Influence of culture, residential segregation and socioeconomic development on rural elderly health related quality of life in Guangxi, China
BackgroundThis study aimed to assess ethnic differences in health related quality of life (HRQoL) among the rural elderly, and to examine the influence of ethnic culture, residential segregation and socioeconomic development on HRQoL.MethodsA total of 6,511 rural elderly aged 60 years and older from 5,541 households in 116 villages across eight ethnic groups in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region were selected and assessed for HRQoL. The EQ 5D index values were calculated based on the Chinese Time Trade Off values set. The EQ 5D descriptive system scores, visual analogue scale scores, and index values were described by ethnic group. The EQ 5D index was modeled against ethnic culture, residential segregation and socioeconomic development using villages as random effects.ResultsThe median (IQR) of HRQoL among all the ethnic groups was 0.88 (0.80, 0.96) Pain/discomfort was the most prevalent problem, followed by anxiety/depression. After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, a significant difference in HRQoL among ethnic groups persisted, but this was not true for residential segregation.ConclusionSocial welfare and health policies designed to improve the health of the rural elderly should focus more on older, female, less educated, Yao minority individuals as well as lower income households.
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes