The ageing population is more predisposed to chronic
diseases and functional disabilities with an increased level of dependence.The delivery of adequate health care services to the
ageing population requires enquires into their quality of life. This
cross-sectional study therefore investigated the relationship between some
selected risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and the quality of life
of aging adults. Using a convenient sampling technique, one hundred and forty
six (146) adults of ages 50 years and above from varying locations within the
Metropolis of Enugu State, Nigeria were recruited. The parameters obtained were
participants’ blood pressure, height, body weight, waist circumference and
blood sugar level. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the WHO-QOL BREF and physical activity level was assessed
with the IPAQ. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics of frequency
and percentage while the statistical measures of relationship (Pearson’s moment
correlation and spearman rho correlation) were used to calculate the
relationship between obtained data.The result revealed a
positive relationship between waist circumference (obesity indicator) and the
environment domain of quality of life measure (r = 0.227, p = 0.006).
Surprisingly, no relationship was found between obesity indicators (waist
circumference and BMI) and physical/psychological health status. The result
also found a positive relationship between physical activity levels and quality
of life; a weak negative relationship between casual blood sugar levels and the
social relationship domains of quality of life and a weak negative relationship
was also observed between age and physical activity and psychological health.
Therefore, reduced physical activity level influences a poor quality of life.
We recommend physical activity participation among the older population, as
well as detailed similar studies for higher degree of certainty.
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