Exploratory analysis of heaith-related quality of life among the empty -nest elderly in rural China:An empirical study in three economically developed cities in eastern China——ying liang

 

 

Background: Along with rapid economic development, the aging process in China is gradually accelerating. The living conditions of empty-nest rural elderly are worrisome. As a more vulnerable group, empty-nest elderly are facing more urgent health problems. This study explores the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of empty-nest elderly in rural China and aims to arouse more social concern for their HRQOL.

 

Methods: Research subjects were empty-nest rural elderly from three cities: Nanjing, Suzhou, and Wenzhou

(ages≥60, n= 967). This study used the five-dimensional European quality of health scale (EQ-5D) and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) to measure the HRQOL of the respondents. Spearman correlation coefficient,stereotype logistic regression, ordered probit regression and multinomial logistic regression, and Structural equation model (SEM) methods are employed to study the relationship.

 

Keywords: Rural China, Empty-nest elderly, HRQOL, EQ-5D, SF-12