Article

Purpose. To document health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and subjective
quality of life (SQOL) and explore their correlates in older adults seeking
services for visual impairment (VI). Method. A convenience sample of 64
participants (79.3 +/- 5.9 years) with VI was interviewed at home. HRQOL was
measured with the Visual Function Questionnaire-25 and SQOL with the Quality of
Life Index. The potential correlates were as follows: personal factors
(sociodemographic characteristics, co-morbidity, depressive symptoms, activity
level), environmental factors (technical aids, social support) and participation
in daily activities and social roles (level and satisfaction). Results. Compared
to normative data from previous studies of older adults, the participants had
lower HRQOL but similar SQOL. Greater level of participation in social roles,
higher perceived activity level, use of a writing aid and greater satisfaction
with participation in social roles together explained better HRQOL (R(2) = 0.66).
Fewer depressive symptoms, greater satisfaction with participation in social
roles and with social support and fewer co-morbidities together explained better
SQOL (R(2) = 0.70). Conclusions. HRQOL of older adults with VI is mainly
explained by level of participation correlates, while their SQOL is mainly
explained by depressive symptoms and satisfaction variables. The results also
underscore the importance of social roles for HRQOL and SQOL of this population.

Langue : ANGLAIS