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Comparison of health-related quality of life and associated psychological factors between younger and older patients with established rheumatic disorders
- Authors:
- GOULIA Panagiota, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 14(7), September 2010, pp.819-827.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The cross-sectional study involved 320 patients with various rheumatic disorders who were attending a follow-up clinic at the University Hospital of Ioannina. HRQOL (health-related quality of life) was assessed by the 26-item World Health Organisation Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF), and functional limitations, psychological distress, defence mechanisms, sense of coherence, and interpersonal difficulties were also assessed. The results showed that older patients presented more impaired physical HRQOL and social relationships HRQOL independent of disease type, education, and pain. Functional limitations were more prominent in the older group. Pain, functional limitations, and psychological distress were independently associated with physical HRQOL in both groups. Psychological distress was the only common independent correlate of social relationships HRQOL. Personality factors were significant correlates of physical and social relationships HRQOLs only in the younger group, while the impact of pain in physical HRQOL was greater for younger than older patients. The article concludes that older patients with rheumatic diseases experience more impaired HRQOL than the younger ones, and the management and prevention of functional limitations and psychological distress should be a priority.