Association of Obesity, Hypertension, and Diabetes with Health-Related Quality of Life in the Elderly

Abstract

Background: Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in the elderly is significantly impacted by chronic conditions like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Objectives: To assess the association of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes with HRQoL in elderly individuals and compare HRQoL scores across conditions. Method and Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Jalalabad Ragib Rabeya Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, from June 2022 to May 2023. It included 286 elderly individuals aged 60 years and above, diagnosed with obesity, hypertension, and/or diabetes. Data were collected through structured interviews and medical record reviews, assessing HRQoL using validated tools. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, applying descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and multivariable regression to identify HRQoL associations. Result: A total of 286 elderly participants were included, with a mean age of 68.4 ± 6.7 years. Obesity was present in 32.9%, hypertension in 58.7%, and diabetes in 41.6%. The overall mean HRQoL score was 61.5 ± 14.3. Participants with obesity had a mean HRQoL score of 57.8 ± 13.6, hypertensive participants had 59.3 ± 13.5, and diabetic participants had 58.9 ± 14.0. The HRQoL scores progressively declined with the presence of multiple conditions: none (68.5 ± 13.4), one (63.2 ± 13.9), two (58.6 ± 13.1), and three conditions (53.7 ± 12.9). Participants aged 70 or older had a lower HRQoL score of 57.9 ± 14.5 compared to those younger than 70 (64.8 ± 13.7). Males reported a higher HRQoL score (63.1 ± 14.0) compared to females (59.8 ± 14.4). Conclusion: Obesity, hypertension, and diabetes significantly impair HRQoL in the elderly, with combined conditions worsening overall well-being and health.