Predictors of health‐related quality of life in older New Zealanders with cardiovascular health problems

Abstract

Objective With longer life expectancies, cardiovascular diseases are increasingly common among older adults, which also leads to functional changes that severely impact their quality of life. This study aimed to identify the predictors of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) among older New Zealanders with cardiovascular health problems. Methods A cross‐sectional data analysis of the 2015/16 New Zealand Health Survey was performed. In total, 2203 older New Zealanders with cardiovascular health problems were identified and included in the final analyses. The association between demographics, physical activity, health measurements, and HRQOL was examined using a multiple linear regression model. Results Significant differences in HRQOL were identified between the demographics and cardiovascular risk factors. Predictors of higher HRQOL among older New Zealanders with cardiovascular conditions were increased physical activity (β = 0.218), age (β = −0.067), employed (β = 0.137), lower waist circumference (β = −0.261), male (β = 0.127), and being without a history of diabetes (β = −0.071). Conclusions Physical activity is the strongest predictor of HRQOL in older adults with cardiovascular problems. Older female New Zealanders with cardiovascular health problems have lower perceptions of their health status. These predictors should be considered while designing and developing intervention and health education that aims to improve the HRQOL of older adults.

Predicting physical activity and quality of life in coronary heart disease patients: An 18-month path analysis of motivational and emotional factors.

“…The last finding regards the significant direct association observed between physical activity behavior and HRQoL, both evaluated at final follow-up. This result is consistent with prior research that already showed a significant impact of being regularly physically active on patients’ cardiovascular health (Adorni et al, 2022; Arija et al, 2018; Hawkes et al, 2013; Montayre et al, 2022). Notably, the present study adds complexity to this association by estimating significant indirect effects of baseline HRQoL and cardiac self-efficacy evaluated 18 months before.…”

“…Particularly among patients with CVDs, significant relationships were evidenced between perceived HRQoL and the adoption of health behaviors. Prior studies revealed that adopting and maintaining adequate physical activity levels contributed to obtaining both short- and long-term positive effects (up to 3 years after the coronary event) on perceived cardiovascular health (Adorni et al, 2022; Arija et al, 2018; Montayre et al, 2022). Similarly, findings from another longitudinal research revealed that more frequent sedentary behaviors predicted lower levels of both physical and mental HRQoL over 6 months (Hawkes et al, 2013).…”