Mental Health, Quality of Life and Their Related Factors among Elderly People in Zanjan Health Centers, 2017

Attention to the mental health status of the elderly and their quality of life (QOL) is essential and an important factor in economic progress. The purpose of this study was to determine the mental health status, QOL, and their related factors in the elderly referred to health centers in Zanjan, Iran in 2017.

This cross-sectional study was performed on 228 elderly people referred to Zanjan health centers. Information was collected using two standardized questionnaires, including GHQ-28 and SF-36. The samples were selected using a random cluster sampling method and through considering the socioeconomic status of urban areas. Data was analyzed by independent t-test, ANOVA, Mann–Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Of 228 participants, 61.8% were female and 38.2% were male. The mean age of the participants was 68.03±5.89. The mean and standard deviation of total mental health was 56.93±10.27 (a lower score indicates a better status) and the mean and standard deviation of total QOL score was 58.60±15.62. There was a significant relationship between mental health and sex (P=0.002), education (P=0.01), occupation (P<0.0001), and income (P= 0.006). Moreover, a significant association was observed between the QOL and variables such as age (P=0.001), education (P=0.006), occupation (P=0.001), type of residence (P=0.02), and income (P=0.002). In addition, there was a significant correlation between all domains of QOL and mental health (P<0.001). 

The results indicated that both mental health status and QOL in this elderly population were in moderate level. Therefore, providing educational and counselling services and comprehensive support from various support systems in the community is recommended.