Sociodemographic factors and health conditions as determinants of quality of life in elderly quilombolas

Abstract

The aim of this study was to verify the impact of socioeconomic determinants and health conditions on the quality of life of elderly quilombola people. This is a cross-sectional exploratory study with a quantitative approach, carried out in four quilombola communities in the region of Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, with 62 elderly people. The instrument consisted of a sociodemographic questionnaire, health conditions, functionality (Barthel Index, Lawton Scale, Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), Prisma 7 and Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Initially, in the crude analysis, the association between non-frailty and positive perception of quality of life was statistically significant (PR=0.55; 95% CI=0.28-0.92; p=0.02). After adjustments, the relationship lost significance (PR=0.80; p=0.34), which suggests that other factors may interfere in this process. Regarding depressive symptoms, the research indicated that individuals without depressive symptoms had a lower prevalence of negative perception of quality of life, which was statistically significant in the crude analysis (PR=0.44; 95% CI=0.24-0.78; p<0.01). After adjustment for confounding variables, this relationship was softened, but still remained relevant (RP=0.54; p=0.08). These results indicate that frailty and depressive symptoms are important determinants for the perception of quality of life.