Quality of life, loneliness and health-related characteristics among older people in Liaoning province, China: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to examine the relations among quality of life (QOL), loneliness and health-related characteristics in a sample of Chinese older people.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.

SETTING: Communities in Dandong city, Liaoning province, China.

PARTICIPANTS: Sample of 732 older people aged 60 and older who were living in Dandong, Liaoning province, China.

METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to the participants face-to-face. The questionnaire contained four sections: demographic characteristics, health-related characteristics, the EQ-5D Scale and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. The t-test, F-test and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to individually test associations between the demographic data, health-related characteristics, loneliness and QOL.

RESULTS: Chronic diseases, loneliness, age and smoking status were negatively associated with QOL (p<0.05). Satisfaction with health services, income and physical activity were positively associated with QOL (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Loneliness, chronic diseases and health service satisfaction were important factors related to low QOL among older people in China. The findings indicate that reducing loneliness, managing chronic diseases and improving the health service may help to improve the QOL for older people.