Factors influencing integrated wellbeing in older Chinese outpatients with chronic diseases

Abstract

To evaluate wellbeing and its determinants among older Chinese outpatients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), outpatients (aged ≥60 years) with NCDs between September 2012 and September 2014 were enrolled in the study by convenience sampling. Each subject completed an integrated wellbeing questionnaire for subjective, psychological and social dimensions of wellbeing. Statistical analyses were performed using t-test, ANOVA, Spearman rank correlation and multivariate regression analysis to identify correlates of wellbeing status. The average integrated wellbeing score was 52.57 out of 98, with maximum of 72. Educational background and monthly income were positively associated with wellbeing (Spearman r=0.226 and 0.394 respectively; all P<0.001). The number of co-morbid conditions and the disease duration showed a negative correlation with wellbeing (Spearman r=–0.373 and –0.538 respectively; all P<0.001). Lack of access to health insurance, being single and presence of complications were associated with lower wellbeing (all P≤0.001). As the first study using an integrated wellbeing model, the results suggested wellbeing promotion among older outpatients with chronic diseases, especially those with lower income, lower education level, those who lack health insurance, single individuals, those with co-morbid conditions, longer disease duration and those with complications.