Health-Related Perceptions of Older Adults/Patients with Degenerative Lumbar Diseases (ODLs) are associated with their Quality of Life: a Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to elucidate the quality of life of older adults/patients with degenerative lumbar diseases (ODLs) and analyse its association with some of their health-related perceptions. Materials and Methods This mixed-methods study consisted of a questionnaire survey and an in-depth interview, which was designed within this study. ODLs were recruited from January 12, 2017 to June 27, 2018. The independent sample t-test and grounded theory coding method were employed for data analysis. Results Of the 125 participants who returned valid questionnaires, 18 were included in the in-depth interviews. ODLs’ quality of life was associated with the following health-related perceptions: “life barriers”, “subjective health status”, and “treatment outcomes” across the domains of physiology, psychology, social relations, and environment. Conclusion Our findings indicate that ODLs’ quality of life is associated with their health-related perceptions. Thus, to improve older adults’ quality of life, more attention should be paid to enhancing non-medical factors such as their health-related perceptions.