Vision-related quality of life and its related factors among older adults

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to determine the vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) status and its related factors among older adults in Yazd city, Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 with the participation of 250 elderly people ≥ 60 years of age covered by comprehensive health centers in Yazd city in central Iran, who were selected by multi-stage random sampling. The data collection tool included demographic information and the National Eye Institute-Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) which was completed by interview. Data analysis was done using independent T-tests, one-way analysis of variance and hierarchical regression analysis using SPSS software. Results The most common visual impairment (VI) in the participants were hyperopia (38.2%), cataract (35.5%) and myopia (31.3%), respectively. Their average VRQoL score was 85.37 ± 15.24 from the range of 0 to 100. In univariate analysis, VRQoL score was significantly related to age, marital status, use of glasses, suffering from some diseases and VI (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, diabetes (β = -0.15), hypertension (β = -0.20) and VI (β = -0.62) remained as significant predictors of VRQoL in the regression model. Conclusion The level of VRQoL in the studied elderly is favorable, and in the meantime, the dimensions of social functioning, driving and color vision are at the highest level, and the dimensions of general health and general vision are unfavorable and should be given special attention. VRQoL is influenced by various factors, of which diabetes, high blood pressure and VI were identified as the most important predictors.