Quality of Life Among Older Adults With Frailty: A Structural Equation Modeling

Abstract

Purpose: Frailty is a complex age-related clinical condition among older adults. Quality of life (QOL) among older adults with frailty is an important topic of interest. The current cross-sectional study aimed to develop a structural equation model to identify factors affecting QOL. Method: A total of 180 older adults with frailty were recruited from general units in two hospitals in Fuzhou, China. Data were collected using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Geriatric Depression Scale-15, and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data. Results: The final model exhibited a good fit. Poor sleep quality was associated with depression, passive coping style, and poor QOL. Depression was also associated with poor QOL. Passive coping style was associated with better QOL. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that sleep quality has direct and indirect effects on QOL of older adults with frailty through depression and passive coping style. Recommendations are that care providers pay attention to biological and physiological variables, symptom status, and functional status of older adults with frailty. This study also provides a theoretical basis for developing interventions that may lead to improvements in QOL among older adults with frailty. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62 (5), 49–55.]