Evaluation of Health Status of Elderly in Qom City, 2011, Iran

Health is an important component of active old age, and an old age without disabilities, and along with physical and mental health and active participation in social activities can be known as successful old age. Economic, social, and psychological components as well as cultural factors, such as positive social relationships affect health status. This study aimed to determine the health status of elderly in Qom city. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 300 elderly were selected by systematic-cluster sampling from Qom city in 2011. The study tool was health related quality of life questionnaire for the elderly. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, and multiple linear stepwise regression tests. Significance level of tests was considered less than 0. 05. Mean and standard deviation of the total score of health-related quality of life of elderly was 0. 83±0. 12. Sleep (0. 76) and vitality (0. 75) domains had the lowest mean score, and domains of speaking (0. 94) and mental status (0. 93) had the highest mean score. Also, health-related quality of life had a significant correlation with age, marital status, education, economic statu,، source of income,، occupation of men, and chronic disease (p<0. 05), but had no significant correlation with gender and occupation of women (p>0. 05). The results of this study showed that due to poor mental health compared to the physical condition in elderly, their mental health should be evaluated along with their physical health, and also factors related to health status, such as personal characteristics, sources of support, and leisure time activities.