Yea-Ing L. Shyu
School of Nursing, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
Title: Mild cognitive impairment in combination with comorbid diabetes mellitus and hypertension is negatively associated with health-related quality of life among older persons in Taiwan
Biography
Biography: Yea-Ing L. Shyu
Abstract
Quality of life has become an important health outcome for the elderly, particularly in terms of chronic illness. However, few studies have examined the associations of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with comorbid diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN) and/or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the elderly. Our study explored associations of comorbid DM, HTN and/or MCI with HRQoL in older persons (≥65 years old) in Taiwan. Methods. Participants (N=5,174) were categorized into eight chronic-illness groups: DM only (n=237); HTN only (n=1,284); MCI only (n=497); DM and HTN (n=392); HTN and MCI (n=303); DM and MCI (n=58); DM, HTN and MCI (n=101); and none (healthy; n=1,915). Odds ratios for HRQoL (measured by EQ-5D scores) of these eight groups were assessed by multinomial logistic regression. Index scores were calculated from EQ-5D scores using Japan’s general population preference weights. Results. For the five EQ-5D dimensions, each chronic-illness group reported the highest percentage of problems in pain/discomfort and the lowest in self-care. Compared to the healthy group, MCI alone or with other comorbidities was significantly, negatively associated with HRQoL, particularly for EQ-5D dimensions of self-care, usual activities and mobility. Participants with comorbid DM, HTN and MCI exhibited the lowest HRQoL, suggesting that the negative association of these chronic illnesses with overall HRQoL was additive. Similar trends were observed for index scores. Conclusions. Having MCI was negatively associated with older Taiwanese adults’ HRQoL. Thus, when managing older persons with chronic illnesses, assessing cognitive function is important to identify high-risk groups needing assistance in HRQoL.