QUALITY OF LIFE AND PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG ELDERLY PEOPLE RESIDING IN RAWALPINDI DISTRICT: A MIXED METHOD STUDY

Abstract

Background: Pakistan is a rapidly aging country, Research on the relationship between quality of life and perceived social support among the elderly is crucial for understanding their well-being. This study assessed the quality of life and perceived social support of elderly individuals in families and old age homes, examined their association with sociodemographic factors, and explore their perceptions of these aspects.

Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 80 senior citizens meeting the inclusion criteria utilized the WHO Quality of Life (OLD), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.  In-depth interviews with 14 participants provided qualitative insights. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, and Thematic Analysis was employed for qualitative data. An independent sample t-test and Pearson’s correlation analysis were used to determine associations.

Results: Elderly individuals living with family showed (64.63±20.069) significantly stronger personal relationships and intimacy (p = 0.00002) compared to those in oldage homes (37.08±27.851). Social interaction (p = 0.013) and past, present, and future activities (p = 0.001) facets differed significantly, with no significant differences in sensory abilities, autonomy, or death-related aspects. Significant differences in perceived social support were found across domains, including family (p < 0.001), friends (p < 0.001), and significant others (p < 0.001), between elderly individuals living with family and those living in old age homes. The total transformed score for quality of life (p = 0.003) and perceived social support (p < 0.001) were also significantly higher among elderly living with families. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between education (p < 0.01), marital status (p < 0.01), living arrangements (p < 0.01), household income (p < 0.01), perceived social support (p < 0.01), and quality of life (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study found significant differences in WHOQOL-OLD scores between elderly living with families and those in old age homes. Living arrangements significantly influence the perceived social support of the elderly, with education and financial dependency scores positively correlated with quality of life and social support, and negatively correlated with living arrangements.