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Relationship of quality of life to dispositional optimism, health locus of control and self-efficacy in older subjects living in different environments

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Abstract

Purpose

To describe the relationship of dispositional optimism, health locus of control and self-efficacy to quality of life (QOL) in older subjects differing in level of disability and institutionalisation.

Methods

The study was conducted in the three groups of subjects aged ≥ 65: 110 relatively healthy community-dwelling elderly, 102 independent elders who voluntarily decided to live in veteran home and 112 inhabitants of a long-term care home. Life orientation test—revised (LOT-R), multidimensional health locus of control (MHLC) and generalised self-efficacy scale (GSES) together with a multidimensional assessment were performed with each subject. QOL was assessed using the Euroqol 5D questionnaire, the Nottingham health profile and the satisfaction with life scale (SWLS).

Results

QOL generally decreased with growing level of dependence and institutionalisation. LOT-R, MHLC and GSES were important and independent correlates of QOL in all three environments of older subjects. The relationship of education, smoking habit, physical activity, strength and mobility measures to psychological characteristics was different in the three groups of elders. LOT-R, MHLC Powerful Others, MHLC Chance and GSES were the most important QOL correlates in veteran home group, while MHLC Internal was most significant in long-term care home inhabitants.

Conclusions

Data of this cross-sectional study suggests that the veteran home elderly, as a group ‘in transition’ between community and institution, should be the first target of psychological preventive and health-promoting measures aimed at improving QOL in older population.

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Abbreviations

PA:

Physical activity

MMSE:

Mini-mental state examination

GDS:

Geriatric depression scale

ADL:

Activities of daily living

IADL:

Instrumental activities of daily living

LOT-R:

Life orientation test—revised

MHLC:

Multidimensional health locus of control

GSES:

Generalised self-efficacy scale

QOL:

Quality of life

NHP:

Nottingham health profile

SWLS:

Satisfaction with life scale

VAS:

Visual analogue scale

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

OR:

Odds ratios

CI:

Confidence intervals

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geriatrics, Medical University of Lodz, Pl. Hallera 1, 90-647, Lodz, Poland

    Tomasz Kostka & Violetta Jachimowicz

  2. The President Stanisław Wojciechowski Higher Vocational State School of Kalisz, Kalisz, Poland

    Violetta Jachimowicz

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  1. Tomasz Kostka
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Correspondence to Tomasz Kostka.

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Kostka, T., Jachimowicz, V. Relationship of quality of life to dispositional optimism, health locus of control and self-efficacy in older subjects living in different environments. Qual Life Res 19, 351–361 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-010-9601-0

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