A Comparative Study Of Quality Of Life Of Elderly Women Living In Rural And Urban Areas Of Kamrup, Assam

Abstract

Background: Aging is an experience that is unique to each individual due to their unique personalities, social support networks, and
cultural backgrounds. The quality of life (QOL) of older women is significantly influenced by their prior lifestyle, culture, education,
health care beliefs, familial strengths, and community integration.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the quality of life and depression of older women living in rural
and urban Kamrup districts using the WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire and the Geriatric Depression Scale.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of elderly women over the age of 60 was done. After obtaining written consent and matching for
age, gender, and socioeconomic position, 60 elderly residents of rural areas and 60 elderly residents of urban areas were randomly
selected. The WHOQOL-OLD standard questionnaire and the GDS were used to assess the elderly's quality of life and depression.
Result: The elderly's QOL in the categories of autonomy, past, present, and future activities, social participation, and intimacy were
significantly higher in a family setting (60.62, 70.62, 66.14, and 58.43, respectively) than in a rural setting (51.35, 62.91, 59.47, and
41.16, respectively) (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups' mean geriatric depression ratings
(3.96 within urban and 5.76 in rural elderly women).
Conclusion: Quality of life of elderly women in urban areas was better as compared to elderlywomen inrural areas.