CASP-19 AND THE HEALTH AND SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES OF OLDER ADULTS PARTICIPATING IN FIBRA 80+

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Assessing quality of life in older adults is relevant due to the significant increase in this population. Based on Maslow’s need hierarchy model, CASP-19 is a broad measure of quality of life that focuses on positive aspects of older adults’ lives, regardless of health conditions or other factors. OBJECTIVE: To compare sociodemographic and health variables with quality of life according to CASP-19 scores. METHODOLOGY: Using data from the Frailty in Brazilian Older People (FIBRA 80+) follow-up study, this study included 233 adults aged ≥ 80 years who resided near the University of Campinas (Campinas, SP, Brazil). Sociodemographic variables (gender, age, and perceived social support), health variables (perceived health status and depressive symptoms) and quality of life were evaluated. RESULTS: The participants were predominantly women (69.09%) with a mean age of 83.46 ± 3.7 years. A total of 77.25% rated their health as fair or good, and 79% showed no signs of depression. The mean CASP-19 score was 41.8 ± 2.62 points, which corresponds to better well-being (total scores range from 0 to 57). Among the instrument’s domains, autonomy and pleasure obtained the highest mean scores (11.15 and 11.64 respectively). When comparing these variables with quality of life, social support (p = 0.001), depressive symptoms (p <0.001), and perceived health status (p <0.001) were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults who were satisfied with their social support, presented no depressive symptoms, and who rated their health as good or very good had higher overall quality of life scores.