, all WHOQOL-BREF domains, with the exception of the social domain were negatively correlated with depression. 11 The mean scores of the participants with depression in all four WHOQOL-BREF domains were lower One previous study that examined associations between depression and QOL among Chinese elderly in Hong Kong, reported that scores on all four WHOQOL-BREF domains were significantly associated with depression. 11 Tinetti and Powell described a multifaceted clinical intervention for an elderly man exhibiting avoidance of activity due to a fear of falling after several hospitalizations.…”

“…11 The mean scores of the participants with depression in all four WHOQOL-BREF domains were lower One previous study that examined associations between depression and QOL among Chinese elderly in Hong Kong, reported that scores on all four WHOQOL-BREF domains were significantly associated with depression. 11 Tinetti and Powell described a multifaceted clinical intervention for an elderly man exhibiting avoidance of activity due to a fear of falling after several hospitalizations. 20 This subject returned to his prior level of activity after a prescribed program focused on mobility training, reduction of fall risk, and graded increases in activity level 21.…”

Depression in left‐behind elderly in rural China: Prevalence and associated factors

“…In the countryside, older Chinese adults receive low‐quality medical services, have lower educational status and are financially dependent . A previous study on left‐behind elderly in rural China has shown that mental health is the most important factor influencing quality of life . Because of a lack of care, the left‐behind elderly population has become a significant social problem in China.…”