J Agric Med Community Health.  2018 Sep;43(3):180-190. 10.5393/JAMCH.2018.43.3.180.

Factors Affecting on the Quality of Life of the Elderly with Mild Dementia Living in Some Rural Community in Korea

• Kim MK
• Kim H

• KMID: 2436363
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5393/JAMCH.2018.43.3.180

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influencing factor of the quality of life of the elderly with mild dementia in rural community.
METHODS
A total of 123 elderly who were managed by public health center participated. They were diagnosed as mild dementia by MMSE-DS and CDR. Data were collected during the period from May to September in 2017 by a structured questionnaire that included general characteristics, depression, dependence, comorbidity, sleep scale. Data were analyzed by t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis.
RESULTS
The quality of life was correlated significantly with depression. Depression was the factor affecting the quality of life of the elderly with mild dementia in rural community. Depression accounted for 54.0% as a variable of quality of life.
CONCLUSION
This study was meaningful in that it directly measured the quality of life of the elderly with mild dementia is known to be difficult to measure and found meaningful results. it is necessary to identify the cause of depression and establish a linkage system between public health centers and health related organizations in the community. We suggest the need for individualized preventive intervention program and integrated psychological health service considering depression.

Keyword

Rural community; Mild dementia; Quality of life

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Comorbidity
Dementia*
Depression
Health Services
Humans
Korea*
Public Health
Quality of Life*
Rural Population*