Health-related quality of life of middle-aged and elderly people with hypertension: A cross-sectional survey from a rural area in China

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of middle-aged and elderly people with hypertension in Enshi, China, and to explore the important correlates defining HRQoL. METHODS: From April through July 2018, a self-monitoring intervention program for hypertension control was implemented in a remote area of central China. Participants completed a cross-sectional survey which included demographic characteristics, the Health-related Quality of Life Survey, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Survey. Univariate analysis was performed by analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of HRQoL in middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients. In the multivariate analysis, the variables with P≤0.05 in the single factor analysis were combined with the professional significance to establish a multiple linear regression model. RESULTS: Information from 500 participants was available for analysis. Among them, the scores of PCS and MCS was 31.66 ± 9.50 and 41.38 ± 10.69, respectively. Multivariable regression analyses showed that higher education and sleep quality, and moderate physical activity (30 minutes for at least five days a week) had a positive influence on PCS scores. Higher monthly family income (3,000–5,000 ¥) and sleep quality, regular tea-drinking, having 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days a week were positively associated with MCS scores. CONCLUSION: The overall HRQoL for rural middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients in Xuan’en county of Hubei province was poor. Effective relevant measures for the above factors were urgently needed to improve the quality of life for the elderly in rural areas. Awareness of these relevant factors could help health care professionals provide better supportive care.